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

The fastest way is to call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and ask to close the account. A representative will verify your identity, check for pending transactions or automatic payments linked to the account, and process the closure. If you have a balance, Chase will mail you a check or transfer the funds to another account you provide. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You can also close the account in person at any Chase branch by bringing a photo ID and your account number. A banker will walk through the same steps as a phone representative. If you prefer to avoid a call or visit, some account types allow closure through the Chase mobile app or website, though this option is not available for all checking products.

Before you close, make sure no automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers are still tied to the account. Chase will not close it if active transactions are pending, and you risk overdraft fees or failed payments if you close before switching these over.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-935-9935 to close by phone, or visit a branch in person with your ID and account number.
  • Chase will not close the account if automatic payments, direct deposits, or pending transactions are still linked to it.
  • Any remaining balance will be mailed as a check or transferred to another account you designate.
  • Closing takes effect when ready, but allow 5 to 10 business days for any final transactions to clear.
  • If you have a negative balance or unpaid fees, Chase may hold the account open until those are resolved.

What happens to your money when you close

If your account has a positive balance, Chase will send you a check within 5 to 10 business days. You can ask the representative to transfer the funds to another bank account instead, which is faster. Provide the routing number and account number of the receiving bank, and the transfer usually completes within one to three business days.

If your account is overdrawn or has unpaid fees, Chase will not close it until the balance is paid. You will need to deposit funds to cover the negative balance first, then request closure again. If you do not pay, the account may remain open indefinitely, and Chase can send the debt to a collection agency.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits before you close

This is the most important step and the one most people skip. Log into your Chase account online or through the app and review the Transfers and Payments section. Look for any recurring transfers, bill payments, or subscriptions tied to the account. Cancel each one individually—do not assume Chase will do this for you.

For direct deposits (paychecks, benefits, tax refunds), contact your employer or the agency sending the deposit and provide them with your new account number at least one week before closing. If a direct deposit hits a closed account, it will be returned to the sender, and you may face a delay in receiving the funds.

Once you have stopped all automatic activity, wait at least two business days before calling to close. This gives the system time to reflect the changes and prevents Chase from rejecting your closure request.

Closing in person versus by phone

In-person closure at a Chase branch is useful if you want to hand over a large cash balance or if you have questions about your account history. The banker can also help you set up a new account at Chase if you are switching to a different product. Bring your ID, your account number, and any debit cards linked to the account.

Phone closure is faster if you have already moved your direct deposits and automatic payments. You do not have to travel, and the call is recorded, which creates a clear record of your request. However, if Chase needs to verify information or investigate a hold on the account, they may ask you to visit a branch or provide documents by mail.

What to do if Chase will not close your account

Chase may refuse to close if there are pending transactions, a negative balance, or a fraud investigation. Ask the representative which specific issue is blocking closure and what you need to do to resolve it. If the reason is unclear, request a supervisor or ask for the decision in writing.

If you believe Chase is wrongly refusing closure, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB can investigate and compel Chase to respond. You can also contact your state's banking regulator or attorney general's office.

In the meantime, stop using the account and do not deposit new funds into it. This prevents additional fees and makes it easier to close once the blocking issue is resolved.

After your account is closed

Chase will send you a final statement showing all transactions through the closure date. Keep this for your records. Any checks you wrote before closing may still clear after the account is closed—Chase will honor them if funds are available, but you risk overdraft fees if the balance is too low. Notify anyone you wrote checks to that the account is closed.

Your debit card will stop working when ready. Destroy it or cut it up. If you have a Chase credit card, closing your checking account does not affect it.

If you later discover a transaction that should have been processed before closure, contact Chase within 60 days. They can investigate and may reopen the account temporarily to process the transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to close a Chase checking account?

The closure itself is when ready once you request it. However, any remaining balance takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive by check, or 1 to 3 business days if transferred to another bank. Pending transactions may take a few more days to clear after closure.

Can I close my account online through the Chase app?

Some account types allow online closure through the app or website, but not all. The fastest way to confirm is to call 1-800-935-9935 or log in and look for a "Close Account" option in settings. If it is not available, you will need to call or visit a branch.

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

Tell the Chase representative about the pending check before closing. They may ask you to wait until it clears, or they may allow closure and hold funds to cover it. Do not close the account if you are unsure whether a check will clear—the account may go negative and trigger fees.

Will closing my Chase checking 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 the account goes negative and Chase reports it to a collection agency, that can damage your credit. Pay any negative balance before closing.

Can I reopen a closed Chase checking account?

Yes, but only within a limited time frame. Contact Chase within 30 days of closure and ask if the account can be reopened. After 30 days, you will need to open a new account instead. There is no penalty for reopening within the window.