You can close most Chase accounts online through your account settings, but the process depends on your account type and 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 have zero balance, and submit. The account closes within one to two business days. However, some account types—like business accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts—require a phone call or branch visit instead.
Before you close, Chase requires your account balance to be exactly zero. If you have money left, you'll need to transfer it out first. If you have pending transactions or automatic payments set to that account, those need to stop before closure. Chase will not close an account with an outstanding balance or active direct deposits.
Key Takeaways
- Personal checking and savings accounts can be closed online through your Chase account settings, but your balance must be zero first.
- You must stop all automatic payments, transfers, and direct deposits before closing, or Chase will reject the closure request.
- Business accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts cannot be closed online and require a phone call to Chase customer service.
- After you submit a closure request, the account closes within one to two business days, and Chase will send confirmation by mail.
Steps to close a personal checking or savings account online
Log into your Chase account on the website or mobile app. Go to your account settings—this is usually under a menu labeled "Settings," "Profile," or a gear icon. Look for an option that says "Close Account" or "Account Services." Select the account you want to close from your list of accounts.
Chase will show you your current balance. If it is not zero, you cannot proceed. Transfer any remaining money to another account or withdraw it in cash. Wait for any pending transactions to clear—this can take one to three business days depending on the transaction type. Once your balance is zero and all pending items have cleared, return to the closure screen and confirm.
You will be asked to confirm your reason for closing (optional) and acknowledge that the account will be closed. Submit the request. Chase will send a confirmation email and a letter to your mailing address within five to seven business days. The account itself closes within one to two business days of your request.
What you need to do before closing
Stop all automatic payments and recurring transfers linked to the account you are closing. This includes bill payments, subscription charges, paycheck direct deposits, and transfers to other accounts. If you miss this step, Chase will reject your closure request or the payments will fail after closure, potentially causing overdraft fees or missed payments to creditors.
Check for pending transactions. If you have a check you wrote that has not cleared, or a debit card charge that is still processing, wait for it to complete before closing. Pending items can take up to three business days to settle. You can see pending transactions in your transaction history.
Update your direct deposit with your employer or benefits provider if your paycheck goes to this account. Provide them with your new account number at least one pay cycle before closure. If you do not, your next paycheck may be rejected or delayed.
Account types that require a phone call instead
Chase business accounts, including business checking and business savings, cannot be closed online. You must call Chase Business Banking at the number on the back of your card or visit a branch with an authorized signer present. Business account closure can take longer because Chase may need to verify that all authorized users agree to the closure.
Chase credit cards must be closed by phone. Call the number on the back of your card and ask to close the account. Chase will confirm your balance is zero and ask if you want to keep the card for fraud protection purposes (you can keep a closed account open for this reason). Closing a credit card account can affect your credit score, so understand the impact before you call.
Chase investment accounts, brokerage accounts, and retirement accounts (IRAs, 401k rollovers) require a phone call or branch visit because they involve securities or tax-deferred funds. The closure process is more complex and may require additional documentation.
What happens after you submit your closure request
Your account closes within one to two business days. During this time, any transactions you authorized before closure will still process. After closure, no new transactions can post to the account. Chase will not reopen a closed account, so make sure you have transferred everything you need before submitting.
Chase will mail you a final statement showing all activity through the closure date. This statement arrives within five to seven business days. Keep this statement for your records, especially if you had automatic payments or recurring charges that may have posted after you requested closure.
If you closed the account because of fraud or unauthorized activity, contact Chase fraud services before closing. They may want to investigate the account while it is still active. Closing the account does not erase the transaction history, but it does prevent further access.
Reasons to keep an account open instead of closing
If you have a Chase credit card linked to this checking account for bill pay, closing the account may disrupt that setup. You would need to update your payment method with Chase and any billers who pull from this account. This takes time and can cause missed payments if not done carefully.
If you use Chase's mobile check deposit or other services tied to this account, those will stop working after closure. If you plan to use Chase again in the future, you may want to keep a basic account open instead of closing entirely. Chase does not charge monthly fees on many checking accounts if you maintain a low balance.
Closing an account does not improve your credit score. If you are closing because of debt or financial hardship, closing the account may actually make things harder. Speak with a financial counselor before closing multiple accounts in a short time.
What to do if you cannot close online
If the closure option does not appear in your account settings, your account type may require a phone call. Call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your card or visit a local branch. Have your account number and ID ready. The representative can close the account over the phone or schedule a branch appointment if needed.
If you see an error message saying your balance is not zero when you believe it is, wait 24 hours for pending transactions to clear. Debit card charges and transfers can show as pending for up to three days. If the balance still shows as non-zero after waiting, contact Chase to ask what transaction is holding the account open.
If you have already closed the account and need to reopen it, contact Chase when ready. They may be able to reopen it within a short window, but this is not may provide. Once an account is closed for more than 30 days, Chase typically will not reopen it and you will need to open a new account instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to close a Chase account online?
The account closes within one to two business days of your request. You will receive a confirmation email when ready and a mailed confirmation letter within five to seven business days. During the one to two day window, authorized transactions may still process.
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must bring your balance to exactly zero before closing. If your balance is negative (you owe Chase money), you cannot close online. Contact Chase to pay the negative balance first, then request closure.
What happens to checks I wrote before closing the account?
Checks will still clear after closure if they have not already. The funds will be deducted from your account before it closes. If a check arrives after closure, it will be returned unpaid. This is why you should wait for all pending checks to clear before requesting closure.
Do I lose my transaction history after closing?
No. Chase keeps your transaction history on file even after closure. You can view it online for a limited time after closure, and your final statement will show all activity through the closure date. Keep your final statement for your records.
Can I close my account if I have a pending direct deposit?
No. You must stop your direct deposit before closing. Update your employer or benefits provider with a new account number at least one pay cycle before closure. If a direct deposit posts after you request closure, it will be returned to the sender.