You can close a Chase checking account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through Chase's website — the fastest method is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card.
Before you close the account, make sure your balance is zero. If you have money left, Chase will send you a check for the remaining balance, but this takes time. If you owe Chase money — for overdrafts or fees — they will deduct it from your balance first. Once the account is closed, you cannot reopen it under the same account number.
You do not need a reason to close your account, and Chase will not try to talk you out of it. The process itself takes just a few minutes, but the account may take a few business days to fully close on their system.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your account balance to zero before closing — either by withdrawing the money or transferring it to another bank account.
- Call the number on the back of your debit card, visit a Chase branch in person, or use the Chase mobile app or website to start the closure.
- If you have pending checks or automatic payments set to this account, cancel or redirect them before closing to avoid problems.
- Chase will mail a check for any remaining balance, which can take one to two weeks to arrive.
- Once closed, the account cannot be reopened under the same number, though you can open a new account later.
Prepare your account before you close it
The most important step is making sure your account has a zero balance. Withdraw all your money by visiting an ATM, going to a branch, or transferring the funds to another bank account. If you leave money in the account when you close it, Chase will mail you a check for that amount — this usually takes one to two weeks.
Check whether you have any automatic payments or recurring charges tied to this account. Look at your recent statements or log into your Chase account online to see what is coming out each month. If you have subscriptions, bill payments, or direct deposits going to this account, you need to change those to a different account or cancel them. If you do not, the payments may fail or bounce, which can hurt your credit or cause late fees with the companies you owe.
Also check for any outstanding checks you have written. If you wrote a check that has not cleared yet, wait until it does before closing the account. If the check clears after you close the account, it may bounce, and you could face overdraft fees or damage to your banking history.
Close the account by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. You will reach a representative who can close the account while you are on the phone. Have your account number ready — you can find it on your checks, your debit card, or in the Chase app.
The representative will confirm that your balance is zero and ask whether you want to close just the checking account or any other accounts you have with Chase. They will also ask for a reason, but you do not have to give one. Once you confirm, the account closes when ready on their system, though it may take a few business days to fully process.
If you have a remaining balance, the representative will tell you that a check will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved, ask them to update your address before they send the check.
Close the account in person at a Chase branch
Visit any Chase branch with your debit card and a photo ID. Tell the teller you want to close your checking account. They will verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and process the closure. This usually takes about five to ten minutes.
Closing in person is useful if you have questions about your account history or if you want to make sure everything is handled correctly before you leave. The teller can also update your address on the spot if you need a check mailed to a new location.
Close the account online or through the app
Log into your Chase account on the website or open the Chase mobile app. Look for account settings or account management — the exact location varies depending on which device you are using. Some versions of the app have a "Close Account" option in the account details section.
Not all Chase accounts can be closed online. If you do not see a close option, you will need to call or visit a branch instead. Online closure is fastest if it is available for your account type, but you will not be able to ask questions or get when ready confirmation the way you would on the phone or in person.
What happens after you close the account
Your debit card will stop working once the account is closed. If you have a Chase credit card, that account is separate and will not be affected. Your checking account will disappear from your Chase app and online banking within a few business days.
If you had a remaining balance, Chase will mail a check to the address on file. This check is good for a limited time — usually six months — so deposit it before that window closes. If the check is lost or you do not receive it, contact Chase and they can issue a replacement or send the money another way.
Your account history will still be available if you need it for tax purposes or to dispute a transaction. You can usually view closed account statements online for up to seven years after closure.
If you want to reopen an account with Chase later
You can open a new Chase checking account at any time, even if you just closed one. The new account will have a different account number. If you closed your account in good standing — meaning you did not owe money or have unpaid fees — opening a new account is straightforward.
If you closed your account because of overdrafts or unpaid fees, Chase may require you to wait a certain amount of time before opening a new account, or they may ask you to pay the old debt first. You can open a new account online, through the app, or at a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?
If you owe Chase money — from overdrafts, fees, or other charges — they will deduct that amount from any remaining balance before closing the account. If you have no balance at all, you will need to pay the debt before they will close the account. You can pay by transferring money from another account or by visiting a branch.
Can I close my account if I still have checks left in my checkbook?
Yes, you can close the account even if you have unused checks. However, do not use those checks after you close the account — they will bounce. Destroy the unused checks or contact Chase to have them cancelled.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
The account closes when ready when you request it, but it may take three to five business days to fully process on Chase's system. During this time, you may still see the account in your online banking, but you will not be able to use it.
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 you owe money or have unpaid fees, that could affect your banking history with Chase.
What if I closed my account and then realized I need it again?
You cannot reopen the same account number, but you can open a new Chase checking account. The new account will have a different number and will be treated as a brand-new account. You can do this online, through the app, or at a branch.