How to close a Chase account

You can close a Chase checking or savings account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through your Chase account. 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 and confirm your account is closed the same day. If you prefer to close it in person, visit any Chase branch with a photo ID and ask to speak with an account representative.

Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have money in the account, Chase will either send you a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify. If your account is overdrawn (you owe Chase money), you must pay the negative balance before closing. Chase will not close an account with an outstanding balance.

After you request closure, the account typically closes within 5 to 7 business days. During that time, any pending transactions may still post. Once closed, you will not be able to use the debit card, write checks, or access the account online.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to close your account over the phone, or visit a branch in person with your photo ID.
  • Your account balance must be zero before closure; if you have money in the account, Chase will send it to you or transfer it elsewhere.
  • If your account is overdrawn, you must pay the negative balance before Chase will close the account.
  • Closure takes 5 to 7 business days after you request it, and pending transactions may still post during that time.
  • After closure, your debit card will stop working and you will lose online access to the account.

What to do before you close

Stop using your debit card and checks at least a few days before you close the account. Any transactions you make after requesting closure may still process and could cause problems if the account is already closed. If you have automatic bill payments or direct deposits set up, update those with your new bank account information before you close.

Check your account for any pending transactions. Log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app and look at your recent activity. If you see transactions that haven't posted yet, wait for them to clear before closing, or contact Chase to dispute them first if they are fraudulent.

If you have a Chase credit card linked to this checking or savings account, closing the bank account will not close the credit card. The credit card remains open and active unless you close it separately.

Closing your account by phone

Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. Have your account number and photo ID ready. The representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or other personal information. Tell them you want to close your account.

The representative will ask what you want to do with any remaining balance. You can ask them to mail you a check, transfer the funds to another bank account, or move the money to a different Chase account you own. Provide the routing and account number if you are transferring to another bank.

Ask the representative to confirm the closure date and send you written confirmation via email or mail. Write down the confirmation number they give you. The account will close within 5 to 7 business days.

Closing your account in person at a branch

Bring your photo ID and visit any Chase branch during business hours. Ask to speak with an account representative or a teller and tell them you want to close your account. They will verify your identity and ask what you want to do with your balance.

If you have cash or a check in the account, the branch can give you the money in cash or issue you a cashier's check on the spot. If you want the funds transferred to another bank, provide your routing and account number. The representative will give you a receipt confirming the closure request.

In-person closure is often faster than phone closure because the branch can process it immediately. However, the account may still take a few business days to fully close in Chase's system.

Closing your account online

Log into your Chase account on the website or mobile app. Go to your account settings or profile menu and look for an option to close your account. Chase's online closure tool walks you through the steps and asks you to confirm your identity.

You will need to specify what to do with any remaining balance. Online closure typically takes longer than phone or in-person closure because Chase processes it in batches. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the account to fully close after you submit the request online.

After you submit the closure request online, you will receive a confirmation email. Save this email as proof that you requested closure. If the account does not close within 10 business days, call customer service to follow up.

What happens to overdraft fees and negative balances

If your account is overdrawn when you request closure, Chase will not close the account until you pay the negative balance. You can pay it by transferring money from another account, depositing cash or a check at a branch, or paying over the phone with a debit card or bank account.

Overdraft fees stop accruing once you bring your balance to zero. However, if you owe Chase money and do not pay it before closing, Chase may send your account to collections or report it to ChexSystems, a banking history database that other banks use to decide whether to open accounts for you.

If you are closing because of overdraft fees you believe were unfair, you can ask Chase to reverse some of them. Call customer service and explain your situation. Chase may reverse one or two fees as a courtesy, though they are not required to do so.

After your account is closed

Your debit card will stop working immediately or within a few days of closure. If you still have the card, you can destroy it or return it to a Chase branch. Do not throw it in the trash; shred it or cut it up to protect your account number.

You will no longer be able to log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app. If you need records of transactions from the closed account, download or print your statements before closure. Once the account is closed, you may not be able to access old statements through your online account.

If you receive mail from Chase about the account after closure, it may be a confirmation letter or a notice about unclaimed funds. Keep these letters for your records. If you receive bills or collection notices, contact Chase immediately to clarify that the account was closed and any balance was paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Chase account I just closed?

Yes, you can reopen a closed Chase account within a certain timeframe, usually 30 to 90 days. Contact Chase customer service or visit a branch and ask if your account can be reopened. After that window closes, you will need to open a new account instead. Reopening is faster than opening a new account because Chase already has your information on file.

What if I have pending checks or automatic payments after I close?

Checks and automatic payments that post after your account is closed will be rejected and marked as non-sufficient funds (NSF). The merchant or person who sent the check will be notified that the account is closed. Update all automatic payments and notify anyone who sends you checks before you close the account.

Do I need to close my Chase credit card when I close my bank account?

No. Closing your Chase checking or savings account does not close any Chase credit cards you have. If you want to close a credit card, you must do that separately by calling the credit card customer service line or requesting closure through your credit card account online.

Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit score?

Closing a bank account does not directly affect your credit score because bank accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if your account goes to collections due to an unpaid negative balance, that can damage your credit. Pay any outstanding balance before closure to avoid this.

What if Chase won't close my account?

Chase must close your account if you request it and your balance is zero. If a representative refuses or says they cannot close it, ask to speak with a supervisor. If the issue persists, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB investigates complaints against banks and can pressure Chase to resolve the issue.