How to close a Chase account

You can close a Chase checking or savings account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through Chase's secure message system. Before you close, withdraw or transfer any remaining balance, pay off any outstanding fees or overdrafts, and make sure no automatic payments or direct deposits are still linked to the account. Chase will not charge you a fee to close an account. The account closes immediately if you do it in person or by phone; online requests typically process within one to three business days.

The key requirement is a zero balance. Chase will not close an account with money in it, and they will not transfer funds for you. You must move the money yourself before the closure can go through.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a zero balance or transfer your money out before Chase will close the account.
  • Stop any automatic payments, bill pay, or direct deposits at least a few days before you close to avoid failed transactions.
  • Closing by phone or in person is faster than submitting an online request, which can take up to three business days.
  • Chase will not reopen a closed account, so confirm you have moved all your banking needs elsewhere first.
  • If you have a linked credit card or other Chase products, closing a checking account does not affect them.

Prepare your account before closing

Move any money out of the account first. Withdraw cash at an ATM or branch, transfer the balance to another bank account using an external transfer, or move it to another Chase account you own. Chase will not close an account with a positive balance, and they will not transfer money for you.

Pay any outstanding fees or overdraft charges. If your account is negative or has pending fees, you must cover that amount before closing. Contact Chase customer service to confirm the exact balance owed if you are unsure. Once the balance reaches zero, you are ready to proceed.

Stop all automatic transactions linked to the account. Log into your Chase account online and cancel any bill pay arrangements, automatic transfers, or recurring payments. Contact your employer or benefits provider to redirect direct deposits to a new account. Give yourself at least three to five business days before closing to make sure no pending transactions hit the account after it shuts down.

Close your account by phone

Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 for personal accounts or 1-800-955-9060 for business accounts. Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account and confirm the account has a zero balance.

The representative will verify your identity, confirm there are no pending transactions, and close the account on the spot. Ask for a confirmation number and note the date and time of the call. The account closes immediately, though it may take one to two business days for the closure to show in your online banking.

Close your account in person at a branch

Visit any Chase branch with a government-issued ID and your account number. Tell the teller you want to close the account. They will verify your identity, confirm the balance is zero, and process the closure right away.

Ask for a written confirmation of the closure, including the date and the final balance. Keep this receipt for your records. In-person closures are final immediately and do not require follow-up.

Close your account online through secure message

Log into your Chase account and go to the "Contact Us" or "Help" section. Select the option to send a secure message to Chase customer service. Write that you want to close the account, include your account number, and confirm the balance is zero.

Chase will respond within one to three business days with a confirmation or a request for more information. They may ask you to verify your identity or confirm there are no pending transactions. Once approved, the account closes and you will receive a final confirmation message. This method is slower than phone or in-person closure, so use it only if you cannot reach a branch or phone line.

What happens after you close the account

Chase will send you a final statement showing the closure date and any remaining balance or fees. This statement arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Keep it for your records.

Any checks you wrote before closing may still clear after the account is closed. If a check arrives after closure, Chase will return it unpaid and mark it as "account closed." The person who received the check will see it bounce, so contact them in advance if you wrote checks close to the closure date. Chase will not reopen a closed account. If you change your mind, you will need to open a new account. Closing a Chase checking account does not affect any Chase credit cards, savings accounts, or other products you hold separately.

If you have trouble closing your account

If Chase tells you the account cannot close because of pending transactions or a negative balance, ask for a specific reason and a timeline for when it can be closed. Pending direct deposits, bill pay, or transfers sometimes take longer to clear than expected.

If you believe there is an error on your account or Chase is refusing to close it without good reason, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. You can also contact your state's banking regulator or the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which oversees Chase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close a Chase account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must pay off any overdraft or negative balance before Chase will close the account. Contact Chase to confirm the exact amount owed, then deposit that amount or transfer it from another account.

Will closing my Chase checking account affect my credit score?

No. Closing a checking or savings account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Only credit products like credit cards and loans show up on your credit history.

What if a check I wrote clears after I close the account?

Chase will return the check unpaid and mark it as "account closed." The recipient will see a bounced check. Contact anyone you wrote checks to before closing and let them know the account is closing so they can cash them before the closure date.

How long does it take to close a Chase account?

In-person or phone closures happen immediately. Online requests through secure message take one to three business days. The closure may take an additional one to two business days to show in your online banking, but the account is closed as soon as Chase confirms it.

Do I need to close my Chase credit card when I close my checking account?

No. Checking and savings accounts are separate from credit cards. Closing a checking account does not close your credit card or any other Chase products you own. You can close them separately if you choose.