You can close most Chase accounts online through your account settings, but the process depends on your account type and balance
Chase lets you close checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. The steps are straightforward: log in, find your account settings, and request closure. However, Chase handles different account types differently — some close when ready online, while others require a phone call or branch visit. Before you start, make sure your account balance is zero and you have no pending transactions, because Chase will not close an account with money in it.
The reason Chase requires a zero balance is practical: they need to know where to send any remaining funds, and they want to avoid closing an account while a check or automatic payment is still processing. If you have direct deposits or automatic bill payments set up, you should cancel those first or redirect them to another account.
Key Takeaways
- Chase requires your account balance to be exactly zero before you can close it online, so withdraw or transfer any remaining money first.
- You can close most checking and savings accounts through the Chase website or mobile app by going to account settings and selecting the closure option.
- Some account types, including business accounts and certain premium accounts, may require you to call or visit a branch instead of closing online.
- Before closing, cancel any automatic payments, direct deposits, or linked services so money does not get stuck in a closed account.
- Chase will send you written confirmation of the closure, and the account will typically close within one to three business days.
Steps to close your account through the Chase website
Log into your Chase account at chase.com using your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for "Account Services" or "Settings" — the exact location varies depending on whether you are using the standard website or the newer Chase interface. Click on the account you want to close from your account list.
Find the option that says "Close Account" or "Close This Account." This is usually in a menu labeled "Account Options" or "More Actions." Click it, and Chase will show you a confirmation screen that lists your current balance and any pending transactions. If your balance is not zero, you will not be able to proceed — you will need to withdraw the remaining funds or transfer them to another account first. Once your balance is zero, confirm the closure request. Chase will send you an email confirmation and a written letter in the mail within a few business days.
Steps to close your account through the Chase mobile app
Open the Chase mobile app and log in. Tap the account you want to close to open its details page. Look for a menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or three dots) in the top right corner of the screen and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Close Account" or a similar option. Tap it, and the app will show you the same confirmation screen as the website — your current balance and any pending transactions. If your balance is zero, confirm the closure. You will receive an email confirmation when ready and a paper confirmation letter within a few business days. The account will close within one to three business days after you submit the request.
What to do before you close your account
Before you request closure, take these steps in order. First, withdraw or transfer all remaining money from the account. You can transfer to another Chase account or to an account at a different bank. Second, cancel any automatic bill payments that are set to come out of this account — log into each service (your utility company, insurance provider, subscription services, etc.) and update the payment method or cancel the service. Third, if you receive direct deposits into this account, contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number.
Fourth, check for any pending transactions. If you recently made a purchase with a debit card or wrote a check, that transaction may still be processing. Wait a few days for those to clear before closing. Fifth, if you have a linked savings account or money market account with Chase, decide whether you are closing those too. Closing one account does not automatically close others. Finally, if you have a Chase credit card, closing your checking or savings account does not affect it — your credit card account remains open unless you close it separately.
Account types that may require a phone call or branch visit
Most standard Chase checking and savings accounts can be closed online, but some account types cannot. Chase business accounts, including business checking and business savings, typically require you to call or visit a branch. The same is true for Chase Premier Plus accounts and some specialty accounts. If you try to close your account online and do not see the closure option, your account type likely requires a different process.
To close a business account or specialty account, call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a Chase branch in person. Have your account number and ID ready. The representative will walk you through the closure process and may ask why you are closing the account — this is routine and does not affect your ability to close it. They will confirm your zero balance and process the closure over the phone or in person.
What happens after you request closure
Once you submit your closure request, Chase will send you an email confirmation within a few hours. A few days later, you will receive a paper letter in the mail confirming the closure. The account itself will close within one to three business days. After that, you will not be able to use the debit card, write checks, or access the account online.
If you have unclaimed funds or if a check or payment processes after the account closes, Chase will hold the money and contact you. Keep your confirmation letter and the account number in case you need to reference the closure later. If you ever need to dispute a transaction or if a payment bounces because the account is closed, having the confirmation date helps Chase investigate quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my account balance is not zero?
You cannot close the account until the balance is exactly zero. Withdraw the remaining money to an ATM or transfer it to another account. If the balance is very small (a few cents), call Chase and ask them to remove it or transfer it to another account you own.
Can I close my account if I have a pending check or automatic payment?
You should wait for pending transactions to clear before closing. If you close while a check is still processing, it may bounce. Wait three to five business days after your last transaction, then check your balance again to make sure everything has cleared.
Do I need to destroy my debit card after closing?
You should cut up or shred your debit card after the account closes, but it is not required. Once the account is closed, the card will not work anyway. If you want to be extra cautious, you can call Chase and ask them to deactivate the card when ready.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts. Closing a Chase checking account has no impact on your credit.
What if I change my mind after closing?
Once an account is closed, you cannot reopen it. If you want to bank with Chase again, you will need to open a new account. However, you can usually open a new account online or at a branch within a few minutes.