Closing a Chase Account After a Death

How to start

Call the Chase Estate Services line: 1-800-935-9935. This is the dedicated line for deceased accounts, not the regular customer service number. Or visit any Chase branch in person with the documents listed below.

What to bring

• Certified copy of the death certificate (original, not a photocopy)
• Your government-issued photo ID
• The deceased's full legal name and Social Security number
• Account numbers if you have them, check their statements, checkbook, or the Chase app if you have access to their phone
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration (issued by the probate court), if you are the executor or administrator of the estate
• If there's no will and no probate: ask Chase about their small estate affidavit process

What to expect

Chase will freeze the account upon notification of the death. No one can withdraw funds or use the debit card after this point.

• Joint account: The surviving joint owner retains full access. The deceased's name is removed. This is usually straightforward.
• Sole account: Funds are frozen until the executor or administrator provides legal documentation. This can take weeks if probate is required.
• Payable on Death (POD) account: The named beneficiary can claim funds with a death certificate and ID. No probate required.

Chase may require you to open an estate account to receive the funds from the deceased's accounts. This is normal for larger estates.

Credit cards

Report Chase credit cards through the Estate Services line. You are not personally responsible for the deceased's Chase credit card balance unless you were a joint account holder: not an authorized user, but a joint holder. These are different things. Authorized users are not liable. Outstanding balances become a claim against the estate.

Safe deposit box

If the deceased had a Chase safe deposit box, you will need a court order or letters testamentary to access it. Chase will inventory the contents in your presence.

Auto loans and mortgages

• Chase auto loan: 1-800-336-6675
• Chase mortgage: 1-800-848-9136

For jointly held loans, the surviving borrower remains responsible. For sole-borrower loans, the estate is responsible. Federal law (the Garn-St. Germain Act) generally prevents a bank from calling a mortgage due solely because of the borrower's death, so if you're inheriting a home with a Chase mortgage, you typically have time to decide what to do.

Timeline and what will be frustrating

Expect the full process to take 2 to 6 weeks for simple accounts, longer if probate is required.

The estate services phone line may have long hold times. Call in the morning. If you don't have account numbers, Chase will require additional identity verification, bringing the deceased's most recent statement or their checkbook helps. If there were automatic payments set up on the account, those will fail after the account is frozen. You'll need to set up alternative payment methods for any bills you want to keep active.