Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account
You can close a Chase checking account at no cost. Chase's account closure policy does not include a termination fee, early closure penalty, or any other charge for ending the account. The only money that leaves your account is what you withdraw or transfer out before closure.
What matters more than the fee is the timing and the balance. If you have an outstanding balance on overdrafts or fees owed to Chase, those will be deducted from your account before it closes. If your account is overdrawn, Chase will not close it until the negative balance is resolved — either by you depositing funds or by Chase collecting from a linked account.
Key Takeaways
- Chase charges no fee to close a checking account, but you must have a zero or positive balance before closure can complete.
- Any unpaid overdraft fees, monthly service charges, or other debts to Chase will be deducted from your account during closure.
- You can close an account in person at a branch, by phone, or online through Chase's website or mobile app.
- Pending transactions and direct deposits may still post after you request closure, so verify the account is truly empty before you leave.
What happens to your money when you close the account
Before you close, you need to move or withdraw all your money. Chase will not close an account that still holds funds. You can transfer the balance to another Chase account, move it to a different bank, or withdraw it in cash.
Direct deposits and automatic payments linked to the account may still process for a few days after you request closure, depending on when the request is submitted relative to the processing cycle. If a direct deposit posts after you have already closed the account, Chase will return it to the sender. This can create a gap where your employer thinks the deposit went through but you no longer have access to it. Before closing, contact your employer's payroll department and any other sources of regular deposits to update your banking information.
Checks you have written may also clear after closure. If a check clears against a closed account, Chase will return it unpaid, and the recipient may charge you a returned check fee. Verify that all outstanding checks have cleared before you close.
How to close your Chase checking account
You have three ways to close: in person at a branch, by phone, or through the Chase website or mobile app. The fastest route is usually the branch, because a banker can confirm the account is empty and process the closure when ready. You will need to bring a photo ID.
If you close by phone, call the number on the back of your debit card or on your Chase statement. A representative will verify your identity, confirm the account balance is zero, and submit the closure request. The account typically closes within one to three business days.
Online closure through the Chase website or app is available for some account types. Log in, navigate to your account settings, and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Services" option. Not all accounts can be closed online — if the option does not appear, you will need to use the phone or branch method.
Fees that might be charged before closure
While closing itself is free, Chase may charge fees that reduce your final balance. A monthly service fee (typically $12 for a Chase Total Checking account, though this varies by account type) will be charged on the statement closing date, even if you close the account mid-month. If you close on the 15th and your statement closes on the 20th, the fee will still post.
An overdraft fee applies if your account goes negative. Chase charges $35 per overdraft transaction, and multiple transactions in one day can result in multiple fees. If you have overdraft protection linked to a savings account or credit card, Chase may pull funds from that account to cover the shortfall, which may trigger a transfer fee depending on your account type.
Any outstanding balances — such as unpaid fees from previous months or collection amounts — will be deducted from your account before closure. If the balance is not enough to cover what you owe, Chase may pursue collection or report the debt to a collection agency.
What to do if your account is overdrawn
If your account is negative, you cannot close it until the balance is paid. You have two options: deposit funds to bring the account to zero, or let Chase deduct the amount owed from a linked account if you have overdraft protection enabled.
If you do not have funds to deposit and no linked account to pull from, contact Chase directly. In some cases, Chase will waive or reduce an overdraft fee if you have a good account history, though this is not may provide. Ask specifically whether the fee can be waived before you close — once the account is closed, it is much harder to dispute.
After your account closes
Once closed, the account number is deactivated and cannot be used. Any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to that account will fail. If you set up a new Chase account, it will have a different account number, so you will need to update your employer, creditors, and any other organizations that have your banking information on file.
Your account history remains in Chase's system for a period of time. If you need a record of transactions for tax or legal purposes, request a statement before you close. After closure, you can still view closed account statements through your Chase online banking profile for a limited time, though the exact duration varies.
If you have a Chase debit card linked to the account, it will stop working once the account closes. Destroy the card or contact Chase to have it deactivated to prevent fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Chase checking account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must bring the account to zero or positive before closure can complete. Deposit funds, transfer money from another account, or allow Chase to pull from a linked overdraft protection account. If you cannot pay, contact Chase to discuss your options.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you have an unpaid overdraft that Chase sends to collections, that collection account will damage your credit.
How long does it take for a Chase checking account to fully close?
If you close in person at a branch, the account closes when ready. By phone or online, closure typically takes one to three business days. Pending transactions may post after the closure request, so verify the account is truly inactive before assuming it is gone.
What happens to my direct deposits after I close the account?
Direct deposits that post after closure will be returned to the sender. Update your employer and other deposit sources with your new banking information before you close to avoid missed deposits.
Can I reopen a Chase checking account I just closed?
Yes, but Chase may require you to wait a period of time (typically 30 days) before reopening. If you closed because of an overdraft or unpaid fees, Chase may require those to be resolved first. Contact your local branch or call Chase to ask about reopening.