You can close a Chase Total Checking account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through Chase's secure message system

Chase does not require you to visit a branch to close your checking account. The fastest method is calling Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and asking to close the account. Have your account number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're closing the account, and process the closure on the call. The account typically closes within one to three business days.

If you prefer to close the account in person, visit any Chase branch with a photo ID and your account number. A banker can close it immediately and answer questions about transferring funds or settling any outstanding transactions. If you have a Chase online account, you can also send a secure message through your login asking to close the account, though this method takes longer—usually five to seven business days—because Chase will need to contact you to verify your identity.

Before you close the account, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to it are moved to another account. Chase will not automatically redirect these transactions, and missed payments or deposits can cause problems with your other financial obligations.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-935-9935 to close your account over the phone; closure takes one to three business days.
  • Visit a Chase branch in person with your ID and account number for immediate closure.
  • Update any automatic bill payments or direct deposits before closing so money does not go to a closed account.
  • Ask Chase whether you owe any fees or have an outstanding balance before the account closes.
  • Request written confirmation of the closure for your records.

What happens to money still in the account

If your account has a balance when you close it, Chase will mail you a check to the address on file within seven to ten business days. You do not need to do anything—the check is automatic. Make sure the mailing address in your account is current before you call to close, because Chase will not forward checks if the address changes after closure.

If your account is overdrawn (you owe Chase money), you must settle that balance before or at the time of closure. Chase will tell you the amount owed when you call. You can pay it immediately over the phone using a debit card or bank account, or you can ask Chase to deduct it from any remaining balance. If you do not pay an overdraft, Chase may send the debt to a collection agency or pursue other recovery methods.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits

Any recurring bill payments set up through Chase's bill pay service will stop automatically when the account closes, but only after the closure is complete. This means a payment scheduled for the day after closure may still attempt to process and fail, potentially triggering a late payment on your bill. To avoid this, log into your Chase account now and cancel or redirect each automatic payment at least five business days before you close the account.

Direct deposits (paychecks, government benefits, tax refunds) will also fail if they arrive after the account closes. Contact your employer, benefits administrator, or the IRS to update your banking information before the closure date. If a direct deposit arrives after the account closes, the sender will typically retry it once or twice, but after that the money may be returned to the source, and you will have to contact them to resubmit it.

Chase will not hold funds or redirect them to another account on your behalf. You are responsible for updating all payors and billers before the closure takes effect.

Fees and final charges

Chase Total Checking has a monthly maintenance fee (currently $12 per month, though this varies by region and may change). If you close the account mid-month, Chase will charge the full monthly fee for that month unless you meet one of the fee waiver conditions—such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Ask the representative whether a fee will be charged for the current month when you call to close.

If you have pending transactions (checks you wrote that have not yet cleared, or debit card charges that are still processing), those will still post to the account after closure. Chase will cover them if funds are available, or the account will go negative and you will owe the overdraft amount. For this reason, wait until you are certain all pending transactions have cleared before closing the account, or ask Chase to hold the closure for a few extra days.

Closing the account online or by mail

Chase does not offer a direct "close account" button in its mobile app or website. Instead, log into your Chase account, go to the Contact Us section, and select the option to send a secure message to your branch or customer service. Write that you want to close your Total Checking account and include your account number. A representative will respond within one to two business days and may ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions or calling a verification number.

Closing by secure message is slower than calling or visiting a branch, and Chase may ask you to call to complete the closure anyway. If you do not want to call, this method works, but plan for five to seven business days from the time you send the message to the time the account actually closes.

Chase does not accept closure requests by mail or email. Phone and in-person visits are the most reliable methods.

What to do after the account closes

Once the account is closed, you will no longer be able to use the debit card, write checks, or make transfers from that account. Chase will deactivate the card immediately. If you have checks left in your checkbook, destroy them or write "Account Closed" across them so they cannot be used by mistake.

Keep the confirmation number or email Chase provides when the account closes. If a payment or deposit arrives after closure and you need to track it down, this confirmation will help Chase locate the transaction. You may also want to keep a record of the closure date in case a creditor or employer disputes whether the account was active on a certain date.

If you are switching to another bank, make sure your new account is fully set up and tested before you close the Chase account. Transfer any remaining funds to the new account first, then close Chase once you have confirmed the transfer arrived.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Chase Total Checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new Chase Total Checking account at any time. However, if you closed the account because of overdrafts, fraud, or other issues, Chase may review your history before allowing you to open a new account. There is no waiting period, but Chase reserves the right to decline.

What if I close the account but a check I wrote hasn't cleared yet?

The check will still attempt to clear after the account closes. If funds are available, Chase will pay it. If not, the check will bounce and the recipient may charge you a returned check fee. Wait at least two weeks after writing your last check before closing the account, or contact the recipient to cancel the check.

Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Your credit is only affected by credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit.

Do I need to close the account in the same state where I opened it?

No. You can close your account from anywhere by phone, online, or at any Chase branch nationwide. Your location does not matter.

What if Chase says there's an error or dispute on the account?

Chase may place a hold on closure if there is an unresolved dispute, pending investigation, or fraud claim. Ask the representative what the issue is and what you need to do to resolve it. Once resolved, you can close the account. This is rare but can delay closure by several days or weeks.