You can close a Chase joint account by phone, in person, or online, but both account holders must agree and the account must have a zero balance

Closing a joint checking account at Chase requires consent from both account holders. Chase will not close the account if there is money remaining in it, and they will not process the closure if only one person requests it. The fastest route is usually a phone call to Chase customer service, where they can walk you through the steps and confirm the account is empty. If you close online or in a branch, you may need to provide identification and answer questions about why you are closing the account.

The timeline is usually immediate once the account hits zero and both parties have agreed, though it can take three to five business days for the account to fully disappear from your online banking. Any pending transactions or automatic payments linked to the account will fail after closure, so you need to redirect those before you close.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must request closure together or separately confirm they agree; Chase will not close a joint account on one person's request alone.
  • The account must have a zero balance before Chase will process the closure, so withdraw or transfer all remaining funds first.
  • Cancel or redirect any automatic payments, direct deposits, or standing transfers linked to the account before you close it.
  • Closing by phone (1-800-935-9935) is usually faster than visiting a branch, and the account typically disappears from your online access within three to five business days.
  • If the account is overdrawn or has a negative balance, you must pay the full amount owed before Chase will close it.

Step-by-step process to close the account

Start by confirming that both account holders agree to close the account. If you are closing because of a relationship change or dispute, Chase will still require both signatures or verbal consent from both parties. If one account holder refuses to close the account, you have limited options—you can remove yourself as an authorized user (which leaves the account open under the other person's name), but you cannot unilaterally close a joint account.

Next, withdraw or transfer all money from the account. Check your balance online or call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm the exact amount. If there are pending transactions that have not yet cleared, wait for them to post before you close the account, or the account will remain open until they do. Transfer the money to another account at Chase or at a different bank—this usually takes one to two business days if you are moving it to an external account.

Once the balance is zero, contact Chase to request closure. You can do this by phone, in person at a Chase branch, or through Chase online banking if that option is available in your region. Have both account holders ready to confirm their identity and consent. The representative will verify the zero balance, confirm both parties agree, and process the closure on the spot.

Closing by phone versus in person

Calling Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 is the most straightforward method. You can close the account during business hours (typically 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET on weekdays, with shorter hours on weekends). The representative will ask for your account number, verify your identity, confirm the balance is zero, and ask if you want to close the account. If both account holders are present, they can both speak to the representative. If only one person is calling, the representative may ask you to have the other account holder call separately to confirm consent, or they may send a written confirmation to both parties on file.

Visiting a Chase branch in person requires both account holders to show up with valid identification. Bring a government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport. The branch representative will verify the zero balance, have both of you sign a closure form, and process the request immediately. This method is useful if there is any dispute about consent, because both parties are present and can confirm their agreement in writing.

Closing through Chase online banking is available in some regions. Log in, navigate to the account settings or account management section, and look for a "close account" option. Not all Chase accounts offer this feature online, so you may see a message directing you to call or visit a branch instead.

What happens to automatic payments and direct deposits

Any automatic bill payments, recurring transfers, or standing orders linked to the joint account will fail once the account is closed. If you have set up automatic payments for utilities, insurance, loan payments, or subscriptions, those payments will bounce and may result in late fees or service interruptions. You must update or cancel these payments before you close the account.

Log into each service (your utility company, insurance provider, loan servicer, subscription service) and change the payment method to a different bank account or credit card. This usually takes a few minutes per service. If you are unsure which payments are linked to the account, review your last three months of bank statements or call each service to ask which account they have on file.

Direct deposits—such as paychecks, government benefits, or tax refunds—will also stop going into the closed account. Contact your employer's payroll department or the benefit provider and give them your new account number at least one week before you close the joint account. If a direct deposit arrives after the account is closed, it will be returned to the sender, and you may have to wait for them to reissue it to your new account.

Handling disagreements about closing the account

If one account holder wants to close the account and the other does not, Chase will not process the closure without both parties' consent. You have two options: remove yourself as an authorized user, or pursue a legal remedy if the account is tied to a divorce or separation agreement.

Removing yourself as an authorized user leaves the account open under the other person's name. You will no longer have access to the account, and you will not be responsible for future activity or fees. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask to be removed as an authorized user. The representative will verify your identity and process the removal, usually within one business day. The other account holder will remain the sole owner.

If you are going through a divorce or legal separation and the account is part of a court order or settlement agreement, bring a copy of the relevant court document to a Chase branch. The branch manager can review the document and may be able to close the account or split it into two separate accounts without requiring the other person's consent. This process varies by state and by the specific language in your court order, so contact your attorney or the branch manager for guidance.

Overdrafts and negative balances

If the account is overdrawn or has a negative balance, Chase will not close it until you pay the full amount owed. The negative balance may include overdraft fees, which Chase typically charges per transaction or per day the account remains negative. Check your current balance online or call Chase to find out the exact amount you owe.

Pay the overdraft by transferring money from another account, making a deposit at a Chase ATM or branch, or using Chase's bill pay feature to send a payment to yourself. Once the balance reaches zero or positive, you can proceed with the closure request. If you dispute the overdraft fees, contact Chase's dispute department before you close the account—once the account is closed, it is much harder to contest charges.

After the account closes

The account will disappear from your Chase online banking within three to five business days. You will no longer receive statements for that account, and you will not be able to access it online or at an ATM. If you need a record of transactions from the closed account for tax purposes or dispute resolution, request a statement copy before you close it, or contact Chase within 60 days of closure to request archived statements.

If you are closing the account because you are leaving Chase entirely, make sure all your other accounts and services have been transferred to your new bank before you close this one. If you are keeping other Chase accounts open, those will remain active and unaffected by the closure of the joint account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if one account holder has passed away?

Contact Chase immediately with a death certificate. Chase will freeze the account and work with the estate or surviving account holder to close it. You may need to provide probate documents or a will, depending on how the account was titled and your state's laws. Chase's trust and estate department can guide you through this process.

Can I close the account if there are pending transactions?

No. Chase will not close the account until all pending transactions have cleared and the balance is zero. Wait for pending transactions to post, then withdraw or transfer the remaining balance. This usually takes one to two business days.

Will closing the account affect my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if the account is overdrawn and you do not pay the balance, Chase may report it to a collection agency, which will harm your credit.

What if I closed the account but money still arrived?

If a direct deposit or payment arrives after the account is closed, it will be returned to the sender. Contact the sender (your employer, benefit provider, or creditor) and provide your new account number so they can reissue the payment. This can take one to two weeks.

Do I need both account holders present to close the account?

Not necessarily. You can call Chase and request closure, and the representative may ask the other account holder to call separately to confirm consent. If there is any dispute, both account holders should be present in person at a branch to sign the closure form.