How to close a Chase bank account
You can close a Chase bank account by calling Chase customer service, visiting a branch in person, or using the Chase mobile app or website. The fastest method is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or on your Chase statement. Before you close the account, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to it have been moved to another account, and that your account balance is zero or you have arranged to withdraw or transfer the remaining funds.
Chase does not charge a fee to close an account, and the process typically takes a few minutes by phone or same-day if you visit a branch. However, if you have a negative balance (overdraft), you will need to pay that amount before the account can be closed. If you close an account and later realize you need records or have a dispute, Chase will keep your account history for a set period, but accessing it becomes more difficult once the account is officially closed.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Chase debit card or statement to close your account by phone, which usually takes fewer than five minutes.
- Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits at least one week before closing, or redirect them to your new account first.
- Withdraw or transfer any remaining balance before you close, or ask Chase to send you a check for the balance.
- If your account is overdrawn, you must pay the negative balance before Chase will close the account.
- Keep a record of your account number and the date you closed the account in case you need to dispute a charge or retrieve records later.
Stop automatic payments and direct deposits first
Before you call Chase to close your account, identify every automatic payment and direct deposit connected to that account. Check your recent statements for recurring charges—subscriptions, insurance premiums, loan payments, utility bills, and gym memberships are common ones. Log into your Chase account online or through the app and look at the last two months of transactions to catch anything you might have forgotten.
For each automatic payment, log into the biller's website or call them directly and update your payment method to a different account or credit card. Do not rely on Chase to notify the biller when you close the account; the payment will simply fail, and you may be charged a late fee or have your service interrupted. For direct deposits like your paycheck, contact your employer's payroll department and provide your new account number and routing number. Allow at least one week for these changes to take effect before you close the Chase account.
Withdraw or transfer your remaining balance
Check your current balance in the Chase app or online, or call customer service to confirm the exact amount. If the balance is small, you can withdraw it in cash at any Chase branch or ATM. If the balance is larger or you want to move it to another bank, transfer the funds electronically to your new account using Chase's transfer tool or by providing your new bank's routing and account number.
If you prefer not to transfer the money yourself, you can ask Chase to mail you a check for the remaining balance after the account closes. This takes longer—usually five to ten business days—so only choose this option if you are not in a hurry. If your account has a negative balance (you owe Chase money), you must pay that amount before the account can be closed. Chase will not close an account with an overdraft.
Close the account by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your Chase debit card or on your most recent statement. Have your account number and a form of identification ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account and confirm that all automatic payments have been stopped and your balance is zero or has been transferred.
The representative will ask why you are closing the account—this is optional to answer, but some customers say it helps if they mention a specific reason like switching banks or consolidating accounts. The representative will confirm your contact information and may offer you options to keep the account open or switch to a different product. Once you confirm you want to close, the account will be closed immediately, though it may take one to two business days to fully process in Chase's system.
Close the account in person at a branch
If you prefer to close your account face-to-face, visit any Chase branch during business hours with a valid photo ID and your debit card. Tell the teller you want to close the account. They will verify your identity, confirm your balance, and process the closure on the spot. If you have cash in the account, they can give it to you immediately. If you want a check for the balance, they can issue one right then, though some branches may mail it instead.
Closing in person is useful if you have questions about the process or want to make sure everything is handled correctly. It also gives you a paper receipt or confirmation number for your records. However, it requires you to visit during branch hours, which may not be convenient if your nearest branch has limited hours or is far away.
Close the account through the Chase app or website
Some Chase account types allow you to close the account through the mobile app or website without calling or visiting a branch. Log into your Chase account, navigate to the account settings or profile section, and look for an option to close or deactivate the account. Not all account types support online closure—checking and savings accounts usually do, but some specialty accounts may require a phone call or branch visit.
If you see the option to close online, follow the prompts to confirm your identity and review any final balance or pending transactions. Chase will send you a confirmation email once the account is closed. If you do not see a close option in your app or online portal, you will need to call or visit a branch instead.
What happens after you close your account
Once your account is closed, you can no longer use your debit card, and any pending transactions may be declined. Chase will continue to hold your account records for a set period—usually five to seven years—but you will not be able to access them through your online account. If you need to retrieve old statements or dispute a charge after closure, you will need to call Chase customer service and request the information by account number and date.
If you closed the account because of fraud or unauthorized charges, report those to Chase before closing, not after. Once the account is closed, it is harder to dispute charges and recover funds. If you realize later that you need the account or made a mistake, you can open a new Chase account, but it will have a new account number and routing number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Chase account after I close it?
You can open a new Chase account at any time, but it will have a new account number and routing number. The old closed account cannot be reopened. If you closed the account recently and changed your mind, call Chase immediately to see if they can reverse the closure before it fully processes, which usually takes one to two business days.
What if I have pending transactions when I close my account?
Pending transactions may still post to your closed account for a few days after closure. If the transaction is legitimate, it will go through and you may see a negative balance. You will need to pay that balance to Chase. If the transaction is fraudulent or a duplicate, contact Chase to dispute it and request a refund.
Do I need to destroy my Chase debit card after closing?
Yes, cut up or shred your debit card so it cannot be used. Once the account is closed, the card will not work, but destroying it prevents anyone from finding it and attempting to use it. You can also ask Chase to deactivate the card when you close the account.
Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because these accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you have a Chase credit card or loan, closing those accounts or missing payments can lower your score. Closing a checking account only affects credit if it is tied to an overdraft or if you owe Chase money.
How long does it take for my account to fully close?
The closure is usually processed immediately when you call, visit a branch, or confirm it online, but it may take one to two business days for the account to fully disappear from Chase's system. During this time, any remaining pending transactions may still post. After two business days, the account is fully closed and you will no longer see it in your Chase account list.