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 a balance
The fastest way to close a Chase checking account is to call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. A representative will confirm your identity, check for any pending transactions or holds on your account, move any remaining balance to another account or arrange a check, and then close the account. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a Chase branch nearby, you can also walk in and ask a teller to close the account in person — bring your ID and debit card.
Online closure is available for some account types through the Chase mobile app or website, but not all. If you see a "Close Account" option in your account settings, you can use it; if not, phone or in-person closure is your only option. Do not straightforward stop using the account and assume it closes on its own — inactive accounts can incur monthly fees, and Chase may eventually close it, but the timing is unpredictable.
Key Takeaways
- Calling 1-800-935-9935 is the most reliable method and works for all account types, while online closure through the app is faster but only available for certain accounts.
- You must move or withdraw any remaining balance before closure; Chase will not keep the money or automatically transfer it.
- Confirm that all automatic payments and direct deposits linked to the account have been redirected before you close it, or payments will fail.
- Closing the account does not affect your credit score, but leaving it open unused may eventually trigger inactivity fees.
- If you have a negative balance or outstanding checks, Chase will not close the account until those are resolved.
What happens to your money when you close the account
Before Chase will close your account, you must have a zero balance or tell them where to send any remaining funds. If you have money in the account, you have three options: withdraw it in cash at a branch or ATM, transfer it to another bank account (yours or someone else's), or request a check mailed to your address. Chase will not hold the money or automatically move it anywhere.
If you have a negative balance — meaning you owe Chase money — the account will not close until you pay it. This usually happens when a check or automatic payment bounces and overdraft fees pile up. Pay the negative balance in full, then request closure. Chase will tell you the exact amount owed when you call or visit.
Redirecting automatic payments and direct deposits before you close
Any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to your Chase account will fail once the account closes. Before you initiate closure, log into your Chase account and review what is connected to it. Look for payroll direct deposits, bill payments, subscription charges, and any other recurring transactions. Most people miss at least one, so take time to search your transaction history for the past three months.
For direct deposits like paychecks, contact your employer's payroll department and provide your new bank account number. For automatic bill payments, log into each biller's website (your utility company, credit card issuer, insurance company, and so on) and update the account number there. For subscriptions and recurring charges, update the payment method in each service's account settings. This step takes time, so do it at least a week before you close the account to catch any you may have missed.
Closing by phone versus in person versus online
| Method | Time Required | What You Need | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone (1-800-935-9935) | 10–15 minutes | Your ID and account number (or the phone number on file) | Works for all account types; fastest if you do not have a nearby branch |
| In person at a Chase branch | 10–20 minutes | Your ID and debit card | You can withdraw cash when ready and confirm closure on the spot |
| Online (Chase app or website) | 5 minutes | Login credentials | Only available for some account types; check your account settings first |
Phone closure is reliable because a representative can handle complications — negative balances, pending transactions, or linked accounts — in real time. In-person closure is useful if you want to withdraw your remaining balance as cash when ready and see the closure confirmed on the spot. Online closure is the fastest option, but Chase does not offer it for all checking account types, so you may not see the option even if you look for it.
If you choose phone closure, have your account number ready and call during business hours. The representative will ask you to confirm your identity, usually by providing your Social Security number or the phone number on file. If you choose in-person closure, any Chase branch can close the account — you do not have to use the branch where you opened it.
What to do if Chase will not close your account
Chase may refuse to close your account if you have a negative balance, outstanding checks that have not cleared, or fraud holds on the account. If you have a negative balance, pay it in full first. If you have outstanding checks, wait for them to clear or contact the recipients and ask them to cancel the checks. If there is a fraud hold, Chase will explain what information they need to lift it before closure can proceed.
In rare cases, Chase may flag an account for suspicious activity and temporarily prevent closure. If this happens, ask the representative why the account is flagged and what you need to do to clear it. This is usually resolved within a few business days. Do not assume the account is permanently blocked — most holds are temporary and lift once Chase receives the information they requested.
After your account closes
Once Chase closes your account, you will no longer be able to use the debit card, make transfers, or access the account online. Any checks you wrote from that account will bounce if they have not cleared yet, so make sure all outstanding checks have been cashed or cancelled before closure. Chase will send you a final statement showing the closure date and any remaining balance or fees.
Keep the final statement for your records. If a payment fails after closure because it was still tied to the old account, you will have proof that the account was closed on a specific date, which can help you dispute any resulting fees or late charges with the biller. The final statement typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 I have a pending direct deposit that has not hit yet?
Wait for the deposit to clear before you close the account. If you close the account before the deposit arrives, it will be rejected and returned to your employer. Contact your employer to resubmit the deposit to your new account once it is open.
Can I reopen a Chase checking account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new Chase checking account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, Chase may require you to wait a certain period or may place restrictions on the new account. Ask the representative when you close whether there are any limitations on reopening.
Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it over the phone?
Phone closure works just as well as in-person closure for most situations. The only reason to go in person is if you want to withdraw your remaining balance as cash when ready or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.
What happens to my debit card after I close the account?
Your debit card will stop working when ready after the account closes. You do not need to do anything with it — it will straightforward be declined if someone tries to use it. You can cut it up or throw it away, or keep it for your records.