Call American Express to cancel your card
The fastest way to cancel an American Express card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative will walk you through the cancellation, answer questions about your account, and confirm the cancellation in real time. The call takes about five minutes.
Have your card number ready when you call. American Express may ask why you're cancelling — this is optional information, but they sometimes offer retention deals if you mention cost or service issues. You can decline any offer and proceed with cancellation.
After the call ends, your card is closed. American Express will send a written confirmation in the mail within a few days. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your American Express card to cancel; a representative will process it when ready over the phone.
- Pay off any remaining balance before you cancel, or arrange a payment plan with the representative during the call.
- American Express may ask why you're cancelling and offer incentives to keep the card open; you can accept or decline.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation and keep it with your financial records.
- If you have pending rewards points, redeem them before cancelling, as they may be forfeited once the account closes.
What to do with your remaining balance
If you have an unpaid balance on your card, you must address it before or during the cancellation call. American Express will not close an account with an outstanding balance unless you make a payment arrangement.
You have two options: pay the full balance when ready, or set up a payment plan with the representative. If you choose a payment plan, your card will close but your account will remain open to process the remaining payments. You'll receive monthly statements until the balance is paid in full.
If you want to avoid interest charges on the remaining balance, ask about a zero-interest payment arrangement during your cancellation call. Availability depends on your account history and current balance.
Redeem your rewards points before cancelling
American Express Membership Rewards points may be forfeited when your account closes, depending on your card type and the terms of your rewards program. Before you call to cancel, log into your American Express online account and check your current points balance.
You can redeem points for statement credits, travel bookings, gift cards, or transfers to partner programs. The redemption options vary by card. Complete any redemptions you want before you call customer service, because once the cancellation is processed, you may lose access to unredeemed points.
If you're unsure whether your specific card forfeits points upon cancellation, ask the representative during your cancellation call. They can tell you the policy for your card type before the account closes.
Cancel online or through the mail if you prefer not to call
American Express does not offer cancellation through its website or mobile app. You must call customer service or send a written request by mail.
To cancel by mail, write a letter to American Express requesting cancellation of your account. Include your full name, card number, and the date you want the cancellation to take effect. Send the letter to the address on your statement or billing insert. American Express will process the request within 7 to 10 business days and send written confirmation.
Cancellation by mail takes longer than a phone call and gives you less opportunity to ask questions or negotiate a payment plan for any remaining balance. Most people find the phone route faster and clearer.
What happens to your credit after cancellation
Closing an American Express card affects your credit score in two ways. First, your available credit decreases, which can raise your credit utilization ratio if you carry balances on other cards. Second, the closed account remains on your credit report for up to 10 years, which can slightly lower your score initially but becomes less damaging over time.
The impact is usually small if you have other open accounts and a good payment history. If this is your oldest card or your only card, the impact may be larger. If you're concerned about your credit score, consider keeping the card open and unused rather than cancelling it.
Your credit report will show the account as "closed by consumer" after cancellation. This notation does not harm your score; it straightforward documents that you closed the account intentionally.
Confirm the cancellation and monitor your account
After you cancel, American Express will send a written confirmation letter within 5 to 7 business days. Keep this letter with your financial records as proof of cancellation.
Check your credit report 30 days after cancellation to confirm the account appears as closed. You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If the account does not show as closed after 30 days, contact American Express again with your confirmation letter.
If you had automatic payments set up on the card, make sure to update those payments to a different card or bank account before the cancellation takes effect. American Express will notify you of any recurring charges that will fail after the card closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my American Express card if I have an annual fee?
Yes, you can cancel at any time, even if you just paid the annual fee. If you cancel within 30 days of the fee posting, American Express may refund it — ask the representative during your cancellation call. Some cardholders call to cancel and receive a fee waiver or credit as a retention offer instead.
What if I want to cancel but keep my rewards points?
Redeem your points to a statement credit, travel booking, or gift card before you call to cancel. Once you redeem points, they are no longer tied to your card account. After cancellation, unredeemed points are typically forfeited, so complete all redemptions first.
How long does it take for my card to stop working after I cancel?
Your card stops working when ready after the cancellation is processed on the phone. Do not attempt to use the card after your call ends. If you have recurring charges set up, update them to a different payment method before you cancel.
Will cancelling my American Express card hurt my credit score?
Cancellation may lower your score slightly because it reduces your total available credit and removes an active account from your credit mix. The impact is usually small and temporary. If you're concerned, consider keeping the card open and unused instead of closing it.
Can I reopen my American Express account after I cancel?
American Express may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain period, but this is not may provide. If you think you might want the card again, ask the representative whether you can reopen it and under what conditions before you finalize the cancellation.