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 it in person at a branch, by phone, or online. The only money that leaves your account is the balance you withdraw or transfer out.
That said, closing an account does not erase what Chase knows about you. If you have an outstanding balance, unpaid fees, or a history of overdrafts that went to collections, those records stay on file. Chase may also report the account closure to ChexSystems, a banking history database that other banks check when you apply for new accounts.
Key Takeaways
- Chase charges no fee to close a checking account, and you can do it by phone, in person, or online without penalty.
- You must withdraw or transfer your remaining balance before closing, or Chase will hold it and eventually send it to your state as unclaimed property.
- Closing an account does not remove negative history like overdrafts or unpaid fees from Chase's records or from ChexSystems.
- If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, you need to update those before closing or they will fail.
- Chase may place a hold on your account if you have an outstanding balance or unresolved dispute, preventing immediate closure.
What happens to your money when you close
Before you close, you need to move or withdraw whatever money is in the account. Chase will not close an account that still has a balance. You can transfer funds to another bank account, withdraw cash at a Chase branch or ATM, or request a check.
If you leave money in the account and do not respond to Chase's notices, the account will eventually be reported to your state's unclaimed property program. The money does not disappear—your state holds it—but retrieving it requires filing a claim with your state's treasurer or comptroller office, which can take weeks or months.
Automatic payments and direct deposits stop working
Any automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or paycheck direct deposits tied to that account will fail once it closes. Chase does not automatically redirect these to another account. You are responsible for updating them before you close.
Check your recent statements for recurring charges and any employers or benefits programs sending deposits. Update each one with your new account number or payment method. If you miss one, the payment will bounce, and you may face late fees or service interruptions from the company trying to charge you.
How to close your account
You have three main routes: visit a Chase branch in person, call Chase customer service, or use the Chase mobile app or website if your account is in good standing.
In person: Bring your ID and debit card to any Chase branch. Tell a teller you want to close the account. They will verify your identity, confirm your balance, and process the closure on the spot. You can withdraw the balance in cash or request a check.
By phone: Call the number on the back of your debit card or 1-800-935-9935. A representative will verify your identity, confirm there are no holds or disputes, and close the account. You will need to arrange how to receive your remaining balance—usually by check mailed to your address on file.
Online or app: Some Chase accounts can be closed through the mobile app or website, though this option is not available for all account types. Log in, look for account settings, and follow the prompts. You will still need to transfer or withdraw your balance first.
Holds and disputes that prevent closure
Chase may refuse to close your account immediately if there is an outstanding balance, unpaid fees, a pending dispute, or an unresolved overdraft sent to collections. In these cases, Chase will place a hold on the account until the issue is resolved.
If you owe Chase money, you must pay it before closing. If there is a dispute—for example, you reported a fraudulent charge—the account stays open until the investigation concludes, which typically takes 10 business days. Once resolved, you can close without further delay.
What Chase records stay after closure
Closing an account does not erase your history with Chase. Any negative marks—overdrafts, returned checks, unpaid fees, or accounts sent to collections—remain on your Chase record and may affect your ability to open new Chase accounts in the future.
Chase also reports account closures to ChexSystems, a third-party database that banks use to screen applicants. If your account was closed due to overdrafts or fraud concerns, other banks may see that when you apply for a new checking account elsewhere. Some banks will deny you based on ChexSystems history alone, while others will consider your explanation.
Reopening a closed account
If you close your account and then change your mind, you can usually reopen it within a short window—typically 30 to 90 days, depending on why it was closed. Contact Chase customer service or visit a branch to ask. If the account was closed due to fraud or abuse, Chase may refuse to reopen it.
After that window closes, you cannot reopen the same account. You would have to open a new one, and Chase will still see the closure in your history. If there were negative marks on the closed account, those do not transfer to the new account, but Chase can still see them if you dispute a transaction or apply for credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay off any negative balance before Chase will close the account. If you owe money, contact Chase to arrange payment. Once paid, you can proceed with closure.
What if I close my account but forget to update my direct deposit?
Your paycheck will be rejected and returned to your employer. You will need to contact your employer or payroll department to update your banking information. There may be a delay before the next deposit goes through.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you had overdrafts sent to collections, that negative mark stays on your credit report regardless of whether you close the account.
How long does it take to close a Chase account?
If you close in person or by phone and there are no holds or disputes, closure is immediate. If you close online, it may take one to two business days to process. If there is a hold or dispute, closure is delayed until that is resolved.
Can someone else close my account for me?
No. Only the account holder can close the account. If the account is joint, both owners must agree, and typically both must be present or provide written authorization. If you are deceased, the account must go through probate or be handled by an executor.