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 an outstanding balance

The fastest way to close a Chase checking account is to call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. A representative can walk you through the process, confirm your account has no pending transactions, and close it on the spot. If you prefer to do it in person, you can visit any Chase branch with your ID and ask to close the account. Online closure is available for some account types through the Chase mobile app or website, though not all accounts can be closed this way.

Before you close the account, you need to handle any remaining balance and set up direct deposits or automatic payments elsewhere if you have them. Chase will not close an account with an outstanding balance — meaning money you owe the bank. If your account is in good standing with a zero or positive balance, closure usually takes a few minutes by phone or a few days if you do it online.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to close your account by phone, which is the fastest method and works for all account types.
  • You must have a zero balance or positive balance in the account before Chase will close it — they will not close an account where you owe money.
  • If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set to this account, you need to change them to another account before closing, or they will fail.
  • Bring your ID if you close the account in person at a Chase branch, and ask for written confirmation of the closure.

What to do before you call or visit

Start by making sure your account balance is zero or positive. If you have overdraft fees or an outstanding balance, pay that first. You can check your balance through the Chase app, on the Chase website, or by calling the number on the back of your debit card.

Next, move any automatic payments or recurring charges away from this account. This includes subscriptions, bill payments, payroll direct deposits, or any other money that flows in or out regularly. If you leave these connected and then close the account, the payments will fail and you may face late fees or service interruptions. Give yourself at least a week to change these settings with each company or employer, since some take time to process the change.

If you have checks linked to this account, stop using them when ready. Any checks you write after closure will bounce, and the recipient may charge you a returned check fee. If you have pending checks you have already written, wait for them to clear before closing the account.

Closing by phone

Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and tell them you want to close your checking account. Have your account number ready, which you can find on your debit card, checks, or in the Chase app. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting information from your account.

The representative will confirm that your balance is zero or positive and that there are no pending transactions. They will also ask whether you want to keep any other accounts you have with Chase — for example, a savings account or credit card. Once everything is confirmed, they will close the account. Ask them to provide a confirmation number and note the date of closure.

After you hang up, wait a few days and check the Chase app or website to confirm the account no longer appears in your account list. If it still shows up after five business days, call back to verify it was actually closed.

Closing in person at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch during business hours with a valid photo ID. Tell a representative that you want to close your checking account. They will pull up your account, confirm your balance is zero or positive, and process the closure. This usually takes about 10 minutes.

Ask the representative to print or write you a confirmation of the closure, including the date and your account number. Keep this receipt in case you need proof later that the account was closed — for example, if a company tries to charge the account after closure.

If you have a large cash balance in the account, the representative can withdraw it for you in cash or you can transfer it to another account before you close. Ask what their process is when you arrive.

Closing through the Chase app or website

Some Chase checking accounts can be closed online through the Chase mobile app or the Chase website. Log in to your account and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Settings" option, usually found under account details or in the menu. Not all account types support online closure, so if you do not see this option, you will need to call or visit a branch instead.

If the option is available, follow the prompts to confirm your balance and review any final details. Chase will send you a confirmation email once the closure is complete. Check your email (including spam folders) for this confirmation within 24 hours.

What happens after you close the account

Once the account is closed, you cannot use the debit card anymore. If you have a Chase debit card linked to this account, it will stop working. Destroy the card by cutting it up or shredding it.

Any automatic payments or direct deposits that were set to this account will fail. If you did not change these before closing, contact the companies or your employer right away to update the account information. Explain that your old account is closed and provide your new account details.

Chase will keep records of the closed account for your file. If you need a statement or record of transactions from the closed account later, you can request it by calling Chase or visiting a branch. They typically keep this information for several years.

If you have trouble closing the account

If Chase tells you the account cannot be closed because of an outstanding balance, ask exactly what the balance is and what it covers. Sometimes this is an overdraft fee, a pending charge, or a hold on the account. Ask how to pay it and whether you can close the account once it is paid.

If the account has been inactive for a long time, Chase may have frozen it or charged inactivity fees. Ask the representative to explain what happened and what you need to do to close it. In most cases, paying any fees will clear the way to closure.

If you have a joint account with someone else, both account holders usually need to agree to close it. If the other person does not want to close it, you may not be able to proceed. In this case, you can ask about removing yourself from the account instead, though Chase's policies on this vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must pay off any negative balance (money you owe Chase) before the account can be closed. This includes overdraft fees and any other charges. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closure.

Will closing my 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 you have an outstanding balance that goes unpaid, Chase may report it as a debt, which could hurt your score.

How long does it take for the account to be fully closed?

If you close by phone or in person, the account is closed when ready, though it may take a few business days to disappear from your online banking. If you close online, it typically takes one to three business days. Any pending transactions may take longer to clear.

What if I change my mind after closing the account?

Once an account is closed, you cannot reopen the exact same account. However, you can open a new Chase checking account. Call Chase or visit a branch to start a new account if you decide you need one.

Do I need to close my account in the same state where I opened it?

No. You can close your account by phone from anywhere, or visit any Chase branch in any state. The location where you opened the account does not matter.