You can close a Chase account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on your account type

Chase lets you close most checking and savings accounts through their mobile app, website, or by calling customer service at 1-800-935-9935. For some account types — like business accounts or those with outstanding balances — you may need to visit a branch or speak to a representative directly. Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero, all pending transactions have cleared, and you've set up direct deposit elsewhere if you need it.

The process itself is straightforward and usually takes a few minutes. Chase does not charge a fee to close an account. However, the timing matters: if you close before a scheduled payment posts, that payment may bounce, and if you have a negative balance, Chase will expect you to cover it before closing.

Key Takeaways

  • You can close a Chase checking or savings account online, through the mobile app, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or in person at a branch.
  • Your account balance must be zero before Chase will close it, so withdraw or transfer any remaining funds first.
  • If you have pending transactions, checks, or automatic payments set to that account, they may fail after closure, so cancel or redirect them beforehand.
  • Chase does not charge to close an account, but you are responsible for any negative balance or outstanding fees before the account closes.

Closing your account online or through the Chase mobile app

The fastest way to close a Chase account is through the Chase mobile app or website if your account is in good standing. Log in, navigate to your account settings, and look for the option to close the account. Chase's app and website walk you through the steps, which usually involve confirming your identity and reviewing any outstanding balance.

Not all account types can be closed online. If you have a business account, a credit line attached to the account, or an outstanding balance, the online option may not appear. In those cases, you will need to call or visit a branch. The app will tell you which method applies to your account.

Closing your account by phone

Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 to close your account over the phone. Have your account number and a form of identification ready. A representative will confirm your identity, check that your balance is zero, and process the closure. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

If you have pending transactions, the representative will ask about them. Be honest about any checks you have written or automatic payments you have set up — Chase needs to know whether they will hit the account after closure. If they will, you may need to cancel them first or wait until they clear before closing.

Closing your account in person at a Chase branch

You can walk into any Chase branch and ask to close your account. Bring a photo ID and your debit card or account number. A banker will verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot. This method is useful if you have questions about your account history or if you need to close a business account.

If you do not have a Chase branch nearby, you do not have to visit one — phone and online closure work for most personal accounts. However, if your account type does not allow remote closure, a branch visit is your only option.

What to do before you close your account

Before you initiate closure, withdraw or transfer any remaining balance. Chase will not close an account with money in it. If you have direct deposit set up, change it to your new bank account first — any paychecks that arrive after closure will be returned to your employer.

Cancel or redirect any automatic payments, bill pay, or recurring charges. If a payment is scheduled to post after you close the account, it will fail and may trigger a late fee with the company you owe. Check your recent transactions for subscriptions or monthly charges you may have forgotten about.

If you have written checks that have not cleared, wait for them to post before closing, or contact the recipients to cancel them. Closing with outstanding checks can cause them to bounce. Similarly, if you have a pending ACH transfer or wire, let it complete first.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your Chase debit card will stop working once the account closes. If you have checks linked to the account, they will no longer be valid. Destroy any remaining checks or debit cards so they cannot be used. If you have automatic bill pay set up through Chase, those payments will fail after closure.

If you have a safety deposit box at Chase, you will need to empty it and return the key before closing the account. Chase will not close an account with an active box. Similarly, if you have a credit card or line of credit attached to the account, you may need to close those separately or transfer the payment method.

Handling a negative balance or outstanding fees

If your account has a negative balance — meaning you owe Chase money — you must pay it before the account closes. This can happen if a transaction posts after your balance drops below zero, or if Chase charges an overdraft or maintenance fee. You can pay the balance online, by phone, or in person.

If you close the account without paying a negative balance, Chase will continue to pursue collection. They may report it to ChexSystems, a banking history database that other banks use to decide whether to open accounts for you. Paying the balance before closure avoids this.

After your account closes

Once closed, your account number becomes inactive and cannot be reused. If you need a record of your account history, you can request statements from Chase before or after closure. Chase keeps records for a set period, typically seven years, and can provide copies if you need them for tax or legal purposes.

If you plan to bank with Chase again in the future, closing an account in good standing does not prevent you from opening a new one. However, if you close with a negative balance or outstanding fees, Chase may flag your profile, and you may have trouble opening a new account or may face higher scrutiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Chase account after I close it?

You can open a new Chase account after closing one, but the timing depends on how you closed it. If you closed in good standing with a zero balance, you can open a new account right away. If you closed with a negative balance or outstanding fees, Chase may require you to wait or may deny the new account.

What if I have a pending check that hasn't cleared yet?

Wait for the check to clear before closing your account. If you close with an outstanding check, it will bounce when it arrives, and the recipient may charge you a returned check fee. You can also contact the person or business you wrote the check to and ask them to hold it or reissue it to a new account.

Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because these accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you close with a negative balance and Chase reports it as a debt, it could impact your score. Paying any balance before closure avoids this.

How long does it take for my account to fully close?

Most Chase accounts close within one to three business days after you request closure. However, if you have pending transactions or outstanding checks, the process may take longer. Chase will hold the account open until all transactions have cleared to prevent checks or payments from bouncing.

Can I close a joint account if the other person doesn't want to?

No. Both account holders must agree to close a joint account. If only one person wants to close it, that person can remove themselves from the account, but the account itself stays open. The remaining account holder can then close it on their own, or you can contact Chase to discuss your options.