Call American Express to close your card
The fastest way to close an American Express card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative will walk you through the closure, answer questions about your account, and confirm the closure in writing. The call usually takes five to ten minutes.
Have your card number ready when you call. The representative may ask why you're closing the account — this is optional information, but sharing it can help American Express understand customer needs. They will also confirm that you have no remaining balance and that all pending transactions have posted.
After you hang up, American Express will send a written confirmation to the address on file. Keep this confirmation for your records. The card itself should be cut up or destroyed to prevent accidental use.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your American Express card to close it; a representative will handle the closure and send written confirmation.
- Pay off any remaining balance before closing, as American Express will not close an account with an outstanding debt.
- Closing a card may lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your total available credit, but the effect is usually temporary.
- After closure, your card stops working when ready, but American Express keeps your account records for your protection and dispute resolution.
What to do before you call
Before closing your card, make sure your balance is zero. American Express will not close an account with money owed. Log into your online account or call to check your current balance, including any pending charges that have not yet posted.
If you have an automatic payment set up on this card — for utilities, subscriptions, or other recurring charges — update those payments to a different card or bank account now. Once the card is closed, those payments will fail and may trigger late fees or service interruptions.
Review your account for any rewards points you have not yet used. Closing the card does not automatically erase your points, but the rules for using them after closure vary by card type. Ask the representative what happens to your rewards before you finalize the closure.
What happens to your credit after closure
Closing a credit card typically lowers your credit score by a small amount, usually between five and ten points. This happens because your total available credit shrinks — if you had a $5,000 limit and you close that card, you now have $5,000 less credit available to you, which can raise your credit utilization ratio on your remaining cards.
The impact is usually temporary. Your score will recover over several months as you continue to pay other accounts on time. The closure itself stays on your credit report for about ten years, but it becomes less important to lenders over time.
If you are planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other major credit in the next few months, closing a card right before that process can work against you. Consider waiting until after the loan closes if possible.
Closing a card with an annual fee
If your American Express card has an annual fee and you are closing it, the timing matters. If the fee has already posted to your account this year, you have already paid it — closing the card now will not refund it. If the fee is coming up soon and you have not yet paid it, closing before the fee posts means you avoid the charge.
Some American Express cards waive the annual fee in the first year or offer a statement credit that covers it. Check your account details to see whether a fee is scheduled. If you are unsure, the representative can tell you the exact date the next fee will post.
If you have paid the annual fee and want to dispute it, you can ask the representative about a refund before closing. American Express sometimes reverses a recent fee if you ask, though this is not may provide.
If you want to keep your account open but stop using the card
You do not have to close your card to stop using it. Many people keep old cards open with a zero balance because the account history helps their credit score. A longer account history and a zero balance both work in your favor when lenders review your credit.
If you want to keep the card but avoid the annual fee, call American Express and ask if they will waive it or downgrade you to a no-fee version of the card. Representatives have some flexibility here, especially if you have been a long-term customer. This is worth asking before you close.
If you keep the card open but inactive, use it for a small purchase every few months — a dollar or two — and pay it off when ready. This keeps the account active and shows the card issuer you still value the account. Completely inactive cards are sometimes closed by the issuer without your request.
What to do after the card is closed
Once your card is closed, it stops working when ready for new purchases. You cannot use it at a store, online, or over the phone. However, American Express keeps your account records for seven years, which means you can still dispute old charges or access your transaction history if you need it.
If you have automatic payments that were tied to this card and you forgot to update them, contact those merchants as soon as you realize the problem. Explain that your card was closed and provide a new payment method. Most companies will not charge you a late fee if you update your payment information within a few days.
Monitor your credit report over the next few months to make sure the closure is reported correctly. You can check your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. The closure should show as "closed by consumer" rather than "closed by issuer," which is better for your credit profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my American Express card online?
American Express does not offer online closure through their website or mobile app. You must call customer service at the number on your card. This is a deliberate policy — the phone call gives the company a chance to retain you and ensures you understand the consequences of closure before it happens.
What if I have a dispute on my closed card?
You can still dispute charges on a closed American Express card. Call the number on your statement or contact American Express through their website. The company keeps records for seven years after closure, so you have time to report unauthorized charges or billing errors.
Will closing my card hurt my credit score?
Closing a card usually lowers your score by five to ten points because it reduces your available credit. The impact is temporary and your score typically recovers within a few months. If you are explore for a major loan soon, consider waiting to close the card until after the loan closes.
Can I reopen a closed American Express card?
Once you close an American Express card, you cannot reopen that exact account. However, you can explore for the same card again as a new account. American Express may or may not approve you depending on your credit and account history, and you would start with a new account number and credit limit.
What happens to my rewards points when I close the card?
Your rewards points do not disappear when you close the card. You can still use them after closure, though the rules depend on your specific card. Ask the representative before you close whether you can redeem points online, by phone, or through the mail, and whether there is a time limit for using them.