Call Chase or visit a branch to close your account

The fastest way to close a Chase checking account is to call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. Tell them you want to close the account, and they will walk you through it on the phone. You can also close the account in person at any Chase branch by bringing your ID and asking a teller to process the closure.

Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account. The process takes a few minutes on the phone or in the branch, though it may take several business days for the account to fully close in their system. Before you call or visit, make sure you have completed any pending transactions and moved your money out.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-935-9935 or visit a Chase branch in person to close your checking account; there is no fee.
  • Withdraw or transfer all your money before closing, because any remaining balance will be mailed to you as a check.
  • Stop any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account, or they will fail after closure.
  • Ask Chase for written confirmation of the closure, which protects you if the account is later used fraudulently.
  • If you have a negative balance or unpaid fees, Chase may hold the account open until the debt is settled.

Move your money before you close

Empty your checking account completely before you initiate closure. Transfer money to another bank account you control, or withdraw it as cash. If you leave money in the account when it closes, Chase will mail you a check for the remaining balance, which can take one to two weeks and requires you to deposit it elsewhere.

If you have a savings account or other products with Chase that you want to keep, closing the checking account will not affect them. Only the checking account closes; your other accounts remain open and active.

Cancel automatic payments and direct deposits

Before closing the account, log into your Chase online banking or call to review what is linked to the account. Look for automatic bill payments, subscription charges, and recurring transfers. Contact each company or service to update your payment method or cancel the subscription.

If you have direct deposit set up—such as a paycheck or government benefits—notify your employer or the paying agency with your new bank account number. Payments sent to the closed account will bounce and may delay your money. Some employers and government programs take one or two pay cycles to update, so plan ahead if you are closing the account soon.

What happens if you have a negative balance

If your account is overdrawn or you owe Chase fees, the bank may refuse to close the account until the debt is paid. Call Chase to ask about any outstanding balance, and pay it before you attempt closure. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closing.

If Chase has already charged you overdraft fees or monthly maintenance fees, those charges are separate from the account closure. Paying them is required to close the account, but you can dispute the fees by calling customer service if you believe they were applied in error.

Get written confirmation of closure

After you close the account on the phone or in the branch, ask Chase to send you written confirmation. This confirmation should include the account number, the closure date, and a statement that the account is closed. Keep this document for your records.

Written confirmation protects you if someone later tries to use the account number fraudulently or if Chase's system shows the account as still open. If you close in a branch, ask the teller to print a receipt showing the closure. If you close by phone, ask the representative to email or mail the confirmation to you.

Closing a joint account

If the checking account is joint—meaning another person is also an owner—both account holders must consent to close it. Call Chase together or have both owners present at the branch. Chase will not close a joint account if only one owner requests it.

If you and the other owner disagree about closing, you have limited options. You can remove yourself as an owner by requesting that Chase convert it to a single-owner account in the other person's name, but the other owner must agree. Otherwise, the account remains open.

What to do after closure

After your account closes, monitor your credit report and bank statements for the next few months to make sure no unauthorized charges appear. You can check your credit for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official government site.

If you closed the account because of fraud or unauthorized activity, contact the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and file a report. Keep the written closure confirmation and any documentation of fraudulent charges in case you need to dispute them later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Chase checking account after I close it?

Yes. You can open a new Chase checking account at any time by visiting a branch or applying online. There is no waiting period. However, if you closed the account due to fraud or a dispute with Chase, the bank may decline to reopen an account for you.

What if I forget to cancel a subscription before closing?

The charge will fail when it tries to process after the account closes. The company will likely send you a notice that the payment was declined. Contact them to update your payment method or cancel the subscription. You will not be charged for the failed attempt.

How long does it take for a Chase checking account to fully close?

The account closes immediately when you request it, but it may take three to five business days for Chase's system to fully process the closure. During this time, do not attempt to use the account. Any transactions sent to it after closure will be rejected.

Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it entirely by phone?

You can close your account entirely by phone. Calling 1-800-935-9935 is sufficient; you do not need to visit a branch. However, closing in person allows you to get a receipt immediately, which some people prefer for their records.

What if Chase says I have to keep the account open?

Chase cannot force you to keep an account open. If a representative says you cannot close it, ask to speak with a supervisor or visit a branch. If you still encounter resistance, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov.