How to close a Chase account
You can close a Chase checking or savings account by calling Chase customer service, visiting a branch in person, or using the Chase mobile app. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card — you'll reach someone who can start the closure when ready. If you go to a branch, bring a photo ID and any account statements you have. The app option works if you have online banking set up, though some account types require a phone call or branch visit to complete the closure.
Before you close the account, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to it are moved to another account. Chase will not automatically redirect these, and missed payments or lost deposits can damage your credit or cause overdraft fees at another bank. You should also withdraw or transfer any remaining balance, though Chase can mail you a check if there's money left after the account closes.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on your debit card, visit a branch with photo ID, or use the Chase app to request closure — all three methods work, but phone is usually fastest.
- Stop automatic payments and direct deposits before closing, or they will fail and may trigger overdraft fees or missed payment reports.
- Transfer or withdraw your full balance before closure; Chase will mail a check for any remaining funds, but this takes weeks.
- Ask Chase to confirm the account is closed in writing, either by email or mail, so you have proof if disputes arise later.
- If you have an outstanding balance or owe Chase money, the bank may refuse to close the account until the debt is paid.
What happens to your money when you close
Any balance remaining in the account stays yours — Chase does not keep it. If you withdraw the money before closure, the account straightforward closes empty. If you leave money in the account when it closes, Chase will mail you a check to the address on file, usually within two to four weeks. This delay is why it's better to transfer the balance to another account yourself before requesting closure.
If you have a Chase credit card linked to the same account, closing the checking or savings account does not close the credit card. The credit card and bank account are separate products, and you must close each one separately if you want both gone.
Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits
This is the step most people forget, and it causes real problems. If your paycheck is set to deposit into the Chase account after you close it, that deposit will fail. Your employer may then hold the money while you sort out where it should go, costing you days of pay. Similarly, if you have automatic bill payments set up through Chase, those payments will bounce and may be reported as missed payments to creditors.
Log into your Chase account online or call customer service to see what automatic transactions are scheduled. For direct deposits, contact your employer's payroll department and give them your new bank account number. For automatic bill payments, either update each biller's payment information with your new account, or cancel the automatic payment and set up a new one from your new bank. Do this at least one week before you request the account closure.
Closing the account by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. You'll be asked to verify your identity — usually your Social Security number and account number. Let the representative know you want to close the account. They will ask why (this is optional to answer), confirm there are no pending transactions, and process the closure. The account typically closes within one to three business days.
Ask the representative to email or mail you written confirmation that the account is closed. This confirmation is useful if you later dispute a charge or need to prove the account was closed on a specific date. Keep the confirmation email or letter in your records.
Closing the account in person at a branch
Bring a photo ID and go to any Chase branch. Tell the teller you want to close the account. They will verify your identity, check for pending transactions, and process the closure on the spot. If you have a balance, you can withdraw it in cash, request a check, or transfer it to another account right there. In-person closure is useful if you want to handle everything at once or if you have questions the representative can answer face-to-face.
Ask for written confirmation of the closure before you leave the branch. Some branches print it when ready; others mail it. Either way, confirm with the teller that you'll receive something in writing.
Closing through the Chase mobile app
Open the Chase app, go to the account you want to close, and look for a "Close Account" or "Account Services" option in the menu. Not all account types can be closed through the app — some require a phone call or branch visit. If the app does not show a closure option, you'll need to call or visit a branch instead.
If the app does allow closure, follow the prompts to confirm your request. You should receive an email confirmation within one business day. If you don't receive confirmation within 24 hours, call customer service to verify the account actually closed.
What to do if Chase refuses to close your account
Chase can refuse to close an account if you owe the bank money — for example, if you have an outstanding overdraft fee, a negative balance, or a debt that Chase has sent to collections. In this case, you must pay what you owe before the account can close. If you dispute the amount owed, ask the representative to explain the charges in writing and give you time to review before you pay.
If Chase claims you owe money but you believe the charges are wrong, ask to speak with a supervisor or file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB can investigate disputes about bank fees and practices. You can file a complaint at consumerfinance.gov.
After your account closes
Once the account is closed, you cannot use the debit card or make transfers from it. Any checks you wrote from that account will bounce if they haven't cleared yet, so contact anyone you recently wrote a check to and give them your new account information. If you have automatic bill payments still pending, those will fail — call those billers and update your payment method.
The closed account will remain on your credit report for a period of time (usually seven years for checking and savings accounts), but this does not hurt your credit score. Closing a bank account is not the same as closing a credit card, which can affect your credit. You can open a new Chase account or switch to another bank whenever you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Chase account online without calling?
You can try closing through the Chase app, but not all account types support this. If the app does not show a closure option, you must call or visit a branch. Calling is usually faster than waiting for an in-app response.
What happens to my debit card when I close the account?
The debit card stops working when ready or within one business day. You cannot use it to make purchases or withdraw cash. If you have pending transactions, they may still process for a few days after closure, so monitor your account for a week.
Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit?
No. Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Only credit products like credit cards and loans show up on your credit report. Closing a bank account is a normal financial decision with no credit impact.
How long does it take for a Chase account to fully close?
Most closures take one to three business days. If you request closure on a Friday, it may not process until Monday. You should see the account marked as closed in your online banking within a few days, but any remaining balance may take two to four weeks to arrive by check.
Can I reopen a Chase account I just closed?
Yes, you can open a new Chase account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a dispute or negative balance, Chase may flag your history and ask additional questions when you try to open a new account. If Chase denied you an account in the past, ask why before you try again.