How to close an American Express card
Call American Express directly at the number on the back of your card. A representative will confirm your identity, answer questions about why you're closing the account, and process the closure over the phone. The call typically takes five to ten minutes. You can also close the account through your online Amex account under account settings, though phone closure gives you a record of the conversation and lets you ask about retention offers before the account closes.
Before you call, pay any remaining balance on the card. American Express will not close an account with an outstanding balance — you'll need to settle what you owe first. If you have pending transactions or recurring charges set to that card, update those payment methods now so you don't miss a payment after closure.
After closure, the card stops working when ready. Your credit report will show the account as closed, which can affect your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit. The impact is usually small if you have other open accounts and low balances elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your American Express card to close the account; a representative will walk you through the process and confirm closure.
- Pay off any balance before calling, because American Express will not close an account with money owed.
- Update any recurring charges or subscriptions tied to that card before closure so you don't miss payments.
- Closing the account reduces your available credit and may lower your credit score slightly, but the effect is usually temporary.
- Keep records of any retention offers or final statements for your records after the account closes.
What happens to your credit score when you close the account
Closing a credit card reduces your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your credit limit you're actually using across all accounts. If you have balances on other cards, this ratio goes up, and a higher ratio can lower your score by a few points to as much as 10 to 20 points depending on how much credit you had available and how much you're using elsewhere.
The impact is temporary. As you pay down balances on remaining cards, your utilization ratio improves and your score recovers. The closed account itself stays on your credit report for seven to ten years, which is normal and does not harm you — lenders can see you managed the account responsibly before closing it.
If you're planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other credit in the next few months, closing a card right before that process can work against you. If you have time, close the card now and let your score stabilize before you explore.
Reasons American Express might ask you to reconsider
When you call to close your account, the representative may offer you a retention bonus — a statement credit, points, or a waived annual fee for the next year — to keep the account open. These offers are real and negotiable. If you're closing because of the annual fee, ask what they can waive or credit. If you're closing because you don't use the card, ask whether they'll reduce the fee or offer bonus points to keep it active.
You don't have to accept the offer. If you've decided the card doesn't fit your spending or rewards strategy, closing it is the right move. But if you're on the fence, a retention offer can make the card worth keeping at no cost for another year while you decide.
The representative may also ask why you're closing — whether it's the fee, the rewards, customer service, or something else. Your answer doesn't change whether they'll close the account, but it helps American Express understand which customers are leaving and why.
Steps to take before you call
Review your last statement and make sure you've paid the full balance. If you have a pending balance transfer or promotional rate, closing the account may end that promotion and require you to pay the full amount when ready. Check your account online or call before closing if you're unsure.
Make a list of any recurring charges or subscriptions tied to that card — streaming services, insurance payments, gym memberships, anything that charges monthly. Update each one to a different payment method before you close the card. If you forget and a charge tries to go through after closure, the payment will fail and you may miss a due date.
Take a screenshot or photo of your final statement for your records. After the account closes, you can still view statements online for a period of time, but keeping a copy protects you if you need to reference the account later for a dispute or tax record.
What to do with the physical card after closure
After the account closes, cut up the card or shred it so it cannot be used. Do not throw it away whole — the card number and expiration date are visible and could be misused. Destroying the card is a straightforward security step that takes 30 seconds.
If you have multiple cards or authorized user cards on the same account, all of them stop working when the account closes. If someone else is an authorized user on your account, let them know the closure date so they're not surprised when their card declines.
Closing the account online versus by phone
American Express allows you to close your account through your online account portal under settings or account management. Online closure is faster if you're comfortable with the process and don't want to speak to a representative. However, you won't have the chance to hear retention offers or ask questions before the account closes.
Phone closure takes longer but gives you a conversation record and the opportunity to negotiate. If American Express offers you a retention bonus, you'll hear it before the account closes. If you close online and later regret it, you can call back within a short window to reopen the account, though this is not may provide.
For most people, a phone call is worth the ten minutes because it lets you make an informed final decision and document the closure date.
What happens to rewards points after closure
Any rewards points or cash back balance in your American Express account remains yours after closure. You can still redeem those points for statement credits, travel, merchandise, or other rewards through your online account. The points don't expire just because the card closes — you have time to decide how to use them.
If you have a large points balance and you're not sure what to do with it, close the card and take time to explore redemption options. You don't have to redeem when ready. However, if your account is inactive for an extended period (typically three years or more), American Express may close it for inactivity and points policies may change, so redeem or transfer your points within a reasonable timeframe if you're not using the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen my American Express account after I close it?
You can call American Express within a short period after closure and ask to reopen the account. The window varies, but it's usually 30 to 60 days. After that, reopening becomes difficult or impossible. If you close the account and change your mind quickly, call back right away.
Will closing my Amex card hurt my credit score?
Closing the card will lower your score slightly because it reduces your available credit. The impact is usually temporary — typically a few points to 10 or 20 points depending on how much credit you had available. Your score recovers as you pay down balances on other cards.
What if I have a balance I can't pay off before closing?
American Express will not close the account until the balance is paid. You'll need to pay it off in full or set up a payment plan. If you're struggling with the balance, contact American Express to discuss options before you call to close.
Do I need to close my account in person at an American Express office?
No. American Express does not require you to visit a physical location to close an account. Phone or online closure is the standard method. There are no American Express retail locations in most areas — the company operates primarily by phone and online.
What if I'm closing because of a dispute or poor customer service?
Tell the representative why you're closing. If you have an unresolved dispute, mention it — they may be able to address it before you close. If you're closing because of a service issue, your feedback helps American Express understand where they're losing customers. Closure is still your choice regardless of the reason.