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 a balance

The fastest way to close a Chase checking account is to call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. Tell them you want to close the account. They will ask whether you want to transfer your remaining balance to another account or receive a check. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, Chase will ask you to confirm you have moved those elsewhere. The call usually takes five to ten minutes.

You can also close an account in person at any Chase branch. Bring a photo ID and your debit card. A banker will process the closure and handle your remaining balance the same way — transfer or check. If you have a large balance, the branch may ask you to move it first before closing.

Online closure is available for some account types through the Chase mobile app or website, but not all. If the option appears in your account settings under "Close Account" or similar, you can initiate it there. However, you will still need to handle any remaining balance and confirm you have moved automatic payments.

Key Takeaways

  • Calling 1-800-935-9935 is the quickest method and takes about five to ten minutes from start to finish.
  • You must move or receive your remaining balance before or during closure — Chase will not keep money in a closed account.
  • Any automatic payments, direct deposits, or scheduled transfers linked to the account need to be moved to another bank account first.
  • Closing the account does not affect your credit score, but leaving it open with a zero balance does not hurt you either.
  • If you have a negative balance or owe Chase fees, you must settle that before the account can close.

What happens to money still in the account

Chase will not close an account with money in it without moving that balance somewhere. During the closure process, you choose one of two options: transfer the balance to another bank account you own, or request a check mailed to your address.

If you choose a transfer, Chase can move the money to another Chase account you hold, or to an account at a different bank. The transfer usually posts within one to three business days. If you choose a check, Chase mails it to the address on file. Checks typically arrive within five to seven business days, though this varies by mail speed in your area.

If your account has a negative balance — meaning you owe Chase money — you cannot close it until you pay what you owe. Chase will tell you the amount during the closure call or visit. You can pay it when ready over the phone, in the app, or at a branch.

Moving automatic payments and direct deposits before you close

Any paycheck, government benefit, or other deposit set to go into your Chase account will fail once the account closes. You need to update the source — your employer, the Social Security Administration, or whoever sends the deposit — with your new bank account number at least one week before closing.

The same applies to automatic bill payments, subscription charges, or transfers you have set up. Log into each service (your utility company, insurance provider, streaming service, or loan servicer) and change the account number to your new bank. If you forget to move a payment, it will be rejected, and you may face a late fee from the company you owe.

Chase can provide you with a list of all automatic transactions linked to the account if you ask during the closure call. Write down each one and update it before you close.

Timing: how long closure actually takes

The account closure itself — the moment Chase stops processing transactions — happens when ready when you complete the process by phone, in person, or online. However, the full closure takes longer because of how money moves.

If you transfer your balance to another Chase account, that usually settles within one business day. If you transfer to a different bank, it takes one to three business days. If you request a check, add five to seven business days for mail delivery. Chase considers the account fully closed once the balance is zero and no pending transactions remain.

During this window, do not attempt to use the debit card or write checks from the account. Any transaction you initiate may be rejected or cause problems with the closure process.

What to do if you have a joint account

If another person is listed as an owner on the account, both of you must agree to close it. Chase requires either both owners to call together, or one owner to call with written permission from the other. The permission letter must be signed and notarized in some cases, though Chase can tell you their specific requirement when you call.

If you are a joint owner but want to remove yourself without closing the account, you can ask Chase to remove you as an owner. The remaining owner keeps the account open. This is different from closure and takes a few business days to process.

Reasons Chase might delay or refuse closure

Chase will not close an account if there are pending transactions still processing. This includes checks you wrote that have not cleared, pending transfers, or disputed charges under investigation. You must wait for these to settle first, which can take up to ten business days.

If you have a negative balance or unpaid fees, closure is blocked until you pay. If you are behind on a linked credit product — a credit card or loan — Chase may require you to address that first, though this is less common for checking account closure.

If Chase suspects fraud or unusual activity on the account, they may freeze it temporarily and delay closure while they investigate. This is rare but can add several days to the process.

After the account closes: what you should do

Once Chase confirms the account is closed, keep your confirmation number and the date. If a company later tries to charge the closed account and the transaction is rejected, you will have proof the account no longer existed.

Check your credit report a few weeks later to make sure the closed account appears correctly. It should show as "closed by consumer" rather than closed by the bank. You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com.

If you still have the debit card, you can destroy it or return it to a Chase branch. It will not work once the account closes, but destroying it prevents accidental use or fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does closing a Chase checking account hurt my credit?

No. Closing a checking account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Only credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit show up on your credit history.

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

Yes, but Chase may treat it as a new account. If you closed it in good standing with no negative balance or fraud, reopening is usually straightforward. However, if you closed it because of overdrafts or disputes, Chase may require you to wait or may deny the new account.

What if I close the account but a company still tries to charge it?

The transaction will be rejected because the account no longer exists. The company will receive a notice that the account is closed. You are not responsible for the charge, but the company may contact you about the failed payment. Keep your closure confirmation in case you need to prove the account was closed on that date.

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

You can close it entirely by phone. In-person closure is an option if you prefer to handle it face-to-face or if you want to deposit a check into another account at the same time, but it is not required.

What if I have a pending check that has not cleared yet?

Wait for the check to clear before closing the account. This usually takes three to five business days. Once it clears, the balance will be lower and you can proceed with closure. If you close before a check clears, the check may bounce when it is presented, and you could face overdraft fees.