Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account
You can close a Chase checking account at no cost. Chase does not impose a closure fee, early termination penalty, or any other charge for ending the account. The only money you might owe is the balance of any outstanding checks, pending transactions, or overdrafts that have not yet cleared.
If your account is in good standing—meaning you have no negative balance and no unresolved disputes—you walk away with nothing owed to Chase. If you have a positive balance, Chase will send that money to you, usually within five to seven business days after closure.
Key Takeaways
- Chase charges no fee to close a checking account, whether you close it online, by phone, or in person at a branch.
- You must settle any outstanding checks, pending transactions, or overdraft balances before or at the time of closure.
- If your account has a positive balance, Chase will mail a check or transfer the funds to another account you designate.
- Closing an account does not affect your credit score, but closing multiple accounts in a short time may raise questions with lenders.
- You should stop using the account and redirect direct deposits and automatic payments before you close it to avoid failed transactions.
What you need to do before closing
Before you contact Chase to close the account, settle any money owed. This includes overdraft balances, outstanding checks that have not cleared, and any pending transactions that are still processing. Chase will not close an account with a negative balance; you must bring it to zero or positive first.
Next, redirect any automatic payments and direct deposits. If your paycheck, benefits, or regular bills are set to hit this account, change them to another account now. Transactions that arrive after closure will bounce, and you may face late fees from creditors or missed income. This step takes a few days to take effect, so do it at least a week before you plan to close.
Withdraw or transfer any remaining money you want to keep. You can move funds to another Chase account or to an account at a different bank. If you leave money in the account at closure, Chase will send it to you by check, which takes longer than a transfer.
How to close your account with Chase
You have three ways to close: online through Chase's website or mobile app, by phone at the customer service number on the back of your debit card, or in person at a Chase branch. Online and phone closures are fastest and require no appointment.
If you close online or by phone, Chase will confirm the closure immediately and send a written confirmation by mail within five to ten business days. In-person closure at a branch takes the same amount of time to process, but you can hand over any remaining checks or ask questions face-to-face.
When you close, have your account number ready. Chase will ask you to confirm your identity, the reason for closure (optional), and whether you want any remaining balance mailed to you or transferred elsewhere. If you have checks still outstanding, tell the representative so they can note it in the system.
What happens to your remaining money
If your account has a positive balance at closure, Chase will return it to you. The method depends on what you arrange: a check mailed to your address on file, a transfer to another bank account you provide, or a transfer to another Chase account you own.
A mailed check typically arrives within five to seven business days after the account closes. A transfer to another account (Chase or external) can take one to three business days. If you do not specify a method, Chase will mail a check by default.
Keep the check or transfer confirmation. If the money does not arrive within the timeframe Chase gave you, contact customer service with the confirmation number and ask them to trace it.
Outstanding checks and pending transactions
Chase will hold the account open long enough for checks you have already written to clear. If you have checks outstanding at the time of closure, tell Chase the approximate date they will arrive. The account will stay active until those checks process, then close automatically.
Pending transactions—charges that have been authorized but not yet deducted—will still post after closure. If a pending charge arrives after the account closes, it will bounce, and you may be charged a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee by Chase and by the merchant. Contact Chase before closure if you know of pending transactions and ask them how to handle them.
Overdraft balances and fees
If your account is overdrawn, you must pay the negative balance before Chase will close it. This includes the overdraft amount itself plus any overdraft fees Chase has charged. You can pay by transferring money from another account, by debit card, or by check.
If you do not pay an overdraft balance, Chase will not close the account. Instead, the account will remain open and the debt will be reported to collection agencies if it goes unpaid for long enough. Closing an account does not erase what you owe.
Impact on your credit and banking history
Closing a checking account does not lower your credit score. Checking accounts do not appear on your credit report, so closure has no direct effect on your creditworthiness. However, if you had overdrafts or unpaid fees that Chase sent to collections, those will remain on your credit report for seven years.
Closing multiple accounts in a short time may raise questions if you later apply for a loan or credit card. Lenders sometimes interpret frequent closures as a sign of financial instability, though a single checking account closure is unlikely to matter. Your banking history with Chase will show the closure, but that information is not shared with credit bureaus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Chase checking account after I close it?
Yes. You can open a new Chase checking account at any time after closure. However, if you closed the account due to a dispute, fraud, or unpaid fees, Chase may review your history before allowing you to open a new account. If you were flagged for suspicious activity, you may need to wait or provide additional documentation.
What if I have a Chase debit card linked to the account?
Your debit card will stop working once the account closes. Chase will deactivate it automatically. If you want to keep using a debit card, open a new Chase checking account before you close the old one, or switch to a different bank. You do not need to return the physical card, but you can destroy it to prevent misuse.
Do I need to close the account in person, or can I do it over the phone?
You can close over the phone or online without visiting a branch. Phone closure is often faster because a representative can answer questions immediately. In-person closure is useful only if you have checks to deposit, need to discuss overdrafts, or prefer to speak face-to-face.
What if Chase closed my account without my permission?
Chase can close an account for inactivity (usually after 12 months with no deposits or withdrawals), suspicious activity, or repeated overdrafts. If your account was closed, Chase will send a notice by mail explaining the reason. Contact Chase customer service to ask why the account was closed and whether you can reopen it or recover any remaining balance.
Will closing my account affect my other Chase accounts?
No. Closing one checking account does not affect your savings account, credit card, or any other Chase product. Each account is separate. However, if you had automatic transfers set up between accounts, those will stop working once the checking account closes.