You can close most Chase accounts online through your account settings, but the process depends on which type of account you have and whether you have an outstanding balance

Chase lets you close checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. The steps are straightforward: log in, navigate to account settings, and select the option to close. However, if you have a negative balance, pending transactions, or certain account types like business accounts, you'll need to call Chase directly at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch in person.

The real friction point is what happens to your money and any automatic payments tied to that account. Chase will not close an account with a negative balance until you pay it. If you have direct deposits or bill payments set up, those don't automatically stop when you close the account—you need to update them elsewhere first, or they will fail and potentially trigger overdraft fees at your new bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Closing a Chase checking or savings account online takes about five minutes if the account has a zero or positive balance and no pending transactions.
  • You must move or withdraw all money from the account before closing it; Chase will not close an account with a negative balance.
  • Any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to the account will not stop automatically, so update them at their source before you close.
  • Business accounts, money market accounts, and some specialty products cannot be closed online and require a phone call or branch visit.
  • After you close the account, Chase keeps records for seven years in case you need to dispute a transaction or verify a payment.

Steps to close your account through the Chase app or website

Log into your Chase account on the website or mobile app. On the website, go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right), then select Account Settings. In the mobile app, tap the menu icon, then Settings, then Account Settings. Look for the account you want to close and select it.

Find the option labeled "Close Account" or "Close This Account." Chase places this in the account details section, usually near the bottom. Click or tap it. You'll see a confirmation screen that lists any remaining balance and asks you to confirm. If the balance is positive, Chase will tell you how the funds will be returned—usually to the linked external account you've used for transfers, or by check if no external account is on file.

Complete the confirmation. The account closes when ready in most cases, though it may take one to two business days for the closure to fully process. You'll receive a confirmation email. If you don't see a "Close Account" option, your account type is not may be able to access for online closure, and you'll need to call Chase or visit a branch.

What to do with automatic payments and direct deposits before closing

This is the step most people skip, and it causes real problems. Before you close the account, log into each service that sends money to or takes money from that Chase account. This includes your employer's payroll system, your mortgage lender, your insurance company, your utility company, any subscription services, and any other bill-pay setup.

Update the bank account information in each system to point to your new bank account. Do not rely on Chase to forward payments or on your new bank to catch them. If a payment tries to process against a closed account, it will fail. Your employer might reissue a check, but your mortgage company or utility will likely charge you a late fee, and you could face service interruption.

Give yourself at least one full billing cycle to make these changes before you close the account. If you have a paycheck coming in two weeks, wait until after it hits your new account and you've confirmed the deposit went through. If you have a mortgage payment due in three weeks, update the bank information now and let one payment process to the new account before closing the old one.

Account types that require a phone call or branch visit

Chase business accounts, including business checking and business savings, cannot be closed online. You must call the business banking line at 1-800-955-9060 or visit a branch with authorization from the account owner and any signatories.

Money market accounts, CDs (certificates of deposit), and some specialty savings products also require a phone call. If you're trying to close one of these and the online option doesn't appear, call the main Chase customer service line at 1-800-935-9935 and ask to speak with someone who handles account closures. Have your account number ready.

If you have a Chase credit card, that's a separate product and closes through a different process. Credit cards cannot be closed through the same account settings menu as checking or savings accounts. You'll need to call the number on the back of your card or log into your credit card account separately and look for a closure option there.

What happens to your money when you close the account

If your account has a positive balance, Chase returns the money to the external bank account you've linked to your Chase account for transfers. This usually takes one to three business days. If you haven't linked an external account, or if you want the money sent somewhere else, Chase will mail you a check. Request this option during the closure process if it's available, or call Chase to arrange it.

If your account has a negative balance—meaning you owe Chase money—the account will not close until you pay the balance in full. You can pay it online through your Chase account, by phone, or at a branch. Once paid, the account closure can proceed. Chase will not forgive the balance or waive it because you're closing the account.

If you have pending transactions that haven't cleared yet, Chase may hold the account open until those transactions post. This typically takes two to five business days. You'll see a message during the closure process if this applies to you.

How long the closure takes and what records Chase keeps

The account closure itself is when ready or takes one to two business days to fully process. You'll see the account removed from your account list shortly after you confirm the closure. However, Chase keeps records of the account for seven years. This matters if you need to dispute a transaction, verify a payment you made, or provide proof that you had the account for a loan or legal matter.

You can request copies of statements or transaction history from closed accounts by calling Chase at 1-800-935-9935 or visiting a branch. Have your account number and the date range you need ready. There is no charge for this service.

What to do if you can't close the account online

If the "Close Account" option doesn't appear in your settings, or if you get an error message when you try, the most common reasons are: the account has a negative balance, there are pending transactions, the account type is not may be able to access for online closure, or there is a hold on the account.

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and explain that you want to close the account. Have your account number ready. A representative can tell you when ready why the online option is not available and walk you through the phone closure process. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. If the issue is a negative balance or pending transactions, the representative can also tell you exactly what needs to happen before the account can close.

If you prefer to close the account in person, visit any Chase branch with a photo ID and your account number. Bring any checks or debit cards associated with the account if you want Chase to destroy them, though this is not required. The branch can close the account on the spot and answer questions about where your remaining balance will go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts. However, if you close a credit card account, that can have a small temporary impact on your credit utilization ratio.

What if I closed my account and a payment still tries to process?

The payment will be rejected and returned to the sender. Your employer might reissue a check, but a biller like your mortgage company will likely charge you a late fee. Contact the biller when ready to explain the account closure and provide your new account information. Ask them to resubmit the payment.

Can I reopen a Chase account I just closed?

Yes, you can open a new Chase account at any time. However, if you closed the account because of a negative balance or other issue, Chase may flag your profile. Call 1-800-935-9935 before opening a new account to ask whether there are any restrictions on your profile.

How do I close a Chase account if I don't have online access?

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch in person with a photo ID and your account number. A representative or branch employee can close the account over the phone or in person. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Do I need to destroy my debit card when I close my account?

No, but it's a good idea. Once the account is closed, the card will not work, so there's no security risk. However, destroying it prevents accidental use or confusion later. You can cut it up or ask Chase to destroy it when you close the account.