You cannot change your Chase checking account number yourself, and Chase will not change it for you unless the account has been compromised
Your Chase checking account number is permanent for the life of that account. Chase does not offer a process to request a new number for an active, uncompromised account. If you want a different account number, you must close the current account and open a new one.
The only exception is fraud or unauthorized access. If someone has used your account number without permission, or if you believe your account number has been exposed in a data breach, contact Chase when ready. They will investigate and may issue a new account number as part of their fraud response, though this is not may provide and depends on what happened.
Key Takeaways
- Chase checking account numbers do not change during the life of an account, and you cannot request a change for any reason other than fraud.
- If you want a new account number, you must close your current account and open a new Chase checking account.
- Closing and reopening means updating your direct deposit, automatic payments, and any other services linked to the old account number.
- If your account number has been compromised or exposed, call Chase fraud services when ready at the number on the back of your debit card.
- Some banks do issue new account numbers after fraud, but Chase treats this case-by-case and does not promise a new number.
Why you might want to change your account number
People usually want a new account number for one of three reasons: they shared it with someone they no longer trust, they believe it was exposed in a breach, or they straightforward want a fresh start with a new account.
If someone you know has your account number and you are concerned they might use it, changing the number is the only way to stop them. Sharing your account number is different from sharing your debit card—the card can be cancelled and replaced, but the account number itself stays the same. If you gave your account number to a roommate, ex-partner, or contractor and now regret it, closing the account is your only option.
If your account number was part of a data breach or you saw it posted online, contact Chase fraud services right away. They can freeze the account and investigate whether unauthorized transactions have occurred. In some cases they will close the account and open a new one as part of the resolution, but this is their decision, not yours to request.
What happens when you close and reopen an account
Closing your current checking account and opening a new one takes a few days to a week, depending on how you do it. You can start the process online through Chase's website or app, or by visiting a branch in person. Either way, you will need to decide what to do with any remaining balance—you can transfer it to another account or request a check.
The real work comes after. You will need to update your account number anywhere it is currently used: your employer's payroll system (for direct deposit), any automatic bill payments you have set up, any services that charge your account monthly, and any third-party apps or platforms linked to your account. If you miss any of these, payments will fail and you may face overdraft fees or late charges.
Chase will close the old account, usually within a few days. After that, any attempt to use the old account number will be rejected. This is why you need to update everything before or when ready after closing—the window between closing and having everything switched over is when problems happen.
How to close your Chase checking account
You can close a Chase checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Online closure is the fastest if you have no remaining balance or you are comfortable transferring the balance electronically.
To close online, log into your Chase account, go to the account settings or account details section, and look for a "close account" or "account closure" option. Chase will ask you to confirm that you want to close it and will show you your current balance. If there is money in the account, you can transfer it to another Chase account you own, or to an external bank account you have linked to your Chase profile.
If you prefer to close by phone, call the number on the back of your debit card and ask to speak with someone about closing your checking account. They will verify your identity and walk you through the balance options. Closing in person at a branch takes longer because of wait times, but some people prefer it if they have questions or a complicated balance situation.
Opening a new Chase checking account
Once your old account is closed, you can open a new one when ready. You can do this online, by phone, or in a branch. Online is usually fastest—you can complete the process in 10 to 15 minutes and have the account open the same day or the next business day.
Chase will assign you a new account number when you open the new account. You will receive this number in your welcome email, in the app, or on your first statement. Write it down and start updating it everywhere you use it.
If you open a new account before closing the old one, you will have both accounts active at the same time. This can be useful if you want to transfer money between them or if you want to make sure the new account is working before you close the old one. Just remember that you will be paying monthly fees on both accounts during the overlap period, unless one of them qualifies for a fee waiver.
What to update after you have a new account number
Direct deposit is the first priority. Contact your employer's payroll or human resources department and give them your new account number and routing number. Chase's routing number is the same for all accounts, so you only need to update the account number itself. This usually takes one to two pay periods to take effect, so plan ahead if you are closing your old account soon.
Automatic bill payments come next. Log into each service that charges your account—utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments, anything that pulls money from your checking account. Update the account number in each one. Some services let you do this online; others require a phone call. Make a list as you go so you do not miss any.
Third-party apps and platforms that are linked to your account—payment apps like Venmo or PayPal, budgeting apps, investment apps—all need the new account number if they pull money from or send money to your checking account. Check your app settings and update the linked account information.
If you have checks printed with your old account number, stop using them. Any checks you write on the old account after it is closed will bounce. If you need checks for the new account, you can order them from Chase or from a third-party printer.
If your account number was compromised
Call Chase fraud services when ready if you believe your account number has been used without permission or exposed in a breach. The number is on the back of your debit card. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a form of ID ready.
Chase will review your account for unauthorized transactions. If they find any, they will typically reverse them and may issue you a new debit card. Whether they close your account and issue a new account number depends on the severity of the fraud and their internal assessment. They do not promise a new account number, but they may offer one as part of their resolution.
While the investigation is ongoing, Chase may temporarily freeze your account to prevent further unauthorized use. This means you cannot make new transactions, but your direct deposit and legitimate automatic payments may still go through depending on the freeze settings. Ask Chase what is frozen and for how long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my 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. Your credit score is based on credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. Closing a checking account has no impact on any of those.
Can I keep the same routing number if I open a new account?
Yes. Chase's routing number is the same for all checking accounts at the same branch or region. When you open a new account, you will have the same routing number but a different account number. This means you only need to update the account number in your direct deposit and bill payments, not the routing number.
What if I have pending transactions when I close my account?
Pending transactions will either clear or be rejected depending on the timing. If a transaction is still pending when you close the account, it may fail because the account no longer exists. Contact the merchant or service to find out what happened and whether you need to resubmit the payment using your new account number. This is why it is best to close an account after all pending transactions have cleared.
How long does it take to close a Chase checking account?
The account closure itself is when ready or takes one to three business days depending on how you close it. However, it can take up to 10 business days for the account to fully close and for any remaining balance to be transferred or mailed to you. During this time, the account is inactive but may still appear in your online banking.
Can I reopen the same account number after closing it?
No. Once a Chase checking account is closed, that account number is retired and will never be reissued. If you change your mind after closing, you must open a completely new account with a new account number.