You can close a Chase checking account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through Chase's find message system

The fastest way is a phone call to Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. Have your account number ready. Tell them you want to close the account, and they will walk you through it on the spot. If you prefer to do it in person, visit any Chase branch with your ID and ask to speak with someone about closing the account. Both routes take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Before you call or visit, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have money in the account, you can transfer it to another bank account or ask Chase to mail you a check. If you have a negative balance (you owe Chase money), you must pay it before closing. Chase will not close an account with an outstanding balance.

After you request closure, Chase typically closes the account within 5 to 10 business days. You will receive written confirmation in the mail. Keep that confirmation for your records.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-935-9935 to close your account over the phone, or visit a Chase branch in person with your ID.
  • Your account balance must be zero before Chase will close it — transfer remaining funds or request a check.
  • Pay any negative balance when ready; Chase will not process closure until you do.
  • Closure takes 5 to 10 business days after you request it, and you will receive written confirmation by mail.
  • Stop using the account and cancel any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to it before closure is complete.

What to do with money still in the account

If your account has a balance, you have two options. The first is to transfer the money yourself to another bank account before you call Chase. You can do this through Chase's online banking portal or mobile app by setting up an external transfer. This usually takes one to three business days to complete.

The second option is to tell Chase during the closure call that you want them to mail you a check. They will issue a check for the remaining balance and send it to the address on file. This takes longer — typically 7 to 14 business days after closure is final — so transfer is usually faster if you need the money soon.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits

Before you close the account, contact anyone who sends money to it (your employer, for direct deposit) or anyone you pay automatically from it (utilities, subscriptions, loan payments). Tell them your account is closing and provide your new account details if you have another bank account set up.

If you do not update these, payments may fail or bounce. Your employer's payroll system might reject the deposit, and automatic bill payments could trigger overdraft fees or late payment penalties on the accounts you are trying to pay. Chase cannot stop these payments for you once the account is closed — you have to contact the other parties yourself.

What happens to pending transactions

Any transaction that has not fully cleared by the time your account closes will be rejected. Checks you wrote that have not been deposited yet will bounce. Pending debit card charges may fail. This is why you should wait until you are certain all your regular payments have gone through before requesting closure.

If a check bounces after closure, the person who received it may charge you a returned check fee, and your bank may report it to ChexSystems, a banking history database. Future banks may see this and deny you an account. So give yourself at least two weeks after your last expected payment before closing.

Closing a joint account

If the account is joint — meaning another person is also on it — both account holders must agree to close it. Chase will not close a joint account if only one person requests it. Both of you need to be present in person at a branch, or you both need to call customer service together on a three-way call.

If the other account holder refuses to close the account, you cannot unilaterally shut it down. Your only option is to remove yourself as an authorized user, which leaves the account open under the other person's name. To do this, visit a branch or call and ask to be removed from the account.

If you have a Chase credit card tied to the account

Closing your checking account does not affect your Chase credit card. The two are separate products. However, if you have automatic payments set up to pay your credit card bill from this checking account, you must change that before closure. Log into your credit card account and update the payment method to a different bank account or set up a manual payment method.

If you do not update the payment method and the account closes, your credit card payment will fail. This can result in a late payment, interest charges, and damage to your credit score. Chase will not automatically redirect the payment to another account.

Reopening a closed account

If you close your account and then change your mind, you may be able to reopen it within a short window — usually 30 days. Contact Chase customer service and ask if the account can be reopened. After 30 days, the account is permanently closed and cannot be reopened. You would have to open a new account instead.

If you reopen within the window, any fees or holds that were in place before closure may still explore. It is simpler to wait and be certain before you request closure in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Chase checking account online?

Chase does not offer account closure through their website or mobile app. You must call 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch in person. Some banks allow online closure, but Chase requires direct contact with a representative.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts do not appear on your credit report. Only credit products like credit cards and loans show up there. Your credit score is based on credit history, not bank accounts.

What if I have an outstanding balance when I try to close?

Chase will not close the account until you pay the balance. If you owe money, you must deposit funds to bring the account to zero or positive. Once paid, you can request closure when ready.

How long does it take to close a Chase account after I request it?

Closure typically takes 5 to 10 business days after you request it. You will receive a written confirmation letter in the mail. Do not assume the account is closed until you receive that letter.

What if I still receive mail from Chase after closure?

After closure, you may receive a final statement or confirmation letter. If you receive bills or notices months later, contact Chase to confirm the account is closed and ask them to stop sending mail. Occasionally mail is sent in error after closure.