You cannot close a Chase account entirely online, but you can start the process through the app or website
Chase does not offer a complete account closure through its digital channels. You can transfer money out and stop using the account online, but closing it officially requires a phone call to Chase customer service or a visit to a branch. The fastest route is calling the number on the back of your debit card or the customer service line for your account type — they will walk you through what needs to happen before the account closes, confirm your identity, and process the closure on the call itself.
The reason for this requirement is straightforward: Chase needs to verify you are the account holder, confirm there are no pending transactions, and ensure you understand what happens to direct deposits, automatic payments, and any remaining balance. A phone call takes 10 to 15 minutes and avoids the back-and-forth of mail or multiple visits.
Key Takeaways
- Call Chase customer service at the number on your card or statement to close your account — this is the only way to complete the closure.
- Before calling, transfer or withdraw all money from the account and cancel or redirect any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to it.
- Chase will send you written confirmation of the closure by mail within one to two weeks.
- If you have a negative balance or outstanding fees, Chase may hold the account open until those are resolved.
- Closing an account does not remove it from your credit history, but it may affect your credit score temporarily if it was a credit card.
What to do before you call Chase
Empty the account completely. Withdraw or transfer all remaining funds to another bank account you control. Chase will not close an account with money in it — they will either keep it open or return the balance to you by check, which takes weeks.
Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits. Log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app and review your settings. Look for any recurring bill payments, subscription charges, or payroll deposits tied to this account. Redirect payroll to your new bank account through your employer's system. For bills and subscriptions, update the payment method in each service's settings or call the company to change the account number.
Check for pending transactions. Give yourself at least three to five business days after your last expected payment clears before calling to close. If a check you wrote is still floating, it may bounce after the account closes, and you will be responsible for overdraft fees.
Gather your account number and identification. Have your Chase account number, Social Security number, and a government-issued ID ready when you call. This speeds up the identity verification process.
How to call Chase and close the account
Find the correct phone number. The fastest number is on the back of your debit card or in your monthly statement. For checking accounts, it is typically the general customer service line. For savings accounts or money market accounts, there may be a dedicated line. If you cannot find it, go to chase.com and look for "Contact Us" — Chase lists different numbers for different account types.
Call during business hours. Chase customer service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are shorter early in the morning or mid-week.
Tell the representative you want to close the account. When you reach someone, say clearly: "I want to close my account." They will ask why (optional to answer), verify your identity, and confirm the account has a zero balance. If there is money in it, they will ask what you want to do with it. If there are pending transactions, they may ask you to wait a few more days.
Confirm the closure details. The representative will tell you when the account will close — usually immediately or within one to three business days. Ask them to email or mail you a confirmation number. Write down the date and confirmation number yourself.
What happens after you close the account
Chase will send written confirmation by mail. This letter arrives within one to two weeks and includes the closure date and your final balance (if any). Keep this letter for your records.
Any remaining balance will be mailed to you as a check. If there was money in the account that you did not transfer out, Chase will send a check to the address on file. This takes one to three weeks. If you moved and the address is outdated, the check may be returned to Chase. Call them back with your new address if this happens.
The account will appear as "closed" on your credit report. For checking and savings accounts, this does not hurt your credit score. For credit cards, closing the account may lower your score slightly because it reduces your total available credit, but the effect fades over time.
Checks and debit cards tied to the account will stop working. If you have checks printed for this account, destroy them. Any debit card linked to it will be deactivated within a few days.
What to do if you cannot reach Chase or the account will not close
Visit a Chase branch in person. If you prefer not to call or have trouble reaching someone, walk into any Chase branch with your ID and account number. A banker can process the closure on the spot. Bring proof that the account is empty — a recent statement or screenshot showing a zero balance.
If Chase says the account cannot close because of a negative balance or outstanding fees, ask what the exact amount is and when it is due. Pay it immediately through another account or with a debit card, then call back to close. Do not ignore this — Chase may eventually close the account on their own, but you will still owe the fees, and they may send it to collections.
If you believe there is an error or Chase is refusing to close without a valid reason, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB investigates complaints against banks and can force Chase to respond within 15 business days.
Closing a Chase credit card instead of a checking account
Closing a credit card follows the same process — call the number on the back of your card — but the timing matters more for your credit. Pay off the full balance before you call. Do not close the card immediately after paying it off; wait one or two billing cycles so the zero balance reports to the credit bureaus. Then call to close.
Closing a credit card removes that line of credit from your available credit total, which can lower your credit score by 5 to 10 points temporarily. The impact is smaller if you have other cards open. The closed card will stay on your credit report for seven to ten years, which is actually helpful — it shows a history of on-time payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Chase account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay the negative balance first. Call Chase, ask the exact amount owed, and pay it from another account or with a debit card. Once the balance is zero or positive, call back to close. If you do not pay, Chase may close the account themselves and send the debt to collections.
What happens to my direct deposit if I close the account before changing it?
Your next paycheck will be rejected and returned to your employer. Contact your employer's payroll department immediately and provide your new bank account number. Ask them to resubmit the rejected payment to the new account. This can take one to two pay periods to process.
Do I need to destroy my debit card before closing the account?
You do not have to, but it is a good idea. Cut it up or shred it so it cannot be used. The card will stop working a few days after the account closes anyway, but destroying it removes the risk of someone finding it and attempting to use it.
How long does it take for Chase to fully close my account?
The closure is usually processed immediately or within one to three business days after you call. You will receive written confirmation by mail within one to two weeks. Any remaining balance will be mailed as a check within one to three weeks.
Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit score?
For checking and savings accounts, no. For credit cards, closing may lower your score by a few points because it reduces your available credit, but the effect is temporary and fades within a few months. The closed account stays on your credit report for seven to ten years, which helps your score because it shows a positive payment history.