You can close a Chase checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type and whether you have an outstanding balance
Chase offers three ways to close a checking account: calling their customer service line at 1-800-935-9935, visiting a Chase branch in person, or using the Chase mobile app or website if your account is in good standing. The fastest route is usually a phone call, which takes about 10 minutes. If you have a negative balance, overdraft fees, or pending transactions, Chase will ask you to settle those before closing. You'll also need to redirect any automatic deposits or payments tied to the account.
Before you close, make sure you have another account set up to receive direct deposits and pay bills from. Chase will not automatically transfer your money to another bank—you have to move it yourself. Once the account is closed, Chase keeps records for seven years, but you won't be able to access the account online or use the debit card.
Key Takeaways
- Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to close your account by phone, or visit a branch in person for immediate confirmation.
- You must pay off any negative balance or overdraft fees before Chase will close the account.
- Move your money to another account before closing, because Chase will not transfer it for you.
- Update any automatic deposits or bill payments linked to the account so they don't fail after closure.
- Chase will deactivate your debit card when the account closes, so destroy it or wait for it to expire.
What to do before you call or visit
Withdraw or transfer all remaining funds from the account. You can move money to another Chase account, another bank, or request a cashier's check. If you have a small balance, Chase will sometimes mail you a check after closure, but this takes two to three weeks and is not may provide—it's safer to move the money yourself first.
Check for any pending transactions or holds. If you have recent purchases, transfers, or checks you've written that haven't cleared yet, they may still post after you close the account. Chase will charge overdraft fees if the account goes negative. Contact merchants or people you've sent money to and confirm the transaction has posted before you proceed.
Redirect automatic deposits and bill payments. Log into your employer's payroll system, benefits portal, or any other service that deposits money into this account and update it with your new bank details. Do the same for any bills you pay automatically—utilities, insurance, loan payments, subscriptions. If you miss this step, payments will fail and you may face late fees or service interruptions.
Closing by phone
Call 1-800-935-9935 and tell the representative you want to close your checking account. Have your account number ready, which you can find on your debit card, checks, or the Chase app. The representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, and possibly a recent transaction or the balance in the account.
The representative will confirm that your account balance is zero and that there are no pending transactions or overdraft fees. If there is a balance, they will ask how you want to receive it—by check mailed to your address, or transferred to another account. If there are overdraft fees, you'll need to pay them before the account can close. This usually means authorizing a debit from another account or paying by phone.
Once everything is settled, the representative will process the closure. They will give you a confirmation number and tell you when the account will be fully closed—usually within one to three business days. Your debit card will stop working immediately, though it may take a few days for the card to be flagged as invalid at merchants.
Closing in person at a Chase branch
Visit any Chase branch with a valid government-issued ID. Bring your debit card and account number if you have them. Tell the branch representative you want to close your checking account. They will pull up your account on their system and review the balance, pending transactions, and any fees.
If your account is in good standing with a zero balance and no holds, the representative can close it on the spot. You'll receive a written confirmation with the closure date and a confirmation number. If there is a balance, the representative can issue a cashier's check or transfer the funds to another account while you wait. If there are overdraft fees, you'll need to pay them before closure.
Closing in person is useful if you want immediate confirmation or if you have questions about your account history. It also eliminates the risk of miscommunication that can happen over the phone. However, it requires a trip to a branch during business hours.
Closing through the Chase app or website
Some Chase checking accounts can be closed through the mobile app or online banking portal. Log in, go to Account Settings or Manage Account, and look for a Close Account or Deactivate Account option. Not all account types support online closure—if you don't see the option, you'll need to call or visit a branch.
If the option is available, Chase will walk you through a series of confirmations. You'll confirm your account balance is zero, that you have no pending transactions, and that you understand the account will be closed. After you submit, Chase will send a confirmation email with a reference number.
Online closure is the fastest method if your account supports it, but it offers no real-time confirmation. If something goes wrong—for example, if a pending transaction posts after you submit the closure request—you may not find out until you try to use the account. For this reason, calling or visiting in person is often safer.
What happens after the account closes
Your debit card will be deactivated within one to three business days. You can destroy it or wait for it to expire. Do not throw it away whole—cut it in half or shred it to prevent fraud. If you have checks linked to the account, they will stop working. Destroy any remaining checks or write "Account Closed" on them.
Chase will keep your account records for seven years. If you need a copy of old statements or transaction history, you can request it from Chase customer service. After seven years, Chase will delete the records. If you ever need to dispute a transaction from this account, you'll need to contact Chase within the timeframe allowed by law—usually 60 days from the statement date.
If you have a Chase credit card, closing your checking account will not affect it. The credit card and checking account are separate products. However, if you had automatic payments set up from the checking account to pay your credit card bill, you'll need to update that payment method immediately to avoid a missed payment.
Reasons Chase might refuse to close your account
Chase will not close an account if there is an outstanding balance, overdraft fees, or a negative balance. You must pay these before closure. If you dispute a transaction or have a pending claim, Chase may hold the account open until the dispute is resolved. This can take 30 to 60 days.
If you have a linked savings account or money market account, Chase may require you to close those as well, or they may ask you to confirm that you want to keep them open. Some accounts have minimum balance requirements or early closure fees—these are rare at Chase, but if your account has them, you'll need to pay the fee before closure.
If you have a Chase business checking account, the process is slightly different. You may need to provide documentation that the business is closing or that you're authorized to close the account. Call the business banking line at 1-800-955-9060 for guidance.
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. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud dispute, Chase may flag your name in their system and require additional documentation or a waiting period before you can open a new account. Contact Chase directly to ask about any restrictions on your profile.
What if I have a pending check that hasn't cleared yet?
Wait until the check clears before closing the account. If you close the account and a check posts after closure, Chase will return it unpaid and the recipient may charge you a returned check fee. You can check pending transactions in the Chase app or call customer service to confirm when recent checks have cleared.
Do I lose my transaction history if I close the account?
No. Chase keeps records for seven years. You can request statements or transaction history by calling customer service or visiting a branch. After seven years, Chase deletes the records. Download or print your statements before closing if you want to keep a personal copy.
Will closing my Chase checking account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history—loans, credit cards, and payment history. Checking and savings accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you had overdraft fees or a negative balance that went to collections, that could affect your credit.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
Most Chase checking accounts close within one to three business days after you request closure. If you close in person, the branch will process it immediately and give you a confirmation number. If you close by phone or online, it may take a few days for the closure to appear in Chase's system. During this time, your debit card will stop working, but pending transactions may still post.