You cannot close a Chase checking account from the app—you have to call or visit a branch
Chase's mobile app lets you check balances, move money, and deposit checks, but it does not include an option to close an account. To close a checking account with Chase, you must either call their customer service line at 1-800-935-9935 or walk into a Chase branch in person. The app can help you prepare—you can review your account balance, set up direct deposit elsewhere, and confirm you have no pending transactions—but the actual closure happens over the phone or at the branch.
The reason Chase requires a phone call or in-person visit is that closing an account involves verifying your identity and confirming you want to proceed. A representative needs to check for outstanding checks, automatic payments, or pending deposits that could cause problems after closure. They also need to confirm what to do with any remaining balance and ensure you are not closing the account by mistake.
Key Takeaways
- Chase does not offer account closure through the mobile app; you must call 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch in person.
- Before you close the account, move any remaining money to another bank, cancel automatic payments, and wait for pending transactions to clear.
- A Chase representative will confirm your identity and ask why you are closing the account before processing the closure.
- After closure, Chase will mail any remaining balance to your address on file, usually within 30 days.
What to do in the app before you call or visit
Open the Chase app and review your account balance to see exactly how much money is in the checking account. If there is a balance, you will need to decide whether to transfer it to another account before closing or let Chase mail it to you after closure. Most people transfer the money themselves because it is faster—mailed checks can take 30 days or longer.
Check your recent transactions in the app to see if any automatic payments or recurring charges are still active. Look at the last 60 days of activity to spot subscriptions, gym memberships, insurance payments, or bill pay transfers that might still be scheduled. If you find any, cancel them before you close the account, or update them to point to a new bank account. Chase will not process transactions after the account closes, and merchants may charge you overdraft fees or report the failed payment.
If you have direct deposit set up, update it now with your new bank's routing and account numbers. Do this at least a few days before you close the Chase account so your next paycheck does not land in a closed account. Your employer's payroll system or HR department can make the change.
How to close the account by phone
Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. You will reach an automated system first; select the option for account services or account management. When you reach a representative, tell them you want to close your checking account and have your account number ready. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account.
The representative will ask why you are closing the account. You do not have to give a detailed reason, but Chase may ask if you are moving to another bank or if there is a service issue they can fix. Answer honestly but briefly. They will then confirm your current balance and ask what you want to do with it. If you have not already transferred the money, they can mail a check to your address on file. Confirm the mailing address before they proceed.
The representative will also check for any pending transactions, automatic payments, or holds on the account. If there are any, they will tell you and may ask you to wait until they clear before closing. Once everything is confirmed, they will process the closure. The account will close immediately, though it may take a few business days for the closure to show in the app.
How to close the account in person at a branch
Find your nearest Chase branch using the branch locator on the Chase website or in the app. Bring a government-issued photo ID and your debit card or account number. Walk in during business hours and tell a teller you want to close your checking account.
The teller will verify your identity and pull up your account. They will show you the current balance and ask what you want to do with it. If you want the money transferred to another Chase account you own, they can do that immediately. If you want a check mailed or want to transfer to a different bank, tell them and they will process it. They will also check for pending transactions and automatic payments, just as a phone representative would.
Once everything is confirmed, the teller will close the account on the spot. You will receive a receipt confirming the closure. The account will be closed immediately, though it may take a few business days to disappear from the app.
What happens to your money and remaining balance
If you have money in the account when you close it, Chase will not keep it. You have three options: transfer it yourself before closing, have the representative transfer it to another account you own, or have Chase mail a check to your address on file. Most people transfer the money themselves because it is the fastest option and gives them control over where the money goes.
If you choose to have Chase mail a check, it will arrive within 30 days, though it often comes sooner. The check will be mailed to the address Chase has on file for you. If you have moved recently, update your address in the app or tell the representative your current address before they close the account.
What happens after the account closes
Once the account is closed, you cannot use the debit card associated with it. Any automatic payments or recurring charges linked to that account will fail. Merchants may charge you overdraft fees or late fees if they attempt to charge the card after closure, so make sure you have cancelled or updated all automatic payments before closing.
The closed account will remain visible in your Chase app for a limited time—usually 30 to 90 days—so you can review the final balance and transaction history. After that, it will disappear from the app. If you need records of transactions from the closed account later, you can contact Chase and request a statement, though they may charge a fee for statements older than a certain period.
If you had overdraft protection linked to this account, that protection will end. If you have other Chase accounts, overdraft protection on those accounts will not be affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Chase checking account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new Chase checking account at any time, either through the app, online, or at a branch. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, Chase may review your history before opening a new one. There is no waiting period to reopen an account after closure.
What if I have a pending check that has not cleared yet?
Tell the Chase representative about the pending check before you close the account. They may ask you to wait until it clears, or they may close the account and let the check process against the closed account (which could result in a returned check fee). It is safer to wait for pending checks to clear before closing.
Will closing my Chase checking 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. Only credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit appear on your credit report.
Do I have to close the account in the same state where I opened it?
No. You can close a Chase checking account by calling the national customer service line or by visiting any Chase branch, regardless of which state you opened it in. The account is managed nationally, not by individual branches.
What if there is a hold on my account?
If Chase has placed a hold on your account—usually due to suspicious activity or a dispute—you cannot close it until the hold is lifted. The representative will tell you why the hold is there and how long it will last. Contact Chase if you believe the hold was placed by mistake.