The fastest way to close a Chase account
You can close a Chase checking or savings account by calling Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935, visiting a Chase branch in person, or using the Chase mobile app or website. The phone call is usually fastest — you'll reach someone who can process the closure when ready and answer questions about what happens to your remaining balance.
Before you call or visit, decide where your remaining money should go. Chase will not hold it; they'll either send you a check, transfer it to another bank account you provide, or move it to another Chase account you own. If you have pending transactions or automatic payments set up, those may still process after you close the account, so it's worth checking your recent activity first.
The closure itself takes a few minutes. You don't need to visit a branch unless you prefer to, and there's no fee to close an account. If you have a negative balance (you owe Chase money), you'll need to pay that before closure.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-935-9935 to close your account over the phone, which is usually the quickest method and requires no branch visit.
- You must tell Chase where to send your remaining balance — by check, transfer to another bank, or move to a different Chase account you own.
- Check for pending transactions and automatic payments before closing, since some may still process after the account is closed.
- If you owe Chase money, you'll need to pay that balance before the account can be closed.
- There is no fee to close a Chase checking or savings account.
What happens to your money when you close
Your remaining balance doesn't disappear — Chase must return it to you. You choose the method when you close the account. The most common options are a mailed check, a direct transfer to another bank account, or moving the money to another Chase account in your name.
If you choose a check, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you choose a transfer to another bank, you'll need to provide the routing number and account number of that bank, and the transfer usually takes 3 to 5 business days. If you move the money to another Chase account, it's usually available the same day or next business day.
If your account has a small balance and you don't provide instructions, Chase will eventually send you a check, but this can take longer. It's better to specify where you want the money to go when you close.
Checking for pending transactions before you close
Pending transactions are charges that have been authorized but haven't fully processed yet — like a debit card purchase that shows in your account but hasn't cleared from the merchant yet. These can still post after you close the account, which means the money could be pulled from a closed account and cause problems.
Log into your Chase account online or in the app and look at your recent activity. If you see transactions marked "pending," wait for them to clear before closing, or contact the merchant to cancel them. This usually takes 1 to 3 business days.
Automatic payments are another concern. If you have bills set to pay from this account — like utilities, insurance, or subscriptions — those payments will fail after closure. Before you close, update those payments to come from a different account or cancel them if you no longer need them.
Closing your account by phone
Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. Have your account number ready, though the representative can look it up with your Social Security number and date of birth. Tell them you want to close your checking or savings account.
The representative will ask you to confirm your identity, review your account balance, and ask where you want the money sent. They'll also ask if you have any pending transactions or automatic payments — this is your chance to mention them. Once you confirm everything, the closure is processed when ready.
You'll receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. If you requested a check, note the mailing address Chase has on file. If you requested a transfer, confirm the routing and account numbers are correct before you hang up.
Closing your account in person at a Chase branch
Visit any Chase branch with a government-issued ID and your account number (or the card linked to the account). Tell the teller you want to close your account. They'll verify your identity, review your balance, and ask where you want the money sent.
In-person closure works the same way as a phone closure, but you can ask questions face-to-face and get a printed receipt when ready. If you have a large balance and want to withdraw cash instead of a transfer or check, you can do that at the branch, though there may be limits on how much cash you can withdraw at once.
Bring any debit cards linked to the account if you want to close them at the same time. The teller can deactivate them while you're there.
Closing your account through the Chase app or website
Log into your Chase account online or in the mobile app. Look for account settings or account management options — the exact location varies depending on whether you're using the website or app. Some Chase accounts allow you to request closure through the app, though not all account types support this.
If the option is available, you'll be asked to confirm your identity and specify where your balance should go. After you submit the request, Chase will send you a confirmation email. However, not every account type can be closed this way, so if you don't see the option, use the phone or branch method instead.
The app or website method is convenient if you're comfortable with digital banking, but calling is more reliable because you can ask questions and confirm everything with a person.
What to do if you have a negative balance
A negative balance means you owe Chase money — usually because a transaction posted after your balance went to zero, or because of an overdraft fee. Chase will not close the account until you pay this amount.
When you call or visit to close, the representative will tell you the amount owed. You can pay it when ready over the phone using a debit card or bank account, or you can pay it in person at a branch. Once paid, the closure can proceed.
If you're unsure whether you have a negative balance, log into your account and check. The balance will show as a negative number if you owe money.
After your account is closed
Once closed, you cannot reopen the same account. If you change your mind, you'll need to open a new account, which will have a different account number. Chase will keep a record of the closed account for your records.
Any debit cards linked to the account will stop working. If you have checks printed for this account, they will no longer be valid — do not use them. If you receive mail from Chase about this account after closure, it's usually just a confirmation or a final statement.
If you're closing because of a problem with Chase — like fees or service issues — consider whether you want to switch banks entirely or just move to a different Chase account type. If you're switching banks, make sure all your automatic payments and direct deposits are set up at your new bank before you close this account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have a pending direct deposit?
Yes, but the direct deposit will fail if it arrives after closure. Before you close, contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and update your banking information. This usually takes a few business days to process, so plan ahead.
What if I closed my account and a transaction still posted?
Contact Chase when ready. Explain that the transaction posted after closure. Chase can sometimes reverse the charge or help you recover the money, but you need to report it quickly — usually within 30 days of the transaction.
Do I need to close my savings account separately from my checking account?
Yes, each account closes separately. If you have both a checking and savings account and want to close both, you'll need to request closure for each one. You can do this in one phone call or branch visit — just tell the representative you want to close both.
How long does it take for my check to arrive after I close?
Chase typically mails the check within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact Chase with your confirmation number and they can investigate or reissue the check.
Can I close my account if I have a Chase credit card?
Yes. Your checking and savings accounts are separate from your credit card account. Closing your bank accounts does not affect your credit card, and closing your credit card does not affect your bank accounts. You can close any of them independently.