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 and tell them you want to close the account. They will verify your identity, confirm you have no pending transactions, and process the closure over the phone. The account typically closes within one to three business days after that call.

If you prefer to close the account in person, walk into any Chase branch with a government-issued ID and ask to speak with a banker. They will pull up your account, answer questions about outstanding checks or automatic payments, and submit the closure request on the spot. In-branch closures also take one to three business days to finalize.

You can also mail a written request to Chase, but this route is slower—mail can take five to seven business days to arrive, and processing adds another week. Unless you have a specific reason to use mail, phone or branch closure is more reliable.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-935-9935 or visit a Chase branch to close your account; phone and branch closures both take one to three business days.
  • Before closing, make sure all automatic payments and direct deposits are redirected to another account, or they will fail.
  • If you have outstanding checks that have not cleared, ask Chase how long to wait before closing—typically 30 days is safe.
  • Chase will send any remaining balance to you by check or transfer it to another account you provide during the closure process.
  • Keep your account number and the closure confirmation number for your records in case a payment bounces after closure.

Stop automatic payments and direct deposits before you close

Any automatic payment or direct deposit tied to your Chase account will fail once the account closes. Before you call or visit, log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app and review what is set up. Look for recurring bill payments, subscription charges, payroll deposits, or transfers to other accounts.

For each automatic payment, log into the biller's website (your utility company, insurance provider, loan servicer, or subscription service) and change the payment method to a different bank account or credit card. Do not rely on Chase to notify the biller—you have to make the change yourself. For direct deposit, contact your employer's payroll department and provide them with your new bank account details at least one pay cycle before you close the Chase account.

If you miss a payment because it bounced after closure, the biller may charge a late fee or report the missed payment to credit bureaus. Redirect everything at least one week before you close the account to give yourself a buffer.

Handle outstanding checks and pending transactions

If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, those checks will bounce after your account closes. Before closing, ask Chase how long they will hold the account open to clear outstanding checks—most banks keep accounts open for 30 days after closure for this reason. If you know which checks are still in the mail, you can ask the recipient to hold off on depositing them, or you can contact Chase to stop payment on specific check numbers.

Pending transactions—charges that show in your account but have not fully processed—can also cause problems. Wait until all pending transactions have posted (usually one to two business days) before you close. If a pending charge posts after closure, it may overdraft the account, and you could owe Chase an overdraft fee.

Ask the Chase banker or phone representative to confirm that no transactions are pending before they submit the closure request. This step takes two minutes and prevents headaches later.

Collect your final balance and account information

When you close the account, Chase will ask how you want to receive any remaining balance. You can have them mail you a check, or you can provide another bank account number and routing number for them to transfer the money electronically. Electronic transfer is faster—usually one to three business days—while a mailed check can take five to seven business days to arrive.

Before you close, write down your Chase account number, routing number, and any recent transaction history you might need later. Some billers or employers may ask for proof that your old account is closed, and having this information on hand makes that conversation easier. You can also take a screenshot of your account summary from the Chase app or website.

Ask for a closure confirmation number when the representative closes your account. Write this down and keep it with your records. If a payment bounces or a charge posts after closure, you will need this number to dispute it with Chase.

What happens to checks and payments after closure

Checks written on your closed Chase account will be returned unpaid by the bank that receives them. The recipient will see "account closed" on the returned check. If you wrote a check that has not cleared yet, contact the person or business you wrote it to and let them know your account is closing—offer to pay them another way or provide a new check from your new bank.

Automatic payments that process after closure will fail and bounce back to the biller. The biller may charge you a returned-payment fee (usually $25 to $35) in addition to any late fees. This is why redirecting automatic payments before closure is critical. If a payment does bounce, contact the biller immediately to make the payment from your new account and ask them to waive the returned-payment fee.

Chase will not reverse or refund overdraft fees that occur after closure if the overdraft was caused by a transaction that posted after the account was closed. This is another reason to wait until all pending transactions have cleared before you close.

Reopen your account if you close it by mistake

If you close your Chase checking account and then realize you need it, you may be able to reopen it within a short window. Call 1-800-935-9935 and explain that you closed the account recently and want to reopen it. Chase will reopen the account if you call within 24 hours of closure and the account has not yet been fully processed for closure. After 24 hours, reopening becomes much harder and may not be possible.

If Chase cannot reopen your account, you will have to open a new checking account. This takes about 10 minutes online or in a branch, but your new account will have a different account number and routing number. You will have to update automatic payments and direct deposits again with the new account details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Chase account online?

Chase does not offer account closure through their website or mobile app. You must call 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch in person. Phone closure is the fastest option if you cannot get to a branch.

Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you close the account before redirecting automatic payments and a bill goes unpaid, that missed payment can be reported to credit bureaus and hurt your score.

What if I have a negative balance when I close?

If your account is overdrawn, you must pay the negative balance before Chase will close the account. You can pay it over the phone with a debit card or bank transfer, or in person at a branch. Chase will not close an account with an outstanding balance owed to them.

How long does it take to receive my final balance check?

If Chase mails a check, it typically arrives within five to seven business days. If you provide another bank account for electronic transfer, the money usually posts within one to three business days. Ask which option is faster when you close the account.

Do I need to close my savings account too if I close my checking account?

No. Checking and savings accounts are separate. Closing your checking account does not affect your savings account. You can keep your Chase savings account open or close it separately if you choose.