You can close a Chase account online, by phone, or in person—the method depends on the account type and whether you have an outstanding balance
Chase lets you close most checking and savings accounts through their mobile app, website, or by calling customer service. If you have a credit card, you close it differently than a deposit account. Before you close anything, make sure you've paid off any balance, transferred money out, and stopped any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to that account. The process itself takes minutes, but the account may take a few business days to fully close.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're closing a checking account, savings account, or credit card. Chase also requires you to have a zero balance on deposit accounts before they'll close them. If you're closing because of a problem with the bank or an account fee, you may want to contact them first to see if they can fix it—but if you've decided to leave, the process is straightforward.
Key Takeaways
- Deposit accounts (checking and savings) must have a zero balance before Chase will close them, and you can initiate closure online, by app, or by phone.
- Credit cards can be closed at any time regardless of balance, but you'll still owe what you charged and will continue to receive statements until it's paid off.
- Stop all automatic payments, direct deposits, and recurring charges before you close the account to avoid failed transactions.
- After closure, keep your account number and final statements for tax records and to verify any remaining transactions.
Closing a Chase Checking or Savings Account Online or by App
Log into your Chase account on the website or mobile app and navigate to the account settings or account details section. Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Services"—the exact wording varies by app version. Select the account you want to close, and Chase will show you the current balance and any pending transactions. If the balance is zero, you can proceed; if not, you'll need to transfer or withdraw the remaining money first.
After you confirm the closure, Chase sends a confirmation email to the address on file. The account typically closes within one to three business days. You won't be able to use the debit card or make transfers from that account once the closure is processed. If you have checks still in circulation, they may bounce after the account closes, so contact anyone you've written checks to and let them know the account is closing.
Closing a Chase Account by Phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your Chase statement. Tell the representative you want to close the account and have your account number ready. They'll confirm your identity, check the balance, and walk you through the closure. If there's money in the account, they can arrange a transfer to another bank account or mail you a check.
Phone closure takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Ask the representative to email you a confirmation of the closure request. Keep that confirmation and your account number for your records. If you're closing because of a service issue, the representative may offer solutions before processing the closure—but you're not required to accept.
Closing a Chase Credit Card
Credit cards close differently than deposit accounts. You can close a Chase credit card by calling the number on the back of your card, logging into your online account and selecting the card, or visiting a Chase branch in person. Unlike deposit accounts, you don't need a zero balance to close a credit card. However, you'll still owe whatever balance remains, and Chase will continue to send you statements and charge interest until it's paid off.
When you close a credit card, the account status changes to "closed by customer" on your credit report. This can affect your credit score because it reduces your available credit and may raise your credit utilization ratio if you carry balances on other cards. If you're closing the card to stop using it but want to keep the account open, you can simply stop using it instead—Chase won't close it automatically just because you're not charging anything.
What to Do Before You Close Your Account
Before you initiate closure, transfer or withdraw all remaining money from the account. Set up direct deposit with your new bank if your paycheck goes to Chase. Contact any companies that charge you monthly (subscriptions, insurance, utilities) and update your payment method so they don't try to charge the closed account.
Review your recent statements for any pending transactions or scheduled transfers. If you have checks outstanding, wait until they clear or contact the recipients to let them know the account is closing. Download or print your last few statements for your records—Chase keeps statements available online for a limited time after closure, but it's safer to save them yourself. If you have a Chase debit card, you can continue to use it for a short time after closure for any pending transactions, but stop using it once the account is closed.
What Happens After Your Account Closes
Once Chase processes the closure, the account number becomes inactive and cannot be reused. Any attempt to deposit money or make a transfer to that account will fail. If someone tries to send you money to the closed account, the transfer will bounce back to them. You won't be charged a fee for closing the account, and Chase won't charge you after closure.
If you closed the account because of a negative balance or overdraft, Chase may still pursue collection on that debt even after the account is closed. If you had a negative balance when you closed, contact Chase to arrange payment before you close, or be prepared to receive a bill afterward. Keep your final statement and any closure confirmation for at least one year in case a question arises about the account later.
Reopening a Closed Chase Account
If you close an account and change your mind, you may be able to reopen it within a certain window—typically 30 to 90 days, though this varies. Contact Chase customer service and ask if the account can be reopened. If it can, they'll reactivate it with the same account number. After that window closes, the account cannot be reopened, and you'd have to open a new account instead.
Reopening is not the same as opening a new account. If you reopen within the allowed timeframe, you won't have to meet new account requirements or wait for the account to be fully activated. However, if you've already closed it and want to bank with Chase again after the window closes, you'll go through the full new account process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit score?
Closing a deposit account (checking or savings) does not affect your credit score because banks don't report deposit accounts to credit bureaus. Closing a credit card can lower your score temporarily because it reduces your available credit, but the impact usually fades within a few months as you build new credit history.
What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?
Chase won't close an account with a negative balance. You must pay the overdraft amount first. Contact Chase to arrange payment, or visit a branch with cash or a check. Once the balance is zero, you can proceed with closure.
Can I close my account if I still owe money on a credit card?
Yes, you can close a credit card with an outstanding balance. You'll still owe the money and will receive statements until it's paid off. Interest will continue to accrue on the balance. Closing the card doesn't erase the debt.
How long does it take for a Chase account to fully close?
Most Chase accounts close within one to three business days after you request closure. You'll receive a confirmation email once the process is complete. During that time, pending transactions may still post to the account.
What should I do with my Chase debit card after I close the account?
Cut up the card or destroy it so it can't be used. You can also contact Chase and ask them to deactivate it. The card will stop working once the account is closed, but physically destroying it is the safest option.