You can close a Chase account by phone, in person, or online, depending on the account type

Chase lets you close most checking and savings accounts through their phone line, at a branch, or through their website. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card — you'll reach someone in minutes and they can walk you through what happens to any remaining balance. If you have a more complex account (like a business account or one with a mortgage tied to it), you'll need to visit a branch or call their business line, because those accounts have different closure rules.

Before you close anything, you need to know what happens to money still in the account, whether you have automatic payments set up that will fail, and whether Chase will charge you a fee for closing early. The process itself takes a few minutes, but the account may stay open on Chase's system for another week or two while they process it.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on your debit card or visit a Chase branch to start a closure — you cannot close most accounts through the mobile app.
  • Move any remaining balance to another bank before closing, or ask Chase to send you a check, because the account will no longer accept deposits once it closes.
  • Cancel any automatic payments or transfers linked to the account at least a week before closure, or they may fail and trigger overdraft fees at your new bank.
  • Chase does not charge a fee to close an account, but some account types have early closure penalties if you close within a certain timeframe — ask before you proceed.
  • The account closes when ready, but Chase may keep it on their system for 30 days while they process outstanding checks or transfers.

What to do before you call Chase

Empty the account first. If you have money in it, ask Chase to either transfer it to another bank account you own or send you a check. Do not close the account with a balance still in it — once the account closes, Chase will not accept deposits, and you'll have a harder time retrieving the money later. If you're closing because of a fee or a service you don't like, moving the money takes five minutes and costs nothing.

Next, find every automatic payment or recurring transfer tied to the account. Check your email for confirmation messages from subscriptions, insurance companies, utilities, or loan payments. Log into the account online and look at the last 60 days of transactions to spot anything that repeats monthly. Cancel each one at the source — call the company or log into their website and remove the Chase account as a payment method. If you miss one and it tries to process after closure, it will bounce and may trigger an overdraft fee at your new bank, or the company will mark you as delinquent.

Write down your account number and routing number before you close. You'll need these if Chase sends you a check or if you need to prove you owned the account later. Take a screenshot of your account summary too, in case you need proof of closure for tax or legal reasons.

How to close the account by phone

Call the number on the back of your debit card. You'll reach a representative who can close the account in one call. Have your account number and ID ready — they'll ask for both. Tell them you want to close the account and ask what happens to any remaining balance. If there's money in it, they'll either transfer it to another account you provide or mail you a check. If you're closing because of a fee or service issue, you can mention it, but Chase will not reverse the closure once you've started the process.

Ask before you hang up whether there are any early closure fees or penalties. Most Chase checking and savings accounts have no penalty, but some promotional accounts or accounts opened recently may have a waiting period. If the representative says there's a fee, ask whether it applies if you close today or only if you close within a certain window. Write down the name of the person you spoke to and the time of the call — if something goes wrong, you'll have proof of when you initiated the closure.

How to close the account in person at a branch

Visit any Chase branch with a photo ID and your debit card or account number. Tell a teller you want to close the account. They'll print out a summary of the account balance and any pending transactions, and they'll ask how you want to handle the money. You can take a check on the spot, transfer it to another account, or have them hold it while you set up a new bank account elsewhere. In-person closure is useful if you have questions about the account or if you want to make sure everything is handled correctly before you leave.

The branch can close the account when ready, but they'll give you a receipt showing the closure date and the final balance. Keep this receipt — it's proof the account is closed, which matters if Chase later tries to charge you a fee or if you need to show a creditor that the account no longer exists.

What happens after you close the account

The account closes right away, but Chase keeps it on their system for about 30 days. During that time, they'll process any checks you wrote that haven't cleared yet, and they'll handle any transfers that were already in motion. If a check arrives after the account is closed, Chase will return it unpaid. If you wrote checks you haven't sent yet, you'll need to cancel them or rewrite them from your new bank account.

Chase will send you a final statement showing the closure date and the final balance. This usually arrives within two weeks. If you closed the account with a balance and asked for a check, the check will arrive separately — this can take up to 10 business days. If the check doesn't arrive within two weeks, call Chase and ask them to trace it or resend it.

Once the account closes, you can no longer use the debit card. If you have a credit card with Chase, that account stays open unless you close it separately. The closure will not affect your credit score — closing a bank account is not reported to credit bureaus the way closing a credit card is.

Early closure fees and account-specific rules

Most Chase checking and savings accounts have no fee to close, but some accounts come with terms. A few Chase accounts offer a bonus if you deposit a certain amount within a certain timeframe — if you close before that period ends, Chase may take back the bonus or charge you a fee. Ask the representative specifically: "Is there a fee or penalty for closing this account today?" If they say yes, ask what the fee is and whether you can avoid it by waiting.

Business accounts, money market accounts, and accounts tied to a mortgage or loan may have different rules. If you have any of these, call the business line or visit a branch — the standard phone line may not be able to close them. Some accounts require a written request to close, which means you'll need to mail a letter to Chase or submit a form at a branch.

If you need to reopen the account later

Chase will not reopen a closed account. If you change your mind, you'll need to open a new account. The new account will have a different account number, and any automatic payments or transfers set up for the old account will not work — you'll need to update them at the source. If you closed because of a fee or service issue, opening a new account will not waive the fee or change the service, so make sure the problem is actually solved before you reopen.

If you closed the account and later discover you still owe money on it (for example, a check cleared after closure), Chase will contact you. You'll need to pay the amount owed, and they may charge an overdraft fee on top of it. This is rare, but it's why keeping records of your closure is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Chase account online through the app?

Most Chase accounts cannot be closed through the mobile app or website. You'll need to call or visit a branch. Chase's online banking platform does not have a closure option for most account types, so phone or in-person is the only way to start the process.

What if I have a negative balance when I close?

If the account is overdrawn, you'll need to deposit money to bring it to zero before Chase will close it. If you don't, they'll keep the account open and may charge overdraft fees. Call and ask how much you owe, then deposit that amount before you close.

Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit?

No. Bank account closures are not reported to credit bureaus, so closing a checking or savings account will not affect your credit score. Closing a credit card can affect your score, but that's a separate product.

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

The account closes when ready when you call or visit a branch, but Chase keeps it on their system for about 30 days to process outstanding checks and transfers. You'll receive a final statement within two weeks. Any remaining balance will be sent to you by check within 10 business days if you didn't transfer it to another account.

What if I have direct deposits set up for my paycheck?

You need to change your direct deposit information with your employer before you close the account. If you close first and then try to change it, your paycheck may bounce or be delayed. Contact your payroll department and give them your new bank account number and routing number at least a week before you close.