Call Chase or visit a branch to close your account

The fastest way to close a Chase checking or savings account is to call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 (for checking) or 1-800-955-9060 (for savings), or to walk into any Chase branch with your ID. You do not need to do anything online. Chase will ask you how you want to handle any remaining balance—they can send you a check, transfer it to another bank account, or move it to a different Chase account you own. The account closes immediately after the balance is handled.

If you close in person at a branch, bring your debit card and a government-issued ID. The banker will verify your account, confirm your balance, and process the closure on the spot. If you call, have your account number ready and be prepared to answer security questions. Either way, the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

You can also close the account through Chase's mobile app or website if you have online banking set up, though this option is less common and may not be available for all account types. If you run into trouble or the app does not show a closure option, phone or branch closure is more reliable.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-935-9935 for checking accounts or 1-800-955-9060 for savings accounts, or visit any Chase branch with your ID to close your account immediately.
  • Chase will ask how you want your remaining balance handled: check by mail, transfer to another bank, or move to a different Chase account.
  • Settle any outstanding checks, automatic payments, or pending transactions before you close, or they may bounce or be rejected.
  • Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it for your records in case disputes arise later.

What to do with your remaining balance

Before you close, decide where your money goes. If you have a balance in the account, Chase will not close it until you tell them what to do with those funds. You have three main options: Chase can mail you a check within 5 to 7 business days, transfer the money to another bank account you provide, or move it to a different Chase account in your name.

The transfer to another bank is usually the fastest if you have the routing number and account number of the receiving bank ready. Chase can process this while you are on the phone or at the branch. A mailed check takes longer but requires no additional account information. Moving money to another Chase account you own happens instantly.

If your account has a zero balance, Chase can close it without any transfer. But if you have even a few dollars sitting there, you must direct where it goes before the closure is final.

Stop automatic payments and pending transactions first

Before you call or visit, review your account for any automatic payments, recurring charges, or scheduled transfers tied to that account. If you close the account while these are still active, the payments will fail and bounce, which can trigger overdraft fees at the receiving end and late-payment penalties from the company you owe money to.

Log into your Chase account online or through the app and look for any standing instructions—subscriptions, bill payments, payroll deposits, or transfers you set up. Cancel or redirect each one to a different account at least a few days before you close. This includes automatic transfers to savings, monthly subscription charges, insurance payments, and utility bills.

Also check for any pending transactions that have not yet cleared. These can take several days to post, and if the account is closed before they settle, they will bounce. If you see pending charges, wait until they clear before you close, or contact the merchant to cancel them first.

Confirm the closure in writing

After Chase closes your account, ask for written confirmation. If you closed in person, the banker should print a receipt showing the account number, closure date, and how your balance was handled. If you closed by phone, ask the representative to email or mail you a confirmation letter, or note the date, time, and representative's name so you have a record of the call.

Keep this confirmation for at least one year. If a check bounces, a payment fails, or someone tries to use the closed account number later, you will have proof that the account was officially closed and when. This protects you if there are disputes about transactions that occur after closure.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your Chase debit card will stop working immediately once the account is closed. You do not need to do anything special—it will simply be declined at any merchant or ATM. If you want to destroy the card for security reasons, you can cut it up or shred it, but this is optional since it is already inactive.

If you have checks linked to the account, they will also stop working. Any checks you wrote but have not yet been cashed will bounce if they are deposited after the account closes. If you have outstanding checks you know about, wait until they clear before closing, or contact the recipient and ask them to hold off on depositing. If you have blank checks still in your checkbook, destroy them or write "account closed" across them so they cannot be used by mistake.

Closing a joint account

If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders must consent to the closure. Chase will not close a joint account if only one owner calls or visits. Both of you need to be present at the branch, or you both need to call and authorize the closure separately. If one account holder refuses to close the account, you cannot force the closure through Chase—you would need to pursue other legal remedies.

When a joint account closes, the remaining balance is typically split equally between the two owners unless you specify otherwise. Discuss with the other account holder beforehand how you want the money divided so there are no surprises when Chase asks how to handle the balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Chase account I just closed?

Yes, you can open a new Chase account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, Chase may flag your account history and deny the new application. If you closed for other reasons, opening a new account is straightforward and takes about 10 minutes online or at a branch.

What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?

Chase will not close an account with a negative balance until you pay it off. You can deposit money to cover the overdraft, or Chase can deduct the amount from another account you own. Once the balance is zero or positive, the closure can proceed.

Do I need to close both my checking and savings accounts, or can I close just one?

You can close either account independently. Closing your checking account does not close your savings account, and vice versa. If you want to close both, you can do it in the same phone call or branch visit, but they are treated as separate closures.

How long does it take for a check from my closed account to arrive?

Chase typically mails a check within 5 to 7 business days of closure. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service, so allow an additional 3 to 5 business days for the check to arrive. If you need the money faster, ask Chase to transfer it to another bank account instead.

Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because these are not credit accounts. However, if you had a negative balance that went to collections, that collection account could appear on your credit report and lower your score. Closing the account itself has no impact on credit.