You can close a Chase account in person, by phone, or by mail, but you need to settle your balance first and decide what to do with any remaining funds

Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking or savings account. Before you close, you'll need to withdraw or transfer out any money you have in the account, pay off any negative balance, and make sure no pending transactions are still processing. Once those are done, you can walk into a branch with your ID, call Chase customer service, or send a written request. The process itself takes a few minutes, but it can take several business days for the account to fully close on Chase's end.

The most common reason people close accounts is that they've moved banks or no longer need that particular account type. Chase will not automatically close an account for you just because you stop using it—dormant accounts sit open indefinitely, which is why it's worth closing formally if you've decided to leave.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a zero balance before Chase will close your account, so withdraw or transfer all remaining money first.
  • Closing in person at a branch is the fastest method and gives you when ready confirmation, though you can also call 1-800-935-9935 or mail a written request.
  • It typically takes three to five business days for the account to fully close after you submit your request, even though the closure itself is when ready.
  • If you have a negative balance (overdraft), you must pay that amount before the account can close.
  • Check for any automatic payments or recurring charges linked to the account before you close it, or they may bounce and create fees.

Closing in person at a Chase branch

Walking into a branch with your ID is the clearest way to close an account because you get confirmation on the spot and can ask questions about anything tied to the account. Bring a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to close the account, and they'll verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and process the closure right there.

If you have a small remaining balance, the teller can often cut you a check on the spot or transfer the money to another account you name. If there's a negative balance, you'll need to pay it before they can close the account—they'll tell you the exact amount and accept payment by debit card, check, or cash. Once the teller completes the paperwork, your account is closed when ready in the system, though it may take a few business days to disappear from your online banking view.

Closing by phone with Chase customer service

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and tell the representative you want to close your account. Have your account number and ID ready. The representative will confirm your balance, discuss what happens to any remaining money, and process the closure over the phone. This works well if you don't have a nearby branch or prefer not to go in person.

One drawback to phone closure is that you won't have a paper record of the closure in your hand, so write down the date, time, and the representative's name after you hang up. If you have a remaining balance, Chase can transfer it to another account you provide, mail you a check, or hold it for you to pick up at a branch. Ask the representative to confirm in writing via email or mail that the account is closed, especially if you're closing because of fraud or a dispute.

Closing by mail

If you prefer to close in writing, send a letter to Chase requesting account closure. Address it to the branch where your account is held, or send it to Chase's general mailing address (which you can find on your statement or by calling customer service). Include your full name, account number, the type of account you're closing, and your signature. Keep a copy for your records.

Mail closure is slower—it typically takes one to two weeks for your letter to reach Chase, and then another few business days for them to process it. If you have a remaining balance, include instructions for how you want it handled (transferred to another account, mailed as a check, or held for pickup). Without clear instructions, Chase may hold the money and you'll have to contact them to retrieve it. Send the letter via certified mail with return receipt so you have proof it arrived.

What to do before you close

Check your account for any automatic payments, recurring charges, or direct deposits linked to it. If you have a paycheck deposited to this account, update your employer's records to send future paychecks to your new bank. If you have bills set to auto-pay from this account, log into each service (utilities, insurance, subscriptions) and change the payment method to your new account or a different card. Missed or bounced payments can damage your credit and create overdraft fees.

Review your recent transactions to make sure nothing is still pending. Some transactions take several days to fully clear, and if you close the account while a charge is pending, it may bounce. Wait at least a week after your last transaction before closing if you're unsure. Also check whether you have a Chase credit card tied to this checking or savings account for automatic payments—if you do, update that payment method before closing the bank account.

What happens to your money after closure

Any remaining balance in your account must go somewhere. If you tell Chase to transfer it to another account (at Chase or another bank), provide the full account number and routing number. Chase will process the transfer, which usually takes one to three business days. If you ask for a check, Chase will mail it to the address on file, which can take five to seven business days depending on postal service.

If you don't specify what to do with remaining money, Chase will typically hold it and you'll have to contact them to claim it. This can become complicated if you move or change your phone number, so always give clear instructions before closing. If the account has been closed for a long time and you haven't claimed the money, it may be turned over to your state's unclaimed property program—you can search for it at unclaimed.org.

Handling a negative balance or overdraft

If your account is overdrawn (you owe Chase money), you cannot close it until you pay the negative balance. The amount owed includes the overdraft itself plus any overdraft fees Chase charged. Call customer service or visit a branch to find out the exact amount. You can pay by debit card, check, cash, or bank transfer from another account.

Once you've paid the negative balance, your account balance will be zero and you can proceed with closure. If you're disputing an overdraft fee or believe it was charged in error, contact Chase before paying to see if they'll reverse it. Some situations—like a technical error or a first-time overdraft—may may have access to for a one-time reversal, though this is at Chase's discretion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chase charge a fee to close an account?

No. Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking or savings account. However, if your account is overdrawn, you must pay the negative balance before closure, and any overdraft fees that were already charged remain your responsibility.

How long does it take for a Chase account to fully close?

The closure itself is when ready once you submit your request in person, by phone, or by mail. However, it can take three to five business days for the account to completely disappear from your online banking and for any remaining funds to be transferred or mailed to you.

What if I have a Chase credit card linked to the bank account I'm closing?

Your credit card and bank account are separate products, so closing the bank account will not close the credit card. However, if you have automatic payments set up from the bank account to pay your credit card bill, you must change that payment method before closing the account, or your payment will bounce.

Can I reopen a Chase account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new Chase account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a negative balance or fraud, Chase may flag your account history, and you may be asked to provide additional information when you open a new one.

What if I close my account but still have pending transactions?

Pending transactions can still process after you close the account, and if there are insufficient funds, they will bounce and create fees. Wait at least a week after your last transaction before closing, or contact the merchant to cancel any pending charges first.