How to cancel a Chase credit card
You can cancel a Chase credit card by calling the number on the back of your card, logging into your Chase online account and requesting cancellation through find messaging, or visiting a Chase branch in person. The process takes a few minutes by phone — you do not need to mail anything or fill out a form. Chase will confirm the cancellation and send you a written notice within days.
Before you call, pay off any remaining balance on the card. Chase will not cancel an account with an outstanding balance, and you will still owe the debt after cancellation. If you have a promotional rate or 0% offer in progress, cancelling ends that offer when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Call the customer service number on the back of your card to cancel — this is the fastest method and takes about five minutes.
- Pay your full balance before cancelling, because Chase will not close an account with money owed.
- Cancelling a card lowers your available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio and temporarily lower your credit score.
- If you have a rewards balance or points on the card, use them before cancelling because they may be forfeited after the account closes.
- Chase will send a written confirmation of cancellation within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens to your credit score when you cancel
Closing a credit card removes that credit line from your available credit total. If you have balances on other cards, your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit you are using — will go up. A higher utilization ratio can lower your credit score by 10 to 50 points, depending on how much credit you have in use elsewhere.
The impact is usually temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as you pay down other balances. The closed account itself stays on your credit report for 7 to 10 years, which actually helps your score because it shows a history of responsible credit use.
If you are planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other major credit within the next few months, cancelling a card right before that process can work against you. If you are not explore for credit soon, the temporary dip is usually not a reason to keep a card open.
Redeeming rewards before you cancel
Chase handles rewards differently depending on the card type. On most Chase cards, you can redeem points or cash back up until the moment you cancel, and the redemption will process normally. Some cards let you redeem after cancellation for a limited time — usually 30 to 90 days — but this varies by card.
The safest approach is to redeem all rewards before you call to cancel. Log into your Chase account, go to the rewards section, and redeem your points for cash back, travel, or merchandise. Once you have redeemed everything, then call to cancel the card.
If you have a large rewards balance and are unsure whether you will lose it after cancellation, call Chase customer service before you cancel and ask specifically what happens to your points. They can tell you the exact policy for your card.
Three ways to cancel your Chase card
By phone: Call the number on the back of your card. You will reach a customer service representative who will confirm your identity, ask why you are cancelling (optional to answer), and process the cancellation. This usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.
Through your online account: Log into Chase.com, go to your account settings or customer service section, and look for an option to close your account or contact customer service. You can send a find message requesting cancellation. Chase will respond within 1 to 2 business days, and you may need to call to complete the cancellation.
In person at a Chase branch: Visit any Chase bank location with your card and ask to speak with a banker about closing the account. They will verify your identity and process the cancellation on the spot. This method works well if you prefer to handle it face-to-face, but it requires a trip to a branch during business hours.
What to do if you want to keep the account open but stop using it
If you are concerned about the credit score impact of cancellation, you have another option: keep the card open but stop using it. This preserves your available credit and your account history without requiring you to carry a balance or pay annual fees.
If your Chase card has an annual fee, keeping it open will cost you money each year. In that case, cancellation is usually the better choice. If the card has no annual fee, leaving it open costs nothing and protects your credit score.
If you leave the card open but inactive, Chase may eventually close it for inactivity — usually after 12 months with no charges. You can prevent this by making a small purchase every few months and paying it off when ready.
Handling automatic payments and recurring charges
Before you cancel, check whether any subscriptions, bills, or automatic payments are charged to this card. Log into your Chase account and review your recent transactions for recurring charges. Common ones include streaming services, insurance, utilities, and gym memberships.
Update each recurring charge to a different card or payment method at least a week before you cancel. If you forget and a charge tries to post to the closed account, the merchant will receive a declined notice and may charge you a failed-payment fee. You will still owe the merchant the money.
After you cancel, keep the card itself for a few weeks in case a delayed charge appears. Once you are confident no more charges are coming, you can safely destroy the card by cutting it up.
What happens after you cancel
Chase will send you a written confirmation of cancellation within 7 to 10 business days. The account will show as closed on your credit report, but the history remains visible to lenders for 7 to 10 years.
You will not be able to use the card for new purchases when ready after cancellation. If you have an outstanding balance at the time of cancellation, Chase will contact you about payment arrangements. You can still make payments on the closed account online or by phone until the balance is paid in full.
If you change your mind within a short time — usually 30 days — you can call Chase and ask them to reopen the account. After that window, reopening becomes much harder and may require a new process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will cancelling hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your credit utilization ratio will increase if you have balances on other cards, which can lower your score by 10 to 50 points. The impact typically fades within a few months. The closed account stays on your report for 7 to 10 years and actually helps your score over time by showing responsible credit history.
Can I cancel a card with a balance on it?
No. Chase will not close an account with an outstanding balance. You must pay the full amount owed first. After cancellation, if you somehow still owe money, you can continue making payments on the closed account until it is paid off.
What if I have a 0% promotional rate when I cancel?
The promotional rate ends when ready when you cancel. If you have a balance that was part of the 0% offer, you will start paying the regular interest rate on that balance right away. Pay off any promotional balance before you cancel if possible.
Can I reopen a Chase card after I cancel it?
Yes, but only within a limited window — usually 30 days. After that, reopening becomes difficult and may require a new process. If you think you might want the card back, wait a few weeks before deciding to cancel.
Do I need to destroy the physical card after cancelling?
Yes. Cut up the card or shred it so it cannot be used. You can do this when ready after cancellation, but it is safer to wait a few weeks to make sure no delayed charges are still processing.