You can close a Chase checking account by phone, in person, or online, but the process depends on your account type and whether you have an outstanding balance

The fastest way is to call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask to speak with an account specialist. They will verify your identity, confirm you have no pending transactions or holds, move any remaining balance to another account or issue a check, and close the account on the spot. The whole call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you prefer to close the account in person, visit any Chase branch with a photo ID and your account number. A banker will walk through the same steps—checking for holds, transferring or withdrawing your balance, and processing the closure. Branches can close accounts when ready, though some may ask you to return any debit cards first.

Online closure is not available through the Chase mobile app or website for most checking accounts. You must use the phone or branch method.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-935-9935 to close your account by phone; the process takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires photo ID verification.
  • Any remaining balance will be transferred to another Chase account, sent to a linked external account, or issued as a check—you choose which.
  • Chase will not close the account if there are pending transactions, holds, or outstanding fees; resolve these first.
  • Bring your photo ID and account number to a Chase branch if you want to close the account in person and walk out with confirmation the same day.
  • After closure, your debit card will stop working within 24 hours, and you will no longer receive statements or access online banking for that account.

What happens to your money when you close

Before Chase will close your account, you must tell them what to do with any balance remaining in the checking account. You have three options: transfer the money to another Chase account you own, transfer it to an external bank account you have linked to your Chase profile, or receive a check mailed to your address on file.

The transfer to another Chase account is when ready. A transfer to an external account usually takes one to three business days, depending on the receiving bank. A check is mailed within five to seven business days and is valid for 180 days from the date issued.

If your account is overdrawn—meaning you owe Chase money—you cannot close it until the negative balance is paid. You can pay it by transferring funds from another account, making a deposit, or authorizing Chase to deduct the amount from a linked external account.

Holds, pending transactions, and why closure might be delayed

Chase will not close your account if there are pending transactions waiting to clear. A pending transaction is money that has been authorized but not yet deducted—for example, a gas station charge or online purchase that is still processing. These can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to clear, depending on the merchant.

Holds are different. A hold is when Chase or another institution freezes part of your balance temporarily—usually because of a large deposit, a dispute, or suspected fraud. You cannot close the account while a hold is in place. Ask the account specialist on the phone or at the branch why the hold exists and how long it will last. If it is a fraud hold, you may need to verify recent transactions before it lifts.

Outstanding fees also block closure. If you have unpaid overdraft fees, monthly maintenance fees, or other charges, you must pay them before the account can be closed. The specialist will tell you the exact amount owed.

What to do before you call or visit

Gather your account number and have a photo ID ready. If you are closing the account because you are switching banks, have the routing number and account number of your new bank handy so you can transfer your balance directly.

Check your account online or by calling 1-800-935-9935 to confirm there are no pending transactions or holds. If you see a pending charge that should have cleared by now, contact the merchant or the bank that issued the charge card to find out why it is still processing.

If you have automatic bill payments or direct deposits set up with this account, change them now. Payments scheduled after the account closes will fail, and you may face late fees from creditors or miss paychecks if direct deposit is still routed here. Log into your biller accounts and update the routing and account information, or call the companies directly.

Return any Chase debit cards associated with the account. You can destroy them yourself, but some people prefer to return them to a branch to confirm they have been deactivated. This is not required to close the account, but it is a good practice.

Timeline and what happens after closure

If you close by phone or in person, the account is closed the same day. Chase will send a confirmation letter to your address on file within 5 to 10 business days. Keep this letter for your records.

Your debit card will stop working within 24 hours of closure. Any pending transactions that have not yet cleared may still post to the account for a few days after closure, but they will be deducted from the balance you transferred out or from the check issued to you. If the pending charge is larger than the balance you left, contact Chase when ready to dispute it or arrange payment.

You will no longer be able to log into online banking for this account. If you have other Chase accounts, those will remain active and accessible. Statements will stop being generated after the account closes.

Closing a joint account

If the checking account is held jointly with another person, both account holders must agree to close it. Chase will require both of you to be present in person or both to authorize the closure by phone. If one account holder refuses to close the account, you cannot proceed unless you go through a legal process—such as divorce proceedings or a court order—to remove the other person's name.

If you are the only person who wants to close the account, your other option is to remove yourself as an account holder and let the other person keep it open. Call Chase and ask to be removed from the account; they will walk you through the process, which usually involves the other account holder confirming the change.

If you have a Chase savings account or credit card too

Closing your checking account does not affect any other accounts you have with Chase. Your savings account, money market account, or credit card will remain open and active. However, if you have set up transfers between your checking account and a savings account, those transfers will fail after the checking account closes. Update any automatic transfers in your online banking before you close.

If you have overdraft protection linked from a savings account to your checking account, that link will be removed when the checking account closes. This is not a problem unless you were relying on it to cover overdrafts—which you will no longer be able to do once the checking account is gone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Chase checking account after I close it?

Yes. You can open a new Chase checking account at any time by visiting a branch, calling 1-800-935-9935, or going online. There is no waiting period. However, if your account was closed due to fraud or repeated overdrafts, Chase may review your history before opening a new one.

What if I close my account and then a check I wrote bounces?

If a check clears after your account is closed, Chase will attempt to deduct it from the balance you transferred out or from the check they issued to you. If there is not enough money, the check will bounce and the payee may charge you a returned check fee. This is why it is important to wait until all pending checks have cleared before closing.

Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it entirely by phone?

You can close entirely by phone. In-person closure is optional and mainly useful if you want to hand over your debit card or receive a check when ready instead of waiting for it to be mailed.

Will closing my Chase checking account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit appear on your credit report.

What if Chase says my account is flagged for fraud?

If Chase has flagged your account for suspected fraud, they may not close it until the investigation is complete. Ask the specialist how long the investigation typically takes and whether you can still access your money in the meantime. You may be able to transfer your balance to another account while the investigation is ongoing.