You can close a Chase checking account online through your Chase account, but only if you meet certain conditions
Chase allows you to close a checking account through their website or mobile app, but the process has limits. You can only close the account online if you have a zero balance, no pending transactions, and no outstanding checks. If your account has a balance or you have checks still clearing, you will need to call Chase or visit a branch in person. The online method takes a few minutes once you meet these requirements.
Before you start, make sure you have transferred any remaining money out of the account and waited for any pending deposits or withdrawals to finish processing. This usually takes one to three business days depending on what type of transaction it was.
Key Takeaways
- You can close your Chase checking account online only if the account balance is zero and there are no pending transactions or outstanding checks.
- If your account has a balance or pending activity, you must call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person.
- After closing the account, Chase will send you a final statement in the mail within one to two weeks.
- You should update any automatic payments or direct deposits that were connected to this account before closing it.
Steps to close your account online
Log into your Chase account on the website or open the Chase Mobile app. Go to the account settings or account management section — this is usually found by tapping the menu icon or clicking on your profile. Look for an option that says "Close Account" or "Account Services." Chase will show you a list of your accounts and ask you to select which one you want to close.
Before you proceed, Chase will confirm that your balance is zero and that there are no pending transactions. If either of these is not true, the system will stop and tell you to call or visit a branch instead. If everything checks out, you will be asked to confirm that you want to close the account. After you confirm, the account closes when ready.
What to do before you close the account
Move any money out of the account first. You can transfer it to another bank account you own, or withdraw it as cash at a Chase branch or ATM. Wait at least one business day after the transfer completes before trying to close the account online, because pending transactions can block the closure.
Cancel or change any automatic payments that were set to come out of this account. This includes bill payments, subscription services, or transfers to other accounts. If you forget to do this, the payments will fail and the companies you owe money to may charge you a fee. You should also update your employer or any other source of direct deposit to send your paycheck to a different account.
Check for any outstanding checks you wrote from this account. If you wrote a check and it has not cleared yet, the account cannot close online. You will need to either wait for the check to clear or call Chase to close it by phone.
What happens after you close the account
Your debit card will stop working when ready. If you have a checkbook, you should destroy any remaining checks so they cannot be used. Chase will send you a final statement in the mail within one to two weeks that shows all activity up to the closing date.
If any transactions try to post to the account after it closes, they will be rejected. The company or person trying to charge the account will receive a notice that the account no longer exists. This is why it is important to update automatic payments before closing.
When you have to close by phone or in person
If your account has a balance, you cannot close it online. Call the number on the back of your debit card and tell the representative you want to close the account. They will help you move the money and complete the closure. You can also visit any Chase branch and ask a teller to close the account for you.
If you have pending transactions or outstanding checks, you will also need to close by phone or in person. The representative can tell you exactly when the pending items will clear and when you can close the account online, or they can close it for you over the phone once everything settles.
Reasons to close a checking account
People close checking accounts for many reasons. You might be switching to a different bank, consolidating multiple accounts, or moving to a new state where Chase does not have branches. Some people close accounts because they are unhappy with fees or customer service. Whatever your reason, the process is straightforward as long as you prepare ahead of time.
If you are closing because of fees, you might want to look at Chase's other checking account options first. Chase offers accounts with different fee structures, and you may be able to switch to one that costs less without closing your current account.
What to do with your debit card after closing
Once the account is closed, your debit card will no longer work. You do not have to do anything special with the physical card — you can throw it away or cut it up. Some people prefer to cut their cards in half before throwing them away as an extra security step, but this is not required.
If you have a Chase credit card, closing your checking account will not affect it. Your credit card account will remain open and active as long as you keep it in good standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I close my account but then realize I need it?
You can open a new Chase checking account at any time. However, if you closed the account very recently, Chase may ask you to wait a short period before opening a new one. Contact Chase directly to find out their current policy on reopening accounts.
Will closing my 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 and loans, not deposit accounts.
Can I close the account if I have a negative balance?
No. If your account is negative, you owe Chase money. You must pay the negative balance first before the account can close. Call Chase to discuss payment options if you cannot pay the full amount right away.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
The account closes when ready when you confirm online. However, it may take one to two weeks for the final statement to arrive in the mail and for all pending transactions to fully clear from the system.
Do I need to close my account in the same state where I opened it?
No. You can close your account online from anywhere, or by calling Chase or visiting any Chase branch regardless of which state you opened it in. Location does not matter for closing.