Chase does not charge a fee for closing a checking account, whether you close it after one month or one year
You can close a Chase checking account at any time without paying a penalty or early-closure fee. Chase's checking accounts do not have a required minimum holding period, and the bank does not charge you to end the relationship.
What you may owe depends on what happened in the account before you closed it — not on the closing itself. If your account went negative, you still owe that balance. If you had overdraft fees, those remain your responsibility. But the act of closing the account carries no separate charge from Chase.
Key Takeaways
- Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account at any time, regardless of how long you have held it.
- Any overdraft fees or negative balances you accumulated before closing remain your responsibility, even after the account closes.
- You can close a Chase checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch.
- If you have an automatic payment or direct deposit set up, you will need to update those before closing to avoid missed payments or lost deposits.
- Chase will send you a final statement showing any remaining balance or fees owed.
What happens to money still in the account when you close it
If your account has a positive balance when you close it, Chase will send you that money. The bank can mail you a check, transfer it to another account you own, or in some cases process it through a wire transfer — you choose the method when you close.
If your account is overdrawn (negative), you owe Chase that amount. The bank will not close the account until you pay it, or they may close it and send you a bill for the negative balance. Either way, the debt does not disappear because the account closed.
How to close a Chase checking account
You have three ways to close: online through Chase's website or mobile app, by phone at the customer service number on your card, or in person at any Chase branch. Online is usually the fastest if your account is in good standing and has a positive balance.
When you close, have your account number ready and know where you want any remaining balance sent. If you close online, you may be asked to confirm the closure by email. If you close by phone or in person, the representative will walk you through the steps and answer questions about your balance.
Before you close, make sure no automatic payments or recurring charges are still tied to the account. If a bill payment or subscription tries to charge after the account closes, it will be rejected and may trigger a late fee from the merchant, not from Chase.
Fees you might still owe after closing
Chase charges overdraft fees if your account goes negative — typically around $35 per overdraft, though the exact amount varies. If you close an account with overdraft fees already charged, you owe those fees. Closing the account does not erase them.
Some Chase checking accounts have a monthly service fee if you do not meet certain requirements, like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. If you close mid-month, you may still owe the fee for that month. Chase will include any outstanding fees on your final statement.
What to do before closing to avoid problems
Update any automatic payments or direct deposits at least a week before you close. Log into each service — your employer's payroll system, your utility company, your insurance provider — and change the account number to your new bank account. If you miss one, the payment will fail and you may face a late fee from that company.
Check your account balance online to see if there are any pending charges or fees. If you see an overdraft fee you do not think is fair, contact Chase before closing to dispute it — you have a better chance of getting it reversed while the account is still active.
If you have checks still in circulation, wait until you are sure they have all cleared before closing. A check that arrives after the account closes will bounce, and the recipient may charge you a returned-check fee.
What happens to your debit card after you close
Your Chase debit card will stop working once the account closes. You do not need to do anything special — the card is straightforward tied to that account and becomes inactive. If you want, you can cut it up or shred it, but you do not have to return it to Chase.
If you are switching to another Chase account, ask for a new debit card for that account before you close the old one. That way you will not have a gap where you have no card to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Your credit score only changes based on credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. Closing a checking account has no impact on your credit history.
Can I reopen a Chase checking account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new Chase checking account at any time, even if you closed one before. However, if you closed an account because of fraud or unpaid fees, Chase may review your history before approving a new account. If you left on good terms, opening a new account is straightforward.
What if I have a negative balance and close the account?
Chase will not let you close an account with a negative balance without paying it first. If you try to close online and the account is overdrawn, the system will block the closure and ask you to pay the balance. You can pay it when ready and then close, or pay it separately and close later.
How long does it take to get my money after I close?
If you request a check, it typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. If you transfer the balance to another bank account, it usually takes 1 to 3 business days. Chase will tell you the expected timeline when you close the account.
Do I need to close my account in person?
No. You can close online or by phone if the account is in good standing. In-person closure at a branch is an option if you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face, but it is not required. Online is usually fastest if your account has a positive balance and no holds.