You cannot close a Chase checking account through the app—you must call or visit a branch
Chase's mobile app lets you view your account, transfer money, and pay bills, but it does not include a close-account function. To close a checking account with Chase, you have two options: call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card, or walk into a Chase branch in person. Both routes take about 10 to 15 minutes, and neither charges a fee to close the account.
If you are looking to close the account because of a monthly fee, inactivity, or dissatisfaction with the service, you should know that Chase will not reverse the decision once it is complete. Make sure your direct deposits have been redirected, any automatic payments have been moved to another account, and your balance is zero or you have arranged a check for any remaining funds.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on your debit card or visit a branch to close your account; the app does not offer this option.
- Before closing, redirect your direct deposits, cancel or move automatic bill payments, and empty your account balance.
- Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account, and the process takes 10 to 15 minutes.
- After closure, checks you have already written may still clear, so keep your account open long enough for outstanding checks to arrive.
Steps to close your account by phone
Call the customer service number printed on the back of your Chase debit card. You will reach a representative who can verify your identity by asking for your account number, Social Security number, and other personal details. Tell them you want to close your checking account.
The representative will ask why you are closing the account—this is optional to answer, but Chase uses the feedback to improve. They will confirm that your balance is zero or arrange to send you a check for any remaining funds. If you have pending transactions or automatic payments still linked to the account, they may ask you to wait a few days before closing, or they will warn you that those payments may fail.
Once you confirm, the account closes immediately. You will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Chase will send a written confirmation to the address on file within 5 to 7 business days.
Steps to close your account in person at a branch
Bring your debit card and a government-issued photo ID to any Chase branch. Tell a banker you want to close your checking account. They will pull up your account on their computer and ask the same questions a phone representative would: whether you have a zero balance, whether you have pending transactions, and whether you want to close just the checking account or other accounts as well.
If your balance is not zero, the banker can print a check on the spot or transfer the money to another account you name. Once you both sign the paperwork, the account closes that day. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number and a copy of the closure form.
Closing in person is often faster if you have questions or if your account has complications—for example, if you have a linked savings account or credit card that you want to keep open.
What to do before you close your account
Stop using your debit card at least one week before you plan to close the account. This gives any pending transactions time to post. If a transaction is still pending when you close the account, it may fail or overdraw the account after closure, which can create problems with Chase or your merchant.
Log into the Chase app and check for automatic payments or recurring charges linked to this account. Common ones are subscriptions, gym memberships, insurance premiums, and utility bills. Update each one to use a different bank account or payment method. If you miss one, the payment will fail, and the merchant may charge you a late fee or suspend your service.
If you receive direct deposit from an employer or government benefit, update your banking information with that organization to point to your new account. This usually takes one to two pay cycles to take effect, so do it as soon as you decide to close the account.
What happens to checks you have already written
If you have written checks from this account that have not yet cleared, they may still be presented to the bank after you close the account. Chase will typically honor checks for up to 180 days after closure, but the exact policy depends on your state. If a check arrives after the account is closed and there are no funds, it will bounce, and the recipient may charge you a returned-check fee.
To avoid this, wait until you are confident all checks have cleared before closing the account. If you have written checks to a landlord, utility company, or other organization and are unsure whether they have deposited them, contact that organization first to confirm the check has posted.
What to do if you want to reopen the account later
Once a Chase checking account is closed, you cannot reopen the same account. However, you can open a new Chase checking account at any time by visiting a branch or using the Chase app. If you closed the account because of a fee or service issue, you may want to ask about different account types—Chase offers several checking products with different fee structures and minimum balance requirements.
If you closed the account because of a dispute or problem with Chase, contact customer service before opening a new account. Some account closures are flagged in Chase's internal system, and opening a new account too quickly after closure may trigger a review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Chase charge me a fee to close my checking account?
No. Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account. However, if your account has an outstanding balance or pending transactions, you may incur overdraft fees or other charges before closure.
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must bring your balance to zero or positive before closing. If you owe money, Chase will not close the account until the debt is paid. The representative or banker will explain your options, which usually include making a payment or allowing Chase to deduct the amount from another account you own.
How long does it take for my account to fully close after I request it?
The account closes immediately when you request it by phone or in person. However, it may take 5 to 7 business days for Chase to send you written confirmation and for the account to stop appearing in the app or online banking.
What if I have a linked savings account or credit card?
Closing your checking account does not automatically close linked accounts. Tell the representative or banker which accounts you want to close and which you want to keep. You can close only the checking account and keep the savings account or credit card open.
Can I close my account if I have pending direct deposits or automatic payments?
Yes, but Chase will warn you that those transactions may fail. It is safer to wait until you have redirected your direct deposits and canceled or moved your automatic payments before closing. If you close with pending transactions, contact the organizations involved to confirm they have received payment from your new account.