Closing a Chase checking account does not cost money
Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account. You can close your account at any time without a penalty, whether you have a zero balance, a positive balance, or even a small negative balance (though Chase will expect you to cover any overdraft before closing).
The process itself is free. What matters is how you handle any remaining money in the account and whether you have any outstanding issues — like pending transactions or automatic payments still linked to the account — that could complicate the closure.
Key Takeaways
- Chase charges no fee to close a checking account, and you can do it whenever you want.
- You must withdraw or transfer any remaining balance before the account closes, or Chase will hold it and you will need to contact them to retrieve it.
- Cancel any automatic payments or transfers linked to the account at least a week before closing to avoid failed transactions.
- You can close an account in person at a Chase branch, by phone, or by mail — the method does not affect the cost.
What happens to money still in the account
If you have money in the account when you close it, you need to move it out first. You can transfer it to another bank account you own, withdraw it as cash, or request a check from Chase. If you close the account without removing the balance, Chase will not automatically send it to you — you will have to call and request it later, which adds an unnecessary step.
If the account has a negative balance (you owe Chase money), you must pay that amount before closing. Chase will not close an account with an outstanding debt, and leaving it unpaid can affect your banking history.
Stopping automatic payments before you close
Before you close the account, go through your list of automatic payments and transfers. This includes direct deposits from your employer, automatic bill payments, subscription renewals, transfers to savings accounts, and any other recurring transactions linked to the account.
Contact each company or service to update your payment method or cancel the automatic arrangement at least seven to ten days before your planned closure date. If you close the account while automatic payments are still scheduled, those payments will fail, and you could face late fees from the companies you owe money to. Chase will not redirect these payments to another account.
Three ways to close your account
In person at a Chase branch: Bring your ID and any debit cards linked to the account. A banker can close it on the spot. This is the fastest method if you have questions or need to withdraw cash at the same time.
By phone: Call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or on your statement. Have your account number and ID ready. The representative will walk you through the process and confirm the closure. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
By mail: Write a letter to Chase requesting account closure, include your account number and signature, and mail it to the address on your statement. This method is slower — it can take two to four weeks — and you will not have confirmation until Chase sends you a letter back.
What to do with your debit card
Once you close the account, your debit card will stop working. You do not have to do anything special with the physical card — you can throw it away or cut it up. However, if you have the card set up for online payments or stored in digital wallets (like Apple Pay or Google Pay), those will also stop working once the account closes.
If you are switching to another Chase account, ask the banker or representative whether you can transfer your existing debit card to the new account. Sometimes Chase can reissue the same card number to your new account, which saves you the step of updating stored payment information.
Reasons Chase might delay or refuse closure
Chase will not close an account when ready if there are pending transactions still processing. If you made a deposit or payment in the last few days, wait for it to clear before closing. This usually takes one to three business days.
If you have a negative balance or an overdraft fee that has not been paid, Chase will ask you to settle it first. If you have a Chase credit card linked to the checking account for automatic payments, you may need to update that card's payment method before closing the checking account.
In rare cases, if there is an active dispute or investigation on the account, Chase may freeze it temporarily and delay closure until the matter is resolved.
After the account closes
Once closed, the account is gone. You will not be able to make deposits, withdrawals, or transfers. Any checks you wrote from that account will bounce if they have not cleared yet, so make sure all outstanding checks have been cashed before you close.
Chase will keep records of the closed account for your file. If you need a statement or proof that the account existed, you can request it from Chase at any time. The account will also remain visible in your banking history, which can be useful if you need to verify past transactions for tax or legal reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you close the account while owing an overdraft fee that goes unpaid, that debt could eventually be reported and harm your score.
Can I reopen the same account after I close it?
No. Once you close a Chase checking account, that specific account number is retired and cannot be reopened. If you want to bank with Chase again, you will have to open a new account with a new account number.
What if I forgot to cancel an automatic payment before closing?
Contact the company or service that was supposed to receive the payment and let them know your account closed. Explain that the payment failed and ask how to reschedule it or update your payment method. Most companies will work with you to avoid late fees if you contact them quickly.
Do I need to close the account in person, or can I do it over the phone?
You can close over the phone or by mail. In-person closure is fastest and gives you a chance to ask questions, but it is not required. Phone closure takes about 10 minutes and is just as final.
What happens if I have a pending check that has not cleared?
Keep the account open until all checks have cleared. If you close before a check clears, it will bounce when the recipient tries to cash it, and you could face fees from both Chase and the recipient. Checks can take up to two weeks to clear, so plan ahead.