Close your account by phone, in person, or online

Chase lets you close a checking account through three routes: calling Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935, visiting a Chase branch in person, or using the Chase mobile app or website. The fastest is usually a phone call — you'll reach someone within a few minutes during business hours, and they can walk you through the process and answer questions about your balance and any pending transactions. If you prefer to close in person, bring a photo ID to any Chase branch.

Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or positive. If you have a negative balance (overdraft), you must pay it first. Chase will not close an account with money owed. You should also stop any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to this account at least a few days before closing, because transactions that hit after you've closed can create problems.

The account closes immediately when you complete the request, but Chase may hold checks or pending transactions for a few business days. If you have checks still in circulation, ask Chase what to do with them — they may honor them from your closed account for a limited time, or you may need to contact the recipients and ask them to resubmit payment another way.

Key Takeaways

  • You can close a Chase checking account by phone at 1-800-935-9935, in person at any branch with a photo ID, or through the Chase app or website.
  • Your account balance must be zero or positive before closing; if you owe money due to overdraft, you must pay it first.
  • Stop automatic payments and direct deposits at least a few days before closing to avoid transactions hitting a closed account.
  • Chase will close the account immediately, but pending transactions may process for a few business days afterward.
  • If you have checks still in circulation, contact Chase to confirm whether they will honor them after closure.

What happens to pending transactions and automatic payments

Any automatic payments or recurring charges set up on this account should be moved to another account or canceled before you close. If a payment tries to go through after the account is closed, it will be rejected, and the merchant may charge you a fee or report it as a failed payment. This is especially important for bills like insurance, utilities, or loan payments — a missed payment can affect your credit score.

Direct deposits (paychecks, government benefits, tax refunds) will also be rejected if they arrive after closure. If you're expecting a deposit, update your employer or the paying agency with your new account information first. Chase typically processes the closure within one business day, so timing matters.

Pending transactions — charges that have been authorized but not yet settled — may still post to your closed account for up to a few business days. This is normal and does not reopen the account. Once all pending items clear, the account is fully closed.

Withdrawing cash and transferring money before closing

If your account has a balance, withdraw the money or transfer it to another account before closing. You can withdraw cash at any Chase ATM or branch, transfer money online to another bank account, or move it to another Chase account you own. If you're transferring to a different bank, the transfer typically takes one to three business days, so initiate it well before you plan to close.

If you have a large balance, withdrawing in person at a branch may be simpler than waiting for a transfer to clear. Chase does not charge a fee to close an account, and you do not lose access to your money — you just need to move it first.

Closing a joint account or account with overdraft protection

If the account is joint (shared with another person), both account holders must agree to close it. Call Chase together or have one person call with the other person's permission and account information. Chase may require both signatures or both people to be present in a branch, depending on the account setup.

If your checking account has overdraft protection linked to a savings account or credit card, that link will be removed when you close the checking account. The linked account itself stays open unless you close it separately. Overdraft protection is a service that allows Chase to cover overdrafts from another source; removing it means future overdrafts will simply be declined rather than covered.

What to do if Chase denies your closure request

Chase rarely denies a closure request, but it can happen if there are unresolved issues with the account — such as an outstanding negative balance, a fraud investigation, or a legal hold. If Chase tells you the account cannot be closed, ask them to explain the specific reason in writing. Most issues can be resolved by paying the balance or waiting for an investigation to complete.

If you believe Chase is wrongfully refusing to close your account, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB investigates complaints against banks and can compel Chase to respond.

Keeping records after closure

After your account closes, keep your final statement and any transaction records for at least one year. You may need them for tax purposes, to dispute a charge, or to prove you paid a bill. You can download statements from the Chase website or app before closing, or request paper copies by calling customer service.

Chase will mail you a final statement showing all activity through the closure date. If you do not receive it within 30 days, call 1-800-935-9935 and request a copy. Do not throw away tax documents or receipts related to this account until you're certain you won't need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my Chase checking account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history (loans, credit cards, payment history), not on bank accounts. You can close a checking account without any impact on your credit.

Can I reopen a Chase checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new Chase checking account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, Chase may flag your history and ask additional questions. If you simply want to close and reopen, there is no waiting period.

What if I have a Chase debit card linked to this account?

Your debit card will stop working once the account closes. If you have a new Chase account, you can request a new debit card for that account. Destroy or cut up the old card to prevent accidental use. If you still need access to funds, move your money to another account before closing.

Do I have to close the account in person, or can I do it over the phone?

You can close over the phone or online; you do not have to visit a branch. Phone closure is often fastest because a representative can answer questions immediately. Online closure through the app or website takes longer because you may not get instant confirmation, and you cannot ask follow-up questions in real time.

What if there's a check I wrote that hasn't cleared yet?

Contact Chase before closing and ask whether they will honor outstanding checks. Some banks honor checks written on closed accounts for up to six months, while others do not. If Chase will not honor them, contact the recipients and ask them to resubmit payment or wait for the check to be returned unpaid so you can issue a new one.