How to close a Chase bank account

You can close a Chase bank account by phone, in person at a branch, or through the Chase mobile app. The fastest route is usually a phone call to Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935, where a representative can walk you through the process in about 10 minutes. If you prefer to do it in person, visit any Chase branch with a valid ID and ask to speak with an account representative. Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero—if you have money left, Chase will send you a check or transfer it to another account you specify.

The entire closure typically takes one business day if you handle it by phone or in branch. If you close online through the app, the request may take up to five business days to process. Either way, you should receive written confirmation by mail within two weeks, and any pending transactions will post before the account fully closes.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to close your account by phone, which usually takes about 10 minutes and is the fastest method.
  • You must have a zero balance before closing—if money remains, tell Chase where to send it or request a check.
  • Pending transactions will still post after you request closure, so wait for them to clear if you want to avoid overdraft fees.
  • Ask Chase to confirm the closure in writing and keep that confirmation until you see the account removed from your online banking.

What to do before you close your account

Stop using the account immediately once you decide to close it. Set up direct deposit and automatic payments to go to your new bank account instead. This usually takes one to two business days to take effect, so make the change at least a week before you plan to close the Chase account.

Check your account for any pending transactions—debit card charges, checks you wrote, or automatic bill payments that haven't posted yet. These will still go through even after you request closure, and if your balance drops below zero, you'll owe Chase an overdraft fee. Wait until all known transactions have cleared, then withdraw or transfer any remaining balance.

If you have a Chase credit card linked to this checking account, that card will not be affected by closing the checking account. Your credit card account remains open and separate.

Closing by phone

Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and tell them you want to close your account. Have your account number and a valid ID ready. The representative will ask why you're closing (you don't have to give a detailed reason), confirm your current balance, and ask where you want any remaining funds sent.

If your balance is positive, you can ask Chase to transfer the money to another bank account or mail you a check. Provide the routing and account number if you're transferring to another bank, or confirm your mailing address if you want a check. The representative will give you a confirmation number—write it down.

After the call, you should receive written confirmation in the mail within 7 to 14 days. If you don't receive it after two weeks, call back and reference your confirmation number.

Closing in person at a Chase branch

Bring a valid photo ID and your Chase debit card to any Chase branch. Tell a teller or account representative that you want to close your account. They will pull up your account, confirm your balance, and ask where remaining funds should go.

The representative can print a receipt showing the closure request on the spot. Ask them to also mail you written confirmation to the address on file. This in-person receipt is not the same as the official written confirmation—keep both.

If you have checks still in use from this account, bring them with you or destroy them after closure. Any checks deposited after the account closes will bounce, and the person who deposited them may charge you a returned check fee.

Closing through the Chase mobile app

Open the Chase mobile app and go to the account you want to close. Look for the account settings or menu option (usually three dots or lines in the top corner). Select "Close Account" or "Account Services" and follow the prompts.

The app will ask you to confirm your identity and may require you to enter a code sent to your phone. You'll need to have a zero balance to complete the request. If you have money in the account, transfer it to another Chase account or to an external bank account first.

Closure requests made through the app take up to five business days to process, which is longer than phone or in-person closure. You will receive email confirmation when the request is submitted and again when the account is fully closed.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your Chase debit card will stop working within one to two business days after you close the account. You don't have to do anything—the card will simply decline at checkout. If you want to destroy it immediately, you can cut it up or shred it.

Any checks you wrote from this account that haven't been deposited yet will bounce if they're deposited after the account closes. If you know of outstanding checks, wait until they clear before closing, or contact the people who have them and ask them to deposit sooner. Once the account is closed, the bank will not honor any new checks drawn on it.

If you have a Chase checkbook with unused checks, destroy them or write "Account Closed" across the front of each check so they can't be used by mistake.

Handling remaining balances and refunds

If your account has a positive balance when you close it, Chase will not keep the money. You must tell them where to send it. Your options are a check mailed to your address on file, or a transfer to another bank account (yours or someone else's).

If you choose a check, it usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Write down the check number and amount when you receive it, and deposit it right away. If the check is lost in the mail, call Chase with the check number and they can issue a replacement or transfer the funds electronically instead.

If you choose an electronic transfer to another bank, provide the routing number and account number. Chase will send the money within one to two business days. Confirm with your other bank that the deposit arrived.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Chase account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must pay the negative balance (the amount you owe) before Chase will close the account. You can do this by transferring money from another account, depositing cash at a branch, or mailing a check. Once the balance reaches zero, you can proceed with closure.

Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts don't appear on your credit report. However, if you have an overdraft or unpaid fees that Chase sends to collections, that can hurt your score. Pay any outstanding balance before closing.

What if I have automatic payments set up on this account?

Stop or redirect all automatic payments before you close the account. Log into each service (utilities, insurance, subscriptions) and change the payment method to your new bank account. Do this at least one week before closing to make sure the changes take effect.

Can I reopen a Chase account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new Chase account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to overdrafts or unpaid fees, Chase may require you to wait a certain period or pay the old debt first. Ask the representative when you close whether there are any restrictions on reopening.

How long does it take for my account to completely disappear from my online banking?

The account usually disappears from your Chase online banking within one to three business days after closure. You may still see it for a few days as "closed" before it's removed entirely. If it's still visible after a week, log out and back in, or call Chase to confirm the closure went through.