Call Chase directly to cancel your card
The fastest way to cancel a Chase credit card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. You will reach a representative who can process the cancellation when ready. Have your card number ready when you call.
Chase customer service is available 24/7. When you reach someone, tell them you want to close the account. They may ask why you are canceling — you do not have to give a detailed reason, but some people say they are consolidating cards or no longer need it. The representative will confirm your identity, review any outstanding balance, and then close the account.
After the call, you will receive written confirmation in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep this letter for your records. The account closure will show on your credit report, but the card itself is closed when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Chase card to cancel; the process takes about 10 minutes and happens the same day.
- Pay off any remaining balance before you cancel, or the balance will still be due after the account closes.
- Canceling a card can lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your total available credit, but the effect usually fades within a few months.
- If you have pending rewards points, redeem them before canceling because you may lose them after the account closes.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation and keep it with your financial records.
Pay off your balance first
Before you call to cancel, make sure you have paid the full balance on the card. If you still owe money when the account closes, you will still have to pay it. Chase will send you bills for the remaining balance, and interest will continue to accrue until it is paid off.
If you cannot pay the full balance right now, you can still cancel the card, but you will be responsible for the debt. Some people choose to keep the account open until the balance is zero so they can continue making payments without the account being closed. This is a personal choice — closing the account does not erase what you owe.
Redeem your rewards before closing
If your Chase card earns cash back, points, or miles, use those rewards before you cancel. Different Chase cards have different rules about what happens to rewards after an account closes. Some programs let you keep your points for a period of time, while others may forfeit them.
Check your account online or call Chase to find out how much in rewards you have accumulated. You can usually redeem points for a statement credit, cash back, or travel purchases directly through your Chase account. Do this before you call to cancel so you do not lose money you have already earned.
Understand how cancellation affects your credit
Closing a credit card will likely lower your credit score by a small amount, usually 5 to 10 points. This happens because your total available credit decreases. If you had a $5,000 limit on the card you are closing and a $10,000 limit on another card, your available credit drops from $15,000 to $10,000.
The score drop is temporary. Within a few months, the impact usually fades as long as you continue paying other bills on time. If you are planning to explore for a mortgage or car loan in the next few weeks, you may want to wait to cancel until after you have been approved, since lenders look at your credit score at the time you explore.
The closed account will stay on your credit report for up to 10 years, but it will not hurt your score after the first few months. Having a closed account in good standing actually shows responsible credit behavior.
What to do if you want to keep the card but stop using it
You do not have to cancel a card to stop using it. Many people keep old cards open but straightforward do not use them. This can actually be better for your credit score because it keeps your available credit high.
If you want to keep the card open but inactive, just put it away. Chase will not close the account for inactivity alone, though some cards do charge an annual fee if you do not use them. Check your cardholder agreement to see if there is a fee. If there is and you do not want to pay it, you can cancel instead.
Cancel through the Chase app or website if you prefer
Chase allows you to request a cancellation through their mobile app or website, though you may still need to confirm by phone. Log into your Chase account, go to the account settings or customer service section, and look for a "close account" or "cancel card" option. Follow the prompts to request closure.
This method creates a record of your request, which some people prefer. However, calling remains the fastest way to may support the cancellation is processed the same day. If you use the app or website, follow up with a phone call to confirm the account is actually closed.
After your card is canceled
Once the account is closed, you can still use any remaining balance to pay down the debt. You just cannot make new charges. Destroy the physical card by cutting it up or shredding it so it cannot be used by someone else.
Keep the written confirmation letter Chase sends you. If there is ever a dispute about whether the account was closed, this letter is your proof. Some people file it with their tax records or financial documents.
If you had automatic payments set up on this card for bills or subscriptions, update those payments to a different card or bank account before you cancel. Otherwise, those payments will fail and you may be charged late fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling my Chase card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but only slightly and temporarily. Your score may drop 5 to 10 points because your available credit decreases. The effect usually fades within a few months. If you are explore for a loan soon, wait until after you are approved to cancel.
What happens to my rewards points after I cancel?
It depends on the specific Chase card. Some programs let you keep points for a period of time after closing; others may forfeit them. Redeem your points before you cancel to be safe. Call Chase or check your cardholder agreement to learn your card's specific policy.
Can I cancel my Chase card if I still owe money on it?
Yes, you can cancel even with a balance. The debt does not disappear — you will still owe it and will receive bills. Many people pay off the balance first to avoid this, but it is not required to close the account.
How long does it take to cancel a Chase credit card?
The cancellation itself takes about 10 minutes over the phone. The account closes when ready, but you will receive written confirmation in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep this letter as proof of cancellation.
What if I change my mind after canceling?
If you cancel and then want to reopen the account, call Chase within a short window — usually 30 to 60 days. After that, the account is permanently closed and you would need to explore for a new card. There is no may provide Chase will approve a new process.