You can close a Chase checking account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through Chase's find message system

The fastest way is usually a phone call to Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. Have your account number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're closing the account, and walk you through the steps. The whole call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you prefer to close it in person, visit any Chase branch with a photo ID and your account number. A banker can process the closure on the spot. If you want to use online messaging, log into your Chase account, go to the find message center, and request account closure — though this method takes longer because you'll need to wait for responses.

Before you close the account, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to it have been moved elsewhere. Chase will not process transactions after closure, so bills set to pay from this account will fail, and paychecks won't arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 with your account number to close your checking account over the phone in about 15 minutes.
  • Visit a Chase branch in person with your photo ID and account number if you prefer to close it face-to-face.
  • Stop or redirect any automatic payments, bill pay, or direct deposits before closing, or those transactions will fail.
  • Ask Chase what to do with any remaining balance — they will either mail a check, transfer it to another account, or hold it for a set period.
  • Request written confirmation of closure once the account is closed, so you have proof for your records.

What happens to money still in the account

If you have a balance when you close, Chase will not straightforward keep it. You have a few options: they can transfer the money to another Chase account you own, mail you a check, or in some cases hold it temporarily while they process the closure.

Tell the representative which option you want before they finalize the closure. If you don't specify, Chase will typically mail a check to the address on file, which can take one to two weeks. If you're closing because you're moving or changing addresses, update your address with Chase first so the check goes to the right place.

Stopping payments and direct deposits before you close

Any automatic bill payments set up through this account will fail once it closes. This includes utilities, insurance, loan payments, subscriptions, or anything else that withdraws money automatically. Contact each company or service and give them your new account number if you're moving the payment to a different bank, or cancel the payment if you no longer need it.

The same applies to direct deposit. If your paycheck goes into this account, contact your employer's payroll department or HR and provide them with your new account number and routing number. Direct deposit changes usually take one or two pay cycles to take effect, so do this well before you close the account.

If you forget to redirect something and a payment fails after closure, contact the company that tried to charge you. They may resubmit the payment once you give them the correct account information, though late fees may explore depending on the company's policy.

Outstanding checks and pending transactions

If you've written checks from this account that haven't cleared yet, wait until they do before closing. A check can take several days to clear, and if the account is closed before the check arrives at the bank, it will bounce. The person who received the check will be notified, and you may face a returned check fee.

Similarly, if you've made online bill payments or transfers that are still pending, wait for them to complete. You can see pending transactions in your Chase account online. Once everything has cleared, you're safe to close.

Closing a joint account

If the account is joint — meaning two or more people own it — all account holders must agree to close it. Chase will not close a joint account on the request of one person alone. Both people need to be present in person at a branch, or both need to call and authorize the closure separately.

If one account holder wants to close and the other doesn't, you have the option to remove yourself from the account instead. This is called removing yourself as an authorized user or account owner. The account stays open under the other person's name. Contact Chase to discuss this option if you and the other owner disagree.

What to do after the account is closed

Once Chase confirms the account is closed, ask for written confirmation. This can be a letter in the mail or a document you can print from your online account. Keep this for your records — it proves the account is closed if there's ever a dispute or if a company tries to charge the account later.

Check your credit report a few weeks after closure to make sure the account shows as closed by the customer. You can view your credit report free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. A closed account in good standing will remain on your report for about 10 years, but it won't hurt your credit score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Chase checking account I just closed?

Yes, but only within a certain window — usually 30 days. After that, you'll need to open a new account. If you closed it because of a problem with the bank, contact Chase before reopening to make sure the issue is resolved.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history — loans, credit cards, and payment history — not on checking accounts. Closing a checking account is a routine banking action.

What if I have pending fraud claims or disputes on the account?

Contact Chase before closing. If there's an active dispute or fraud investigation, closing the account may pause the investigation. Chase may ask you to keep the account open until the matter is resolved. Once it's settled, you can close.

Do I need to close my debit card when I close the account?

Your debit card will stop working once the account closes, so there's no separate step needed. However, if you want to destroy the card for security, you can cut it up or shred it. Don't just throw it away intact.

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

Most Chase checking accounts close within one to three business days after you request closure. However, if there are pending transactions or checks still clearing, it may take longer. Chase will let you know the exact timeline when you close.