How to close a Chase account
You can close a Chase bank account by phone, in person at a branch, or through the Chase mobile app. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card — Chase will walk you through the steps, confirm your account has a zero balance, and process the closure on the spot. If you have pending transactions, Chase will hold the account open until they clear, which typically takes three to five business days.
Before you close, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to that account are moved to another bank or cancelled. Chase will not automatically redirect them, and missed payments or lost deposits can damage your credit or cause overdraft fees at another bank.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on your debit card, visit a branch in person, or use the Chase mobile app to start a closure — all three routes take about the same time.
- Your account balance must be zero before Chase will close it, so withdraw or transfer all remaining money first.
- Redirect any automatic bill payments, paycheck deposits, or other recurring transfers before you close, because Chase will not forward them.
- Chase will mail you a final statement within 30 days; keep it for your records in case a payment or deposit goes missing later.
- If you have a linked savings account or credit card, closing your checking account does not automatically close those — you must close them separately if you want to.
Step-by-step: closing by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. Have your account number and a form of ID ready — Chase will ask you to verify your identity before discussing the account. Tell the representative you want to close the account.
The representative will check your balance. If money is still in the account, you can ask them to transfer it to another bank account you own, or they can mail you a check. If you have pending transactions (a check you wrote that has not cleared, or a charge that is still processing), Chase will tell you how long to wait before closing. Most pending items clear within three to five business days.
Once everything is settled, the representative will process the closure and give you a confirmation number. Write it down. Chase will mail you a final statement showing the account is closed.
Closing in person at a Chase branch
Walk into any Chase branch with a photo ID and your debit card. Tell a teller you want to close your account. They will check the balance the same way the phone representative does and ask about pending transactions.
If your account has money in it, you can withdraw cash on the spot, transfer it to another account, or ask for a check. The teller will process the closure and give you a receipt with a confirmation number. This route is useful if you want to withdraw cash when ready or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.
Closing through the Chase mobile app
Open the Chase mobile app and go to the account you want to close. Look for a menu option labeled "Account Services," "Settings," or "More" — the exact label varies depending on your phone and app version. Select the option to close the account.
The app will walk you through a series of questions: whether you have a zero balance, whether you have pending transactions, and where you want any remaining money sent. Once you confirm, the app will submit your closure request. Chase will send you a confirmation email within a few hours and a final statement by mail within 30 days.
The app method is slowest if you need the account closed when ready, because Chase processes app requests during business hours. Phone and in-person closures happen the same day.
What to do with automatic payments and direct deposits
Before you close, log into every service that sends money to or takes money from the account. This includes your employer's payroll system, subscription services, insurance companies, utility companies, and any other recurring payment. Update each one with your new bank account number, or cancel the service if you do not plan to use it again.
If you miss one and a payment bounces after the account is closed, the company may charge you a fee or report the missed payment to a credit bureau. If a paycheck is deposited after closure, it will be returned to your employer, and you will have to contact them to reissue it — a process that can take weeks.
Chase will not hold mail or forward payments. Once the account is closed, any transaction sent to that account number will fail.
What happens to linked accounts and credit cards
Closing a checking or savings account does not close a Chase credit card, and closing a credit card does not close your bank account. You must close each one separately. If you have a Chase savings account linked to the checking account you are closing, that savings account stays open unless you specifically close it too.
If you have set up bill pay or transfers between your Chase checking and another bank, those will stop working once the checking account closes. Update any recurring transfers before you close.
After your account is closed
Chase will mail you a final statement within 30 days. This statement shows the closing date and the final balance. Keep it for at least one year in case a payment or deposit goes missing and you need proof the account was closed.
If you closed the account because of fraud or a dispute, ask Chase for a written confirmation of the closure and the reason. Some banks ask for this when you open a new account, especially if the old account was closed due to overdrafts or fraud.
You can open a new Chase account or switch to a different bank at any time. There is no waiting period after closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Chase account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay the negative balance before Chase will close the account. The representative or teller will tell you the exact amount owed. You can pay it with a debit card, transfer, or cash, and then the closure will proceed.
What if I have a check I wrote that has not cleared yet?
Chase will ask you to wait until the check clears before closing. This usually takes three to five business days. You can call back once the check has cleared, or ask the representative to note your request and close the account automatically once the transaction posts.
Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit score?
Closing a bank account does not affect your credit score. Bank accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you close the account and a payment bounces, that missed payment could hurt your credit if the company reports it.
Can I reopen a Chase account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new Chase account at any time. However, if the old account was closed due to fraud, overdrafts, or other issues, Chase may review your history before approving a new account. There is no automatic ban on reopening.
What if Chase says I have to wait to close my account?
Chase may ask you to wait if you have pending transactions, a negative balance, or an active dispute. The wait is usually a few business days. If Chase gives you a specific date, note it and call back on that date to complete the closure.