You can close a Chase checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have an outstanding balance
The fastest way 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, check for pending transactions, and process the closure on the spot. If you have a balance, Chase will either send you a check or transfer the funds to another account you provide. The whole call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
You can also walk into any Chase branch with your ID and ask to close the account in person. A banker will pull up your account, confirm there are no holds or pending items, and close it immediately. If you prefer not to call or visit a branch, some account types allow you to initiate closure through the Chase mobile app or website, though you may still need to call to complete it.
Before you close, make sure all automatic payments and direct deposits linked to the account have been moved or cancelled. Chase will not close an account with pending transactions, and if you close it while bills are still scheduled to draft, those payments will fail and may trigger overdraft fees on another account.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-935-9935 to close your account by phone; Chase will verify your identity and process the closure in one call.
- Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits before closing, or they will fail and may create fees.
- If you have a balance, Chase will send a check or transfer funds to another account within 5 to 10 business days.
- Closing an account does not affect your credit score, but it may appear on your banking history.
- You do not need to maintain a minimum balance or pay a fee to close a Chase checking account.
What happens to your money when you close
Any balance in your account remains yours. Chase will not keep it or donate it. When you close, you tell them where to send the money: they can mail a check to your address on file, or you can give them the routing and account number of another bank account and they will transfer it electronically.
Electronic transfer is faster—usually 1 to 3 business days. A mailed check takes 5 to 10 business days depending on postal service. If you do not provide instructions, Chase will mail a check by default. Keep the check or transfer confirmation for your records.
If your account is overdrawn (you owe Chase money), they will not close it until the negative balance is paid. You can pay online, by phone, or in person before closing, or Chase can deduct the amount owed from a linked account if you authorize it.
Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits
This is the step most people skip and regret. Any bill set to draft from your Chase account after closure will be rejected. The merchant may charge you a returned-payment fee, and if you have overdraft protection on another account, the failed payment might overdraft that one instead.
Log into your Chase account online or through the app and look for "Transfers & Payments" or "Bill Pay." List every automatic payment scheduled to come out of this account. For each one, either cancel it or change the account number to your new bank. Do the same for any paycheck or government benefit set to direct deposit into this account.
If you are unsure whether a payment is scheduled, call the merchant directly and ask them to confirm the account number on file. It takes five minutes per bill and saves you from overdraft fees and late-payment marks on your credit report.
Closing in person versus by phone
In-person closure is useful if you want to hand over cash or a check to deposit into a new account at the same time, or if you have questions the banker can answer face-to-face. Bring your ID and any debit cards linked to the account. The banker will deactivate the cards immediately so you cannot use them after closure.
Phone closure is faster if you do not have a branch nearby or do not want to make a trip. You will need your account number and Social Security number to verify your identity. Chase may ask security questions based on your account history. The representative will confirm your mailing address for the check or take your new bank details for a transfer.
Online closure through the Chase app or website is available for some account types, but it often requires you to call to complete the process. If you start online and get stuck, you will end up calling anyway, so calling first usually saves time.
What to do with your debit card after closing
Once Chase closes your account, your debit card will stop working immediately. You do not have to return it—Chase will deactivate it on their end. If you want to destroy it, cut it in half or shred it to be safe. Do not just throw it in the trash.
If you have a new bank account already open, request a new debit card from that bank before you close Chase. That way you will have a working card the same day or within a few days of closure. If you do not have a new account yet, consider opening one first, then closing Chase once the new card arrives.
Reopening a closed Chase account
If you close your account and change your mind within a short window—usually 30 days—you may be able to reopen it. Call Chase and ask whether the account can be reinstated. They will check their system; if the account has not been fully processed for closure, they can sometimes turn it back on.
After 30 days, reopening becomes much harder. Chase may treat it as a new account, which means a new account number and a new application. If you closed because of a problem with the account or the bank, it is worth calling to ask, but do not count on it.
If you are thinking about closing because of fees or service issues, call Chase first and ask whether they can waive fees or move you to a different account type. Many people close unnecessarily when a simple phone call would have solved the problem.
How closing affects your banking record
Closing a Chase checking account does not hurt your credit score. Credit bureaus do not track checking accounts the way they track credit cards or loans. Your credit report will not show that you closed it.
However, Chase keeps an internal record of all accounts you have opened and closed with them. If you close an account and then try to open a new one at Chase later, they will see the closure history. This does not automatically disqualify you, but if you closed because of fraud, overdrafts, or repeated NSF fees, Chase may deny your application for a new account.
ChexSystems, a banking history database, may also record the closure if the account had negative activity like unpaid overdrafts or fraud disputes. Other banks can see this record when you apply for a new account. Paying any outstanding balance before closing helps keep your record clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to close the account in person?
No. You can close by phone, online, or in person. Phone is usually fastest. In person is useful if you want to deposit cash into a new account at the same time or need to ask questions. Online closure is available for some account types but often requires a follow-up call.
What if I have pending checks or transfers?
Chase will not close the account until pending transactions clear. If you have written checks that have not been deposited yet, wait for them to clear before closing. If you have transfers scheduled, cancel them or wait for them to complete. This usually takes 3 to 5 business days.
Can I close the account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay the negative balance first. You can pay online, by phone, in person, or authorize Chase to deduct it from a linked account. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can close.
Will Chase send me a 1099 or tax form when I close?
No. Closing a checking account does not generate a 1099. Chase only sends tax forms for interest earned or other taxable income. Closing the account itself is not a taxable event.
How long does it take to get my money after I close?
If Chase mails a check, allow 5 to 10 business days. If you provide another bank account for electronic transfer, the funds usually arrive in 1 to 3 business days. Ask the representative which method will be faster when you call to close.