You can close a Chase checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the fastest way is usually a phone call to Chase customer service
Chase does not require you to visit a branch or mail anything in. Call the number on the back of your debit card or go to a Chase branch and ask to close the account. You will need to move any remaining money out first — Chase will not close an account with a balance. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits tied to the account, you should redirect those before you close it, or they will fail.
The process takes a few minutes if you call, or about 15 minutes if you go in person. Chase will ask why you are closing the account, but you do not have to give a detailed reason. Once the account is closed, you cannot reopen it under the same account number.
Key Takeaways
- Move all money out of the account before closing — Chase will not close an account with a balance remaining.
- Stop or redirect any automatic payments, bill pay, or direct deposits at least a few days before you close the account.
- Call the number on your debit card, visit a branch, or use the Chase mobile app to request closure.
- Closing takes a few minutes by phone or 15 minutes in person, and the account will be closed within one to three business days.
- If you have a Chase credit card, closing your checking account does not affect it — they are separate accounts.
Stop automatic payments and direct deposits first
Before you close the account, log into Chase online or use the mobile app to see what is connected to it. Look for automatic bill payments, recurring transfers, and direct deposits from your employer or benefits. These will fail once the account closes, and failed payments can trigger late fees or missed deadlines.
For automatic bill payments, log into each biller's website (your utility company, insurance provider, loan servicer) and change the payment method or account number. For direct deposits, contact your employer's payroll department or the benefits office and give them your new account number if you have opened another account elsewhere. Do this at least three to five business days before you close the account to make sure the changes take effect.
If you have Chase Bill Pay set up, cancel any scheduled payments through the Chase app or website. Any pending payments will be cancelled when the account closes, so make sure you have paid what you owe through another method first.
How to close the account by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your Chase debit card. You will reach an automated system first; select the option for account services or account closure. You may be transferred to a representative.
Have your account number and Social Security number ready. The representative will confirm your identity, ask if there is a balance in the account (there should not be), and process the closure. They will give you a confirmation number — write it down. The account will close within one to three business days.
If you have overdraft protection linked to another account or a credit card, Chase may ask if you want to remove it. Say yes unless you need it for another account.
How to close the account in person at a branch
Visit any Chase branch with your debit card and a photo ID. Tell the teller you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, confirm the account has no balance, and process the closure on the spot. You will receive a written confirmation.
This method takes longer than a phone call because you have to travel to the branch, but some people prefer it because they can ask questions face-to-face and get immediate written proof. If you have checks left in your checkbook, bring them or ask the teller what to do with them — you should destroy unused checks so they cannot be cashed.
What happens to your debit card and checks
Your Chase debit card will stop working once the account closes. You do not need to do anything special with it — it will simply decline at checkout. If you want to destroy it for security, cut it up or shred it.
Any checks you have written but not yet cleared will still process if they are deposited before the account closes. After closure, checks will bounce. If you have written checks that have not cleared, contact the people or businesses you wrote them to and ask them to hold off depositing them, or provide a new payment method.
What to do if the account has a negative balance
If your account is overdrawn, you cannot close it until the negative balance is paid. Deposit money to bring the account to zero or positive, then request closure. Chase will not waive overdraft fees to let you close the account, so you will have to pay the full amount owed.
If you dispute an overdraft fee and Chase reverses it, the account balance will change. Wait for that reversal to post before you try to close the account again.
After the account closes
Once the account is closed, you will no longer see it in your Chase online banking or mobile app. If you need a record of transactions for tax purposes or a dispute, download or print your statements before you close the account. Chase will keep records for seven years, but accessing old statements after closure is more difficult.
If you have a Chase credit card, it will not be affected by closing your checking account — they are separate products. Your credit card will continue to work as long as you keep paying the bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Chase checking account after I close it?
Yes, but not under the same account number. You will have to open a new account, which means a new debit card and routing number. If you closed it due to a problem, ask Chase what changed before you reopen.
What if I have pending transactions when I close the account?
Pending transactions may still post after the account closes, and they will overdraw the account. Contact the merchant and ask them to cancel the charge, or deposit money to cover it before closure. Once the account is closed, you cannot deposit more money into it.
Do I need to close my account in the same state where I opened it?
No. You can close a Chase account by phone from anywhere, or visit any Chase branch nationwide. You do not need to return to the original branch.
Will closing my Chase checking account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit report or score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts.
What if I have a joint account?
Both account holders must agree to close a joint account. Contact Chase and ask if both owners need to be present or if one can authorize closure on behalf of both. Some branches require both signatures; others allow one owner to close it by phone if they can verify both owners' information.