Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account

You can close a Chase checking account at any time without paying a closure fee. Chase's published fee schedule does not include a charge for closing an account, whether you close it in person at a branch, by phone, or online. The only cost you might face is an overdraft fee if your account has a negative balance when you close it — Chase will charge you for any outstanding overdrafts before the account closes.

The process itself is straightforward and takes a few minutes. You do not need a reason to close the account, and Chase will not try to keep you from leaving. What matters is the state of your account when you initiate the closure: any pending transactions, automatic payments, or direct deposits tied to that account number need to be handled before or during the closing process.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase charges no fee to close a checking account, but you will pay any overdraft fees on the account balance at the time of closure.
  • You can close an account in person at a branch, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or through the Chase mobile app or website.
  • Before closing, redirect any automatic payments or direct deposits to a new account, because transactions can still post after closure and trigger fees.
  • If you have a negative balance, Chase will deduct the overdraft amount from another account you hold with them, or send you a bill if you have no other accounts.

What happens to money still in the account

If your checking account has a positive balance when you close it, Chase will send you a check for that amount, or you can transfer the funds to another account before closing. You have the option to move the money yourself during the closing process, which is faster than waiting for a mailed check. The check, if sent, typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If the account has a negative balance — meaning you owe Chase money — they will recover that amount before the account fully closes. Chase will first try to take the overdraft amount from another checking or savings account you hold with them. If you have no other accounts, Chase will send you a bill for the negative balance, and you will owe that amount even after the account is closed.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits before you close

This is the step most people overlook, and it can create problems after the account is closed. Any automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or payroll direct deposits tied to your old account number will fail once the account closes. Failed direct deposits can delay your paycheck, and failed bill payments can result in late fees from the company you owe money to.

Before you close the account, log into each service that pulls money from or deposits money to that account — your employer's payroll system, your utility company, your insurance provider, any subscription services — and update the account information to your new account. This takes time, but it prevents cascading problems. If you forget one and it tries to process after closure, the transaction will bounce, and you may face fees from both Chase and the merchant.

How to close your account

You have three main routes: visit a Chase branch in person, call Chase customer service, or use the Chase mobile app or website. In-person closure is the slowest but gives you a chance to ask questions and confirm the process is complete. Phone closure is faster — call 1-800-935-9935 and tell them you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, confirm your account balance, and process the closure on the call.

Online closure through the app or website is the quickest option if your account is in good standing. Log into your account, navigate to the account settings, and select the option to close the account. You will be asked to confirm the balance and choose what to do with any remaining funds. The account typically closes within one business day after you submit the request online.

Timing: when the account actually closes

The account does not close when ready. If you close it in person or by phone, Chase marks it for closure that day, but the account remains open for a few more business days to allow pending transactions to clear. This is important: checks you wrote, debit card charges, or ACH transfers that have not yet posted can still hit the account after you have requested closure. If one of those transactions causes an overdraft, you will be charged an overdraft fee.

Online closures typically take one business day to process. During that time, do not use the debit card or write checks on that account. Once the account is fully closed, the account number becomes inactive, and no new transactions can post to it. If you need to confirm the account is closed, you can call Chase or check the app — closed accounts no longer appear in your active account list.

What to do if you have a Chase overdraft fee

If your account went negative before closure and Chase charged you an overdraft fee, you can ask Chase to reverse it. Call 1-800-935-9935 and explain that you were closing the account and did not intend to overdraft. Chase's overdraft fee reversal policy allows them to waive one fee per year for customers in good standing, though they do not have to grant every request. If this is your first overdraft fee or if you have been a customer for a long time, Chase is more likely to reverse it.

If Chase declines to reverse the fee and you have another account with them, they will deduct the overdraft amount from that account. If you do not have another account with Chase, they will send you a bill. You are legally obligated to pay the overdraft, even after the account is closed, because the debt remains valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my Chase checking account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus track credit accounts — credit cards, loans, lines of credit — not deposit accounts. Closing a checking account is purely a banking transaction and has no credit impact.

Can I reopen a Chase checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new Chase checking account at any time after closing one. There is no waiting period or penalty for reopening. However, if you closed the account because of overdrafts or other issues, Chase may review your banking history before approving a new account. If you were flagged in Chase's internal system for repeated overdrafts or fraud concerns, they may decline to open a new account for you.

What if I close my account but a check I wrote hasn't cleared yet?

The check can still clear after the account is closed, as long as it arrives within a reasonable time frame. Chase will honor the check and deduct the amount from the closed account. If the account does not have enough funds, the check will bounce, and you will owe Chase an overdraft fee. This is why you should wait at least two weeks after closing before assuming all checks have cleared.

Do I need to close my Chase savings account separately?

Yes. Checking and savings accounts are separate products, even if held at the same bank. Closing your checking account does not close your savings account. You must close each account separately if you want both closed. The same process applies: no closure fee, but any overdrafts or negative balances will be charged.

What if Chase won't let me close my account?

Chase cannot prevent you from closing your account, but they can require you to resolve certain issues first. If your account is flagged for fraud, has an unresolved negative balance, or is under investigation, Chase may temporarily block closure. Contact Chase directly to understand why the closure is being delayed and what you need to do to resolve it. Once the issue is cleared, you can close the account when ready.