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 most Chase checking accounts is to call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. Tell them you want to close your account, and they will walk you through it on the call. If you have a balance in the account, Chase will either send you a check or let you transfer the money to another bank account before closing. If you owe money — for example, from overdraft fees or a negative balance — you will need to pay that first.

You can also close an account in person at any Chase branch. Bring a photo ID and your debit card or account number. A banker will help you settle any balance and process the closure. This takes about 10 minutes.

Some account types, like student checking or accounts linked to investment products, may have different closure steps. If you are unsure what type of account you have, the phone number above can confirm it.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-935-9935 to close your account over the phone, or visit a Chase branch in person with your ID and debit card.
  • You must have a zero balance or settle any negative balance before Chase will close the account.
  • If you have a positive balance, Chase will send you a check or let you transfer the money to another bank before closing.
  • Bring any outstanding checks or automatic payments to a stop before closing, or they may bounce after the account is closed.
  • After closure, keep your account statements for at least one year in case you need them for tax or dispute purposes.

What to do before you call or visit

Before you close the account, make sure no money is still flowing in or out. Check for automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or recurring charges tied to that account. If your paycheck goes to this account, you will need to update your employer or payroll system with a new account number first — otherwise your next deposit will fail.

Look at your recent statements to see if any checks you wrote are still pending. If they are, wait until they clear before closing, or they will bounce. The same applies to automatic payments scheduled for the future. You can cancel these through your Chase online account or by calling the companies directly.

If you have a positive balance, decide how you want the money. Chase can mail you a check, which takes 5 to 10 business days. Or you can transfer the balance to another bank account right away — Chase can do this during the closure call or in the branch.

Closing by phone

Call 1-800-935-9935 and say you want to close your checking account. Have your account number or the debit card ready. The representative will confirm your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, and possibly other details.

They will then tell you the current balance. If it is positive, they will ask whether you want a check mailed or a transfer to another account. If you choose a transfer, you will need to provide the routing number and account number of the receiving bank. If the balance is negative, they will tell you the amount you owe and how to pay it.

Once everything is settled, the representative will process the closure. You will receive a confirmation number. Write it down. The account will close when ready, though it may take a few days for the closure to show in your online banking.

Closing in person at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch during business hours. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your debit card or account number. Tell a banker you want to close your checking account.

The banker will pull up your account and show you the balance. If it is positive, they can issue a check on the spot or process a transfer to another bank if you have the routing and account numbers ready. If the balance is negative, you can pay it with a debit card, credit card, or cash right there.

The banker will have you sign a form confirming the closure and will give you a receipt. The account closes that day. You will receive written confirmation in the mail within a few days.

What happens to pending transactions after closure

Any checks you wrote that have not yet cleared will bounce after the account closes. This can damage your banking history and cost you a returned-check fee from the payee. For this reason, wait until all outstanding checks have cleared before closing.

Automatic payments scheduled after the closure date will fail. If the payment is important — like a loan or insurance premium — make sure to set it up with your new bank before closing the old account. Some companies let you change the account number online; others require a phone call.

Direct deposits to this account will fail if you do not update your employer or benefits provider first. Contact your payroll department or the agency sending the deposit and give them your new account information.

If you have a negative balance or owe fees

If your account is overdrawn or you have unpaid fees, you cannot close it until the balance is zero. Chase will tell you the exact amount owed when you call or visit.

You can pay this amount by debit card, credit card, or cash in the branch. Over the phone, you can authorize a one-time debit from another bank account. Once paid, the closure can proceed when ready.

If you dispute a fee, tell the representative before closing. They may be able to reverse it, especially if it is your first overdraft or if you have been a customer for a long time. This is worth asking about, because paying a disputed fee just to close the account is not your only option.

After your account is closed

Keep your final statement and any confirmation documents for at least one year. You may need them for tax purposes, to prove you paid a bill, or to dispute a charge that appears after closure.

If you set up a new checking account at another bank, make sure all your regular payments and deposits are moved over before you close this one. Double-check that your employer, benefits provider, and any companies you pay automatically have your new account information.

If you notice a charge or deposit to the closed account after closure, contact Chase right away. Transactions can sometimes process after an account closes, and Chase can help you sort it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Chase checking account I just closed?

Yes, but it depends on how recently you closed it and why. If you closed it within the last 30 days, Chase may reopen it without a new process. After 30 days, you will need to open a new account, which is treated as a fresh process. If you closed it because of fraud or a dispute, Chase may not reopen it.

What if I have a debit card linked to the account?

Your debit card will stop working once the account closes. If you have a new Chase account, you can request a new debit card for that account. Destroy the old card by cutting it up or shredding it. Do not just throw it away.

Will closing my 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 loans and credit cards show up on your credit report.

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

The account closes when ready when you process it by phone or in person. However, it may take a few days to stop showing in your online banking or mobile app. If you see pending transactions after closure, contact Chase to make sure they are not new charges.

What if I have a joint account?

Both account holders must agree to close a joint account. If only one person wants to close it, Chase can remove that person from the account instead, leaving it open for the other owner. Call or visit a branch to discuss your options.