Canceling an American Express card means calling the number on the back of your card, confirming your identity, and asking to close the account
American Express handles cancellations by phone only — there is no online form or email option. The process takes about five minutes. You will need your card number and the ability to answer security questions. Once you confirm the cancellation, the account closes when ready, though you remain responsible for any balance until it is paid.
Before you call, decide whether you want to keep the account open but stop using the card, or close it entirely. Closing the account affects your credit differently than straightforward not using it. If you have a balance, you will need to pay it off either before or after cancellation — American Express will not close an account with an outstanding balance, though they will let you stop using the card while you pay it down.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your American Express card to request cancellation; this is the only method American Express accepts.
- Closing a card account can lower your credit score because it reduces your total available credit and may shorten your average account age.
- If you have a balance, you must pay it off before American Express will close the account, though you can stop using the card when ready.
- Downgrade to a no-annual-fee American Express card instead of closing if you want to keep the account history and available credit.
What happens to your credit when you cancel
Closing a credit card account removes that credit line from your available credit total. If you had a $5,000 limit and a $2,000 balance on another card, your credit utilization jumps from 40% to 50% — a change that can lower your score by 10 to 50 points depending on how close you already are to your limits.
The account also stops aging. Your credit score factors in the average age of your accounts. Closing an older card, especially if it is your oldest account, can reduce that average and lower your score further. The closed account stays on your credit report for up to seven years, but it stops helping your score after about two years.
If you want to keep the account history and credit line without paying an annual fee, ask American Express about downgrading to a no-annual-fee card in their lineup instead. This keeps the account open and active without the cost.
Steps to cancel over the phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card number ready. American Express will ask you to confirm your identity — usually your Social Security number or date of birth — and may ask security questions about your account history.
Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will ask why you are canceling; you do not have to give a detailed reason, but some representatives offer retention deals (fee waivers, statement credits) if you say the annual fee is the issue. Decide in advance whether you would accept an offer or whether you have already made up your mind.
If you have a balance, the representative will tell you that the account cannot close until it is paid. You can still ask them to stop the card from being used for new charges. Pay the balance by mail, phone, or online through your American Express account, then call back to confirm the closure once it reaches zero.
Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up. American Express will send a written confirmation in the mail within one to two weeks.
Paying off your balance before closing
If you have a balance, you have two options: pay it all before calling to cancel, or call first and then pay it off while the account remains open.
Paying before you call is simpler — you cancel with no complications and the account closes when ready. You can pay online through your American Express account, by phone, or by mail. Online and phone payments usually post within one business day.
If you call first and then pay, the account stays open in a closed status — you cannot use the card, but the account exists and you can still make payments. Interest continues to accrue on the balance until it is paid in full. Once the balance reaches zero, you can call back to confirm the closure is complete, though some accounts close automatically after 60 days with no activity.
What to do with the physical card
After you cancel, destroy the physical card by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not throw it away intact. American Express recommends cutting through the chip and magnetic stripe to prevent someone from finding it and attempting to use it.
You do not need to return the card to American Express by mail. Once the account is closed, the card will not work even if someone finds it.
Downgrading instead of canceling
If you want to keep the account open but do not want to pay the annual fee, ask about downgrading to a different American Express card. American Express offers several no-annual-fee options, including the American Express EveryDay card and the American Express Cash Magnet card.
Downgrading keeps your account history, your credit line, and your available credit intact — none of which happens when you close. Your credit score takes less of a hit. The downside is that you keep the card active, which means you need to decide whether you will actually use it or let it sit unused.
Ask the representative about downgrade options when you call. They can often switch you to a different card on the spot without closing the account.
After your account closes
Your closed account will appear on your credit report for up to seven years. During that time, it shows as "closed by consumer" or "closed by creditor," which is neutral information — it does not hurt your score, but it does not help it either after the first couple of years.
If you had autopay set up for any other bills using this card, update those payments to a different card or bank account before you cancel. American Express will not process charges after the account closes, and missed payments on other bills will hurt your credit.
You can still dispute charges or check your account history online for about 90 days after closure. After that, you will lose access to your online account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my American Express card online?
No. American Express only accepts cancellation requests by phone. Call the number on the back of your card and speak to a representative. Some online banking platforms show a "close account" button, but clicking it typically just starts a process that directs you to call anyway.
What if I have a balance when I cancel?
American Express will not close the account until the balance is paid to zero. You can ask them to stop the card from being used for new charges, but the account stays open. Interest continues to accrue. Pay the balance in full, then call back to confirm closure.
Will canceling hurt my credit score?
Yes, usually by 10 to 50 points depending on your credit profile. Closing removes available credit and may lower your average account age. The impact is temporary — your score typically recovers within a few months if you keep other accounts in good standing.
Should I downgrade instead of canceling?
Downgrading to a no-annual-fee American Express card keeps your account history and credit line active, which is better for your credit score. It only makes sense if you are willing to keep the card active. If you never plan to use it again, canceling is simpler.
How long does it take to close the account?
The account closes when ready when you confirm the cancellation over the phone. You will receive written confirmation in the mail within one to two weeks. If you have a balance, the account stays open until the balance is paid.