How to cancel an American Express card
You can cancel an American Express card by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, or by logging into your online account and requesting cancellation through the card management portal. The process takes a few minutes, and the card is closed when ready. American Express will send you written confirmation within 7 to 10 business days.
Before you cancel, check your account for any remaining balance, pending transactions, or rewards points you want to use. Cancelling does not erase your payment history — that stays on your credit report for up to seven years — but it does close the account and stop you from using the card.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your card or use your online account to request cancellation; the card closes the same day.
- Pay off any remaining balance before you cancel, because interest continues to accrue on unpaid balances after the account closes.
- Redeem any rewards points before cancelling, since some American Express cards let you keep points after closure but others do not.
- Closing a card lowers your total available credit, which can temporarily raise your credit utilization ratio and affect your credit score.
- American Express will send written confirmation of the cancellation within 7 to 10 business days.
Paying off your balance before cancelling
If you have an unpaid balance on the card, you must pay it off before or at the time of cancellation. American Express will not close the account until the balance is zero. If you cancel with a balance still owed, the account remains open and interest continues to accrue at your card's regular rate.
Check your statement for the exact amount due, including any pending charges that have not yet posted. If you have automatic payments set up, make sure the final payment clears before you call to cancel. Some cardholders wait for the statement to arrive so they can see the final balance, but you can also log in to your account online to see the current amount owed at any time.
What happens to your rewards points
American Express handles rewards differently depending on the card type. With most personal cards, your points remain in your account after cancellation and you can redeem them for up to one year. With some business cards and premium cards, the rules vary — some let you keep points indefinitely, while others expire them 30 to 90 days after the account closes.
Log into your account or call customer service to find out your card's specific policy before you cancel. If you have a large balance of points, redeem them before closing the account to avoid losing them. You can redeem points for statement credits, travel, merchandise, or gift cards depending on your card's rewards program.
The effect on your credit score
Closing a credit card lowers your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit that you are currently using. A higher utilization ratio can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. The impact is usually small if you have other open accounts, but it can be more noticeable if this card represents a large portion of your total available credit.
The account closure itself does not hurt your score. What matters is the change in your available credit. If you are planning to explore for a loan or mortgage in the next few months, you may want to wait to cancel until after the process is complete, since lenders pull your credit report during that process.
Cancelling by phone versus online
Calling customer service is the most direct route. The number is on the back of your card. Have your card number ready, and the representative will confirm your identity, ask why you are cancelling (optional to answer), and close the account on the spot. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
If you prefer not to call, you can log into your American Express online account, go to the card management section, and look for a "Close Account" or "Cancel Card" option. Not all card types offer this online, so if you do not see the option, you will need to call. Online cancellation still requires you to pay off any balance first.
What to do with the physical card after cancellation
After you cancel, cut up the physical card or shred it to prevent someone from finding it and attempting to use it. The card will no longer work for purchases even if it is not destroyed, but destroying it removes the risk of fraud. Some people keep the card in a drawer for a few months to make sure no pending charges appear, then destroy it once they are certain the account is fully closed.
Do not throw the card in the trash whole. Shred it or cut it into pieces, making sure to cut through the card number and the magnetic stripe on the back.
Cancelling a card you have had for a long time
If you have held the card for many years, cancelling removes that account history from your active credit profile. Your payment history with that card stays on your credit report for seven years, but the account itself no longer counts toward your average account age — a factor that affects your credit score. Closing an old account can lower your score slightly for this reason.
If you want to keep the account open but stop using it, you can straightforward put the card away without cancelling. American Express will not close the account for inactivity the way some other issuers do, so the account will remain open and continue to help your credit profile. You can reactivate it anytime by making a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my American Express card if I have a balance?
No. You must pay off the entire balance before American Express will close the account. If you call to cancel with a balance still owed, the representative will tell you the amount due and the account will remain open until it is paid. Interest continues to accrue on unpaid balances after cancellation is requested.
Will cancelling hurt my credit score?
Closing the card itself does not hurt your score, but the loss of available credit can raise your utilization ratio and cause a small temporary drop. The impact is usually a few points and recovers within a few months. If you have other open accounts, the effect is minimal.
What happens to my rewards points when I cancel?
With most American Express personal cards, your points stay in your account for one year after cancellation and you can redeem them anytime. Some business and premium cards have different rules. Check your card's terms or call customer service to confirm your card's policy before you cancel.
How long does it take to cancel?
The account closes when ready when you call or request cancellation online. You will receive written confirmation in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Any pending transactions may still post to the account after cancellation, so monitor your statement for a few weeks to make sure everything is settled.
Can I reopen a cancelled American Express card?
American Express does not reopen closed accounts. If you want to use an American Express card again, you would need to explore for a new card. Your credit history with the previous card remains on your credit report, but the account itself cannot be reopened.