Closing a Chase account takes about 10 minutes on the phone, but you need to handle three things first: move your money out, set up direct deposits elsewhere if you have them, and make sure no pending checks or automatic payments will bounce
Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and tell them you want to close the account. They will ask why (you do not have to give a detailed reason), confirm your identity, and process the closure on the spot. The account closes when ready, though it may take a few business days for the closure to show in your online banking.
If you have a checking account with automatic bill payments set up, those will fail once the account closes. If you have direct deposit from an employer, that will also fail. Both of these need to be moved to a new account or cancelled before you call, or you will miss payments and paychecks.
Key Takeaways
- Transfer or withdraw all money from the account before calling to close it, because Chase will not close an account with a balance.
- Update your employer's payroll system or your bank's direct deposit information at least three business days before closing, so your next paycheck goes to the right place.
- Cancel or move any automatic bill payments (utilities, insurance, loan payments, subscriptions) to a different account, because they will fail and may trigger late fees.
- Call 1-800-935-9935 during business hours to close the account; you can also close it in person at a Chase branch, though the phone route is faster.
- Check that any pending checks have cleared before closing, because a closed account cannot receive deposits.
Empty the account and stop automatic payments
Before you call Chase, withdraw or transfer every dollar in the account. Chase will not close an account that still has money in it. You can transfer funds to another bank online (if you have set up an external transfer), withdraw cash at a Chase ATM or branch, or request a cashier's check.
Next, go through your automatic payments. Log into your Chase account online or in the app and look at the "Transfers & Payments" or "Bill Pay" section. Write down every automatic payment you have set up — utilities, insurance, loan payments, credit card payments, subscriptions, anything that pulls money from this account on a regular schedule. Cancel each one or move it to a different bank account. This step is critical: if you close the account while automatic payments are still scheduled, they will fail, and you may face late fees or service interruptions.
If you are not sure which companies have your Chase account number on file, check your recent statements for recurring charges. Call those companies directly and update your payment method before closing the account.
Update your direct deposit before closing
If your paycheck, government benefits, or other regular income deposits into this Chase account, you must change where that money goes. Contact your employer's payroll department or the benefits office and give them your new bank account number and routing number. This change usually takes effect on the next pay cycle, but it can take up to two weeks depending on the organization.
Do not close the Chase account until at least three business days after you have submitted the new direct deposit information. If you close the account before the change takes effect, your next deposit will fail and go back to the sender, which can delay your money by several days.
Check for pending checks and outstanding transactions
If you have written any checks from this account that have not cleared yet, wait until they do before closing. A closed account cannot receive deposits, so if someone tries to deposit a check from your closed account, it will bounce. Look at your recent transactions online to see if any checks are still pending.
Similarly, if you have made any online purchases or authorized charges that have not posted yet, wait for those to clear. Some merchants place a temporary hold on your account that can take several days to release.
Call Chase to close the account
Once your account is empty, all automatic payments are moved or cancelled, and your direct deposit is updated, call 1-800-935-9935. Have your account number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, ask a few questions about why you are closing, and process the closure. The call takes about five to ten minutes.
You can also close the account in person at any Chase branch. Bring a photo ID and your account number. In-person closure works the same way as the phone route, but branches can have wait times.
What happens after you close the account
The account closes when ready, but it may take one to three business days for the closure to show in your online banking or for Chase to stop showing the account in your app. You will not be able to use your debit card for this account anymore, and any pending transactions may fail.
Keep your final statement for your records. Chase will mail it to the address on file, or you can read it from your online account before the account closes. If you have a Chase credit card, closing your checking account does not affect it — the credit card stays open unless you close it separately.
Closing a savings account or money market account
The process is the same for savings accounts, money market accounts, or CDs. Empty the account, cancel any automatic transfers, and call 1-800-935-9935 to close it. If you have a CD (certificate of deposit) that has not matured yet, Chase will let you close it early, but you may face an early withdrawal penalty depending on how much time is left on the CD. Ask the representative what the penalty is before you authorize the closure.
If you have multiple Chase accounts, you can close them all in one call or close them separately. Let the representative know which accounts you want to close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Chase account online?
No, Chase requires you to close accounts by phone or in person. You cannot close an account through the mobile app or website. Call 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch.
What if I have a negative balance or overdraft fees?
You must pay any negative balance before closing. If your account is overdrawn, bring it to zero or positive before calling. Chase will not close an account with a debt owed to them.
Will closing my Chase account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts. Closing a Chase credit card can affect your score, but closing a bank account will not.
How long does it take for a closed account to disappear from my records?
The account will stop appearing in your online banking within one to three business days. Your final statement will show the closure date. Chase keeps records of closed accounts for your own reference, but you will not be able to access the account or make transactions.
What if I change my mind after closing?
Once an account is closed, it cannot be reopened. If you want to bank with Chase again, you will need to open a new account. There is no waiting period, so you can open a new account the same day if you want.