You can close a Chase checking account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through your account settings—but you must have a zero balance and handle any outstanding checks first.

Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account. The process itself takes minutes, but the steps before closing—moving your money, stopping automatic payments, and clearing pending transactions—can take a few days. If you have direct deposits or automatic bill payments tied to the account, you need to redirect them before you close, or they will fail and may trigger overdraft fees at your new bank.

The fastest route is usually a phone call to Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. You can also walk into any Chase branch with your ID, or log into your online account and look for the account settings or profile menu—some regions allow closure through the app or website, though this varies. Have your account number ready and know where your money is going next.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Chase checking account must have a zero balance before closure; you cannot close an account with money still in it.
  • Any outstanding checks you have written will still clear after closure, so confirm all checks have posted before you close.
  • Automatic payments and direct deposits linked to this account will fail after closure, so update them at your employer or billers first.
  • Closing takes a few minutes by phone or in branch, but plan for several days to move money, redirect payments, and wait for pending transactions to settle.
  • Chase does not charge a closure fee, but your new bank may have its own requirements or fees.

Move your money before you close

Before you call Chase or visit a branch, transfer all funds out of the account. You can move money to another Chase account you own, to an account at a different bank, or withdraw it as cash. Use a transfer between your own accounts (which usually clears in one business day) or an external transfer to another bank (which can take two to three business days). Do not wait until the day you plan to close; give yourself at least one business day for the transfer to post.

If you have a small balance and want to close quickly, you can withdraw the full amount in cash at a Chase ATM or teller window. Write down the exact amount you withdraw so you can confirm the account is empty when you call to close. Even a few cents left in the account can delay or block closure.

Stop automatic payments and redirect direct deposits

Any automatic bill payments you set up through this Chase account will fail after closure. Log into your account and review the "Payments" or "Transfers" section to see what is set to come out automatically. Common examples are utility bills, insurance premiums, loan payments, and subscriptions. For each one, log into the biller's website or call them directly and update the payment method to your new bank account or a credit card.

Direct deposits—paychecks, tax refunds, benefits—will also bounce back to the sender if the account is closed. Contact your employer's payroll department or your benefits administrator and provide your new bank account number and routing number. This can take one to two pay cycles to take effect, so do this as soon as you decide to close the account. If a direct deposit arrives after closure, the sender will usually redeposit it, but you may face a delay in receiving your money.

Wait for pending transactions to clear

Checks you have written and debit card charges that have not yet posted will still process after you close the account. Chase will honor these transactions and deduct them from the account even after closure. If the account does not have enough money to cover them, you will face overdraft fees. Before you close, check your recent transactions and confirm that all checks you have written have posted and all pending debit card charges have cleared.

This typically takes three to five business days. If you are unsure whether a check has cleared, call Chase or log in and look at the transaction history. Do not close the account until you see the check listed as posted, not pending. The same applies to any online bill payments you made through Chase—wait until they show as paid before closing.

Close the account by phone, in person, or online

Once your balance is zero and pending transactions have cleared, you can close the account. Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and tell them you want to close your checking account. Have your account number and ID ready. The representative will confirm the balance is zero, ask why you are closing (optional), and process the closure. The account will close immediately, though it may take a few days for it to disappear from your online account view.

If you prefer to close in person, visit any Chase branch during business hours with your ID and account number. A teller can close the account on the spot. Some Chase customers report being able to close accounts through the mobile app or website under account settings, but this option is not available in all regions. If you do not see a close account option online, use the phone or branch method.

What happens after you close

Once closed, you cannot use the account for deposits or withdrawals. Any checks or automatic payments that arrive after closure will be rejected and returned to the sender. If you have a Chase credit card or savings account, those remain open unless you close them separately. Your checking account closure does not affect them.

Chase will send you a final statement showing the closure date and confirming the zero balance. Keep this for your records. If you ever need to reopen a Chase checking account, you can do so at any branch or online, though Chase may review your banking history (particularly if you had overdrafts or disputes on the closed account).

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must bring the account to zero or positive before closure. If you have an overdraft, deposit money to cover it, then close. Chase will not close an account with a negative balance.

What if I have a pending check that has not cleared yet?

Wait for it to post before you close. Chase will honor checks written before closure even if they arrive after, but only if the account has enough money. If you close with a pending check and no funds, the check will bounce and you will face overdraft fees.

Will closing my Chase checking account hurt my credit?

No. Closing a checking account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Only credit accounts (credit cards, loans) impact your credit.

How long does it take to close a Chase checking account?

The closure itself takes minutes by phone or in branch. However, you should plan for three to five business days before calling to close, to allow pending transactions to clear and transfers to post. The account may take a few days to disappear from your online view after closure.

Can I reopen a Chase checking account after I close it?

Yes. You can open a new Chase checking account at any branch or online. Chase may review your previous account history, especially if there were overdrafts or disputes, but closure alone does not prevent you from opening a new account.