How to close a Chase account

You can close a Chase account by calling Chase customer service, visiting a branch in person, or using the Chase mobile app or website. The fastest route is a phone call to the number on the back of your card or 1-800-935-9935 for general customer service. Chase will ask you to confirm your identity, tell you the balance owed or available, and walk you through the closure. If you have a positive balance, Chase will send you a check or transfer the money to another account you provide. If you owe money, you must pay it before closing.

Before you call, make sure any automatic payments tied to the account are cancelled or moved to another account. Chase will not automatically redirect recurring bills or direct deposits. You are responsible for notifying your employer, creditors, and any services that pull money from that account. Closing the account does not stop a payment that is already in the system.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935, visit a branch, or use the mobile app to start the closure process, and have your account number and ID ready.
  • You must cancel or move any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring charges before closing, because Chase will not do this for you.
  • If you have a positive balance, Chase will mail a check or transfer funds to another account; if you owe money, you must pay it first.
  • The account closes immediately after you complete the request, but checks or transfers may take several business days to arrive.
  • Keep your account number and final statement for your records, especially if you have pending transactions or disputes.

What happens to your money when you close

If your account has a positive balance, Chase will return the money to you. You can ask them to mail a check to your address on file, or you can provide another bank account number and routing number for a transfer. A check typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. A transfer to another bank account can take 3 to 5 business days, depending on the receiving bank.

If your account is overdrawn or you owe fees, you must pay the full amount before Chase will close the account. You can pay over the phone using a debit card or bank account, or you can visit a branch with cash or a check. Once the balance is zero or positive, the closure can proceed.

Cancelling automatic payments and direct deposits

Any recurring charge tied to your Chase account—such as insurance premiums, subscription services, loan payments, or utility bills—will fail once the account closes. This can result in late fees, service interruptions, or damage to your credit if the payment is a loan or credit card. You must contact each company or service directly and provide a new payment method or account number.

Similarly, if your paycheck or government benefits are deposited directly into the Chase account, you need to update your employer or the benefits agency with a new account number before the closure takes effect. This usually takes one to two pay cycles to process. Do not close the account until the first deposit has hit the new account, to confirm the routing and account numbers were entered correctly.

Chase can show you a list of recurring transactions on your account statement or through the app. Review the past three months of activity to catch any charges you may have forgotten about.

Closing the account by phone

Call 1-800-935-9935 and tell the representative you want to close your account. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will verify your identity, review your account balance, and ask why you are closing (this is optional to answer). They will confirm the closure and give you a confirmation number.

Ask the representative for the mailing address where your check will be sent, or provide another bank account for a transfer. Request a final statement and ask whether there are any pending transactions that might post after closure. Some transactions—such as pending debit card charges or ACH transfers—can clear after you close the account, and Chase may reopen it temporarily to process them or charge overdraft fees.

Closing the account in person at a branch

Visit any Chase branch with a government-issued ID and your account number. A banker will verify your identity and review your account balance with you. If you have a positive balance, you can withdraw cash on the spot or ask for a check. If the account is overdrawn, you will need to pay the balance before the closure is complete.

In-person closure is useful if you want to withdraw your balance immediately in cash or if you have questions about pending transactions. The banker can also print your final statement and answer questions about where to send your direct deposit or how to update automatic payments. The account closes the same day.

Closing the account through the Chase app or website

Log into your Chase account online or in the mobile app, go to Settings or Account Services, and look for an option to close the account. Chase does not always offer full closure through digital channels—you may be directed to call or visit a branch instead. If the option is available, follow the prompts to confirm your identity and review your balance. You will still need to handle the transfer or check request by phone or in person.

Digital closure is fastest if Chase offers it for your account type, but it does not replace the need to cancel automatic payments or update direct deposits separately.

What to do if the account has a negative balance or debt

If your account is overdrawn, Chase will not close it until you pay the negative balance. You can pay by phone using a debit card or bank account, by visiting a branch with cash or a check, or by transferring money from another account. Once the balance reaches zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.

If you have unpaid fees or a debt that Chase has sent to collections, closing the account does not erase the debt. Chase can still pursue collection or report the debt to credit bureaus. If you are unsure whether you owe money, ask the representative to review your account history before you close.

After your account closes

Once closed, you cannot use your debit card, write checks, or access the account online. Any checks you wrote that have not yet cleared may bounce if they arrive after closure. Contact anyone you recently sent a check to and provide an alternative payment method if possible.

Keep your final statement and confirmation number for your records. If a transaction posts to the account after closure—such as a pending charge or an ACH transfer—Chase may reopen the account temporarily to process it. You may be charged overdraft fees if the transaction causes a negative balance. If this happens, call Chase to dispute the fee or ask them to reverse it.

Your account closure does not affect your credit report directly, but closing a credit card account can lower your credit score slightly if it reduces your available credit. Closing a checking or savings account has no impact on credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Chase account after closing it?

Yes, but it depends on how long ago you closed it and why. If you closed it recently and in good standing, Chase may reopen it within 30 days without a new application. After 30 days, you will need to open a new account. If you closed it due to fraud or violation of Chase's terms, reopening may be denied.

What if I have a pending transaction when I close?

Pending transactions can post after closure and may cause overdraft fees or require the account to reopen temporarily. Before closing, wait for all pending charges to clear or contact the merchant to cancel them. Ask Chase whether any transactions are still pending before you finalize the closure.

Do I need to destroy my debit card?

You do not have to, but it is a good idea to cut it up or shred it so it cannot be used. Once the account closes, the card will be declined anyway, but destroying it prevents accidental use or fraud.

How long does it take to receive my balance as a check?

Chase typically mails a check within 7 to 10 business days of closure. If you do not receive it after two weeks, call Chase with your confirmation number and ask them to reissue it or transfer the funds electronically instead.

Will closing my account affect my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account has no impact on credit. Closing a credit card account may lower your score slightly because it reduces your total available credit, but the effect is usually small and temporary.