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, find the account closure option in settings, confirm you want to close it, and follow the prompts. However, if your account has a negative balance (you owe Chase money), you will need to pay that first. If you have a credit card or loan with Chase, those require different closure steps than deposit accounts.
The time it takes to fully close varies. Your account may show as closed when ready in the app, but Chase takes several business days to process the closure on their end. During that window, any pending transactions could still post to the account. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, you should redirect those before closing to avoid problems.
Key Takeaways
- Chase checking and savings accounts can be closed online through the website or mobile app by logging in and selecting the account closure option in settings.
- You must have a zero or positive balance before closing; if you owe Chase money, you need to pay it first.
- Pending transactions may still process for several business days after you close the account, so check for outstanding checks or automatic payments.
- Credit cards and loans require separate closure steps and cannot be closed through the same process as deposit accounts.
How to close a Chase checking or savings account online
Log into your Chase account on the website or open the Chase mobile app. Navigate to the account you want to close and look for a settings or account options menu—this is usually represented by a gear icon or three dots. Select the option to close the account. Chase will ask you to confirm that you want to close it and may ask why you are closing it; this feedback is optional.
Before you confirm, Chase will show you your current balance. If the balance is positive, you can proceed. If it is zero or negative, you will see a message telling you to pay the negative balance first. Once you confirm closure, the account will typically show as closed in your app within minutes, though the official closure takes a few business days to process on Chase's backend.
What to do with money still in the account
If your account has a positive balance, you have two options: transfer the money to another account before closing, or let Chase send it to you. If you transfer it yourself before closing, the account will close with a zero balance. If you do not transfer it, Chase will mail a check to the address on file once the closure is complete, which usually takes one to two weeks after the account closes.
Transferring the money yourself is faster and gives you control over where it goes. You can transfer to another Chase account you own, or to an account at a different bank using external transfer. Do this before you close the account to avoid any confusion about where your money went.
Pending transactions and automatic payments
Even after you close the account online, transactions that were already in process may still post for several business days. This includes checks you wrote that have not cleared, automatic bill payments, and pending debit card charges. If any of these post after closure, Chase will typically reject them and return the funds, but this can take time and may result in overdraft fees or late payments to the companies you owe.
Before closing, review your recent transactions and upcoming bills. If you have automatic payments set up (utilities, insurance, loan payments), change those to your new account or payment method now. If you have outstanding checks, wait until they clear or cancel them through your bank. This prevents the frustration of a payment failing after your account is gone.
Closing a Chase credit card or loan account
Credit cards and personal loans cannot be closed through the same online process as deposit accounts. To close a credit card, call the number on the back of your card or log into your credit card account and look for a "close account" or "request closure" option—not all cards offer this online. For personal loans, you will need to pay off the full balance first, then contact Chase to request closure.
When you close a credit card, make sure the balance is zero before you request closure. If you have a balance, pay it off first. After closure, the card will stop working, but you remain responsible for any remaining balance. Closing a credit card can affect your credit score because it reduces your available credit, so consider this before closing if you have other cards.
What happens after your account closes
Once your account is fully closed, you will no longer be able to use your debit card, write checks, or access the account through the app or website. Your account number becomes inactive. If you set up direct deposit or automatic payments to this account, those will fail, so you need to update them with your new bank information before closure.
Chase will keep records of your closed account for your own reference and for tax purposes (if you earned interest, you will still receive a 1099-INT form). You can still view your closed account history in the Chase app for a limited time after closure. If you need to dispute a transaction or have questions about the account after it closes, you can still contact Chase customer service.
If you cannot close your account online
Some accounts cannot be closed online. If you have a business account, a joint account with restrictions, or an account with an outstanding negative balance, you will need to call Chase or visit a branch. Business accounts require different closure procedures and may need documentation. Joint accounts may require both account holders to request closure, depending on how the account is set up.
If you see a message saying your account cannot be closed online, note the reason and call the number on the back of your debit card or check your account statement for the customer service number. A representative can walk you through the closure process and answer questions about your specific account type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Chase account to fully close?
The account typically shows as closed in your app within minutes, but the official closure takes three to five business days. During this time, pending transactions may still process. Once fully closed, you will not be able to access the account.
Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score because these accounts do not appear on your credit report. Closing a credit card can affect your score because it reduces your available credit, but the impact is usually temporary.
What if I closed my account but a check still came through?
Chase will reject the check and return it to the sender. The sender will see it marked as "account closed." If this happens with a bill payment, contact the company to resubmit payment to your new account to avoid a late fee.
Can I reopen a Chase account I just closed?
You can open a new Chase account, but you cannot reopen the exact same closed account. The old account number is permanently inactive. Opening a new account is straightforward and can be done online.
Do I need to close my account in person if I have a negative balance?
No. Pay the negative balance online first using a debit card, credit card, or bank transfer, then close the account online. You do not need to visit a branch unless you prefer to pay in person.