Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account
You can close a Chase checking account at any time without paying a closure fee. Chase does not impose penalties or charges for closing accounts, whether you close in person at a branch, by phone, or online. The only cost you might face is if your account has an outstanding balance or unpaid fees at the time of closure — Chase will deduct those from your final balance or pursue collection if the account is already empty.
The process itself is free. What matters is the timing and what you do with any remaining money in the account before you close it.
Key Takeaways
- Chase charges no fee to close a checking account, regardless of how long you have held it or how you close it.
- You must withdraw or transfer any remaining balance before closure, or Chase will mail you a check or hold the funds according to their procedures.
- If your account has unpaid overdraft fees or other charges, Chase will deduct those from your balance before returning the remainder to you.
- Closing an account does not affect your credit score, but closing multiple accounts in a short time may impact your credit history if you also have credit cards with Chase.
How to close your Chase checking account
You have three ways to close a Chase checking account: in person at a branch, by phone, or online through Chase's website or mobile app. In-person closure is the fastest and gives you immediate confirmation. You can walk into any Chase branch with your ID and ask to close the account. A banker will verify your identity, confirm your account details, and process the closure on the spot.
By phone, call the number on the back of your debit card or on your Chase statements. A representative will verify your identity and walk you through the closure. This typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Online closure is available through your Chase account dashboard, though not all account types support it — if the option does not appear, you will need to use phone or branch closure.
Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or that you have arranged for the remaining funds. If money is still in the account when it closes, Chase will either mail you a check or hold the funds according to their account closure policy. This can take several business days to a few weeks.
What happens to your remaining balance
If you have money left in the account when you close it, Chase will not simply keep it. The bank is required by law to return your funds. The method depends on your account status and Chase's procedures at the time of closure.
The most common outcome is that Chase mails you a check to the address on file. This check is drawn on a Chase account and can be deposited at any bank. The check typically arrives within 7 to 14 business days after closure, though it can take longer if your address is outdated or if mail is delayed.
If your account has unpaid fees — overdraft charges, monthly maintenance fees, or other service charges — Chase will deduct those from your remaining balance before returning the rest to you. For example, if you have $500 in the account and $35 in unpaid overdraft fees, you will receive a check for $465.
Unpaid fees and negative balances
If your account is overdrawn or has unpaid fees at the time of closure, Chase will attempt to collect the debt. If the account has a negative balance (you owe Chase money), the bank may pursue collection through mail, phone, or a third-party collector. This does not happen immediately — Chase typically sends notices first.
Unpaid overdraft fees can remain on your record and may prevent you from opening a new Chase account for a period of time. Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history database, to track accounts closed with negative balances or unpaid fees. Other banks also check ChexSystems when you try to open a new account.
If you have unpaid fees, it is better to settle them before closing the account. Call Chase or visit a branch to ask about your current balance and any outstanding charges. Paying these before closure avoids collection action and keeps your banking record clear.
Impact on your credit and banking history
Closing a Chase checking account does not directly affect your credit score. Checking accounts do not appear on your credit report — only credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit do. Closing a checking account is a normal banking action and carries no credit penalty.
However, if you also have a Chase credit card or loan, closing your checking account does not affect those accounts. They remain open and active unless you close them separately. The only time account closure might indirectly touch your credit is if you close multiple credit products (cards, loans) at the same time, which can lower your available credit and temporarily impact your score.
Your closure will appear in ChexSystems, the banking database that other banks check when you apply for new accounts. If your account closed with a negative balance or unpaid fees, this record can make it harder to open accounts at other banks for up to five years. If your account closed normally with a zero balance, it has no negative impact on future applications.
Timing and what to do before you close
Before you close your account, take these steps in order: First, transfer or withdraw your remaining balance. Second, make sure all automatic payments and direct deposits are redirected to your new account or canceled. Third, check that no pending transactions are still processing. Fourth, settle any unpaid fees or overdraft charges.
Automatic payments tied to your old account number will fail once the account closes. If you have bills set to pay from this account, update them with your new bank account information before closure. Direct deposits will also bounce back to the sender if they arrive after the account is closed, which can delay paychecks or other regular deposits.
Give yourself at least one week after redirecting all payments before you close the account. This buffer catches any transactions you may have forgotten about. Once the account is closed, it cannot be reopened — you will have to open a new account if you want to bank with Chase again.
Reopening a closed Chase account
If you close a Chase checking account and later want to return to Chase, you will have to open a new account. Chase does not reopen closed accounts. The new account will have a new account number and routing number, so you will need to update any automatic payments or direct deposits again.
If your previous account closed with unpaid fees or a negative balance, Chase may deny your application for a new account. The denial is based on your ChexSystems record. You can dispute inaccurate information in ChexSystems or wait for the record to age — most negative marks fall off after five years.
If you were denied, contact Chase directly to ask whether you can open an account. Some branches have discretion to override ChexSystems denials, especially if the negative balance was small or if you have since resolved the debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Chase checking account online?
You can close some Chase checking accounts online through the mobile app or website, but not all account types support online closure. If you do not see a closure option in your account settings, call the number on your debit card or visit a branch. Phone and in-person closure always work.
What if I have a pending direct deposit or automatic payment when I close?
Pending transactions that have not yet posted will fail after the account closes. Direct deposits will bounce back to your employer or benefit provider. Automatic bill payments will be rejected. Update all recurring payments and deposits to your new account before you close, and wait at least a week to make sure nothing is still in transit.
Will closing my Chase checking account affect my credit score?
No. Checking accounts do not appear on your credit report, so closing one has no impact on your credit score. Only credit products like credit cards and loans affect your credit. If you also have a Chase credit card, closing your checking account does not touch it.
What happens if my account has a negative balance when I close it?
Chase will pursue collection of the debt. The bank may send notices, call you, or refer the account to a collector. The negative balance will appear in ChexSystems and can prevent you from opening new bank accounts for up to five years. Pay any outstanding fees before closing to avoid this.
How long does it take to receive my remaining balance after I close?
If Chase mails a check, it typically arrives within 7 to 14 business days, though it can take longer depending on mail delivery and whether your address is current. If you close in person and withdraw cash, you have your money immediately. Ask the banker which method will be used when you close.