Call Discover's customer service line to request cancellation
The fastest way to cancel a Discover card is to call Discover directly. Their customer service team handles cancellations over the phone and can process your request when ready. You can reach them at the number on the back of your card, or call 1-800-347-2683. Have your card number ready when you call.
When you call, tell the representative you want to close the account. They may ask why you're cancelling — this is optional information, and you don't have to explain. They might also offer you a lower interest rate or other incentives to keep the card open. You can decline these offers if you've decided to cancel.
The representative will confirm your identity, process the cancellation, and give you a confirmation number. Write down this number and the date you called. The account will be marked as closed, though it may take a few days for the status to update in your online account.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Discover card or 1-800-347-2683 to cancel over the phone, which is the quickest method.
- Pay off any remaining balance before or at the time of cancellation, since closing the account doesn't erase what you owe.
- Ask the representative for a confirmation number and note the cancellation date for your records.
- Closing a card may lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your available credit, so consider the timing if you're planning to borrow soon.
- You can also cancel by mail if you prefer, though this takes longer and requires you to follow up to confirm the account is closed.
Pay your balance before you cancel
Do not close the account while you still owe money. Cancelling doesn't erase the debt — you'll still be responsible for paying it, and Discover will continue to charge interest on the remaining balance. Pay off what you owe in full before you call to cancel, or at minimum bring the balance to zero at the same time you request the closure.
If you have a promotional 0% interest rate that's still active, check the terms before you cancel. Some cards let you keep the promotional rate even after closing, but others end the promotion when ready. Call Discover first to ask about your specific card if you're still in a promotional period.
What happens to your credit after you cancel
Closing a credit card will likely lower your credit score, at least temporarily. This happens because closing an account reduces your total available credit, which changes your credit utilization ratio — the amount you owe compared to your total credit limit. Even if you pay off the balance, the account closure itself affects this calculation.
The impact is usually temporary. Your score will recover over time as you continue to pay other accounts on time. If you're planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other major credit in the next few months, you may want to wait to cancel until after you've completed that process.
Cancel by mail if you prefer written confirmation
You can also cancel by sending a letter to Discover's mailing address. Write a straightforward letter stating that you want to close your account, include your card number, and sign it. Send it to Discover Card, P.O. Box 15298, Wilmington, DE 19850-5298.
Cancellation by mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks — because Discover has to receive the letter, process it, and send you confirmation. Keep a copy of your letter for your records. After two weeks, call customer service to confirm the account has been closed, since mail can get delayed.
Check your credit report after cancellation
After your account is closed, check your credit report to make sure it shows the correct status. You can get a free credit report once per year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at annualcreditreport.com. The report should show the Discover account as "closed by consumer" within 30 to 60 days.
If the account still shows as open after two months, or if it shows as closed by the creditor instead of by you, contact Discover again to correct it. A closed account that remains on your report for seven to ten years is normal — you don't need to remove it, and it won't hurt your score once it's marked as closed.
What to do with rewards points before you cancel
If your Discover card earns cash back or rewards points, use or redeem them before you cancel. Once the account is closed, you may lose access to any unredeemed rewards. Log into your Discover account online to see your current rewards balance and redeem them as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check.
Some rewards have expiration dates, so check the terms on your specific card. Most Discover cards don't expire rewards, but it's worth confirming before you close the account. If you have a large rewards balance, redeem it a few days before you call to cancel, just to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will cancelling my Discover card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your score may drop when you close the account because it reduces your available credit. The impact is typically larger if the Discover card is one of your oldest accounts or if you have few other credit cards. Your score will recover as you continue to pay other accounts on time.
Can I cancel my card if I still have a balance?
You can request cancellation, but Discover will keep the account open until you pay off the balance. You'll continue to owe the debt and pay interest on it. Pay the balance in full before you cancel, or pay it off at the same time you request closure.
How long does it take for my Discover card to be cancelled?
If you cancel by phone, the account is marked for closure when ready and you'll get a confirmation number. The status may take a few days to update in your online account. If you cancel by mail, it takes two to three weeks for Discover to receive and process your letter.
What if I change my mind after I cancel?
Call Discover within a few days of cancellation to ask if they can reopen the account. If they agree, the account may reopen with the same card number and history. After a longer period, reopening becomes harder or impossible, so act quickly if you want to reverse the cancellation.
Do I need to destroy my physical card after cancelling?
Yes, cut up or shred your card after the account is closed. This prevents anyone from finding the card and attempting to use it. You don't need to return it to Discover — destroying it yourself is sufficient.