Call Chase customer service to request cancellation
The fastest way to cancel a Chase credit card is to call the phone number on the back of your card. You'll 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. The representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're canceling (though you don't have to give a detailed reason), and then close the account. They'll tell you the account is closed before the call ends.
If you prefer not to call, you can also cancel through the Chase mobile app or website by logging into your account, though phone cancellation is more straightforward because the representative can answer questions and confirm the closure on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Chase card to cancel; the process takes about five minutes and closes the account when ready.
- Pay off your full balance before you call, because canceling doesn't erase what you owe.
- Ask the representative to confirm the account is closed and request written confirmation by mail or email.
- After cancellation, your credit report will show the account as closed, which may temporarily lower your credit score if this card represented a large portion of your available credit.
- Chase will continue to send statements for any remaining balance until it's paid in full.
Settle your balance before canceling
Closing the account does not erase the debt. If you have a balance on the card, you'll still owe it after cancellation. Chase will continue to charge interest on that balance until you pay it off, and they'll keep sending statements.
Pay the full balance before you call to cancel. If you can't pay it all at once, pay as much as you can, then call to cancel. You can make payments on the closed account through your Chase online account or by phone for as long as the balance exists.
If you have a promotional rate (like 0% APR for 12 months), canceling the card does not end the promotion. The rate stays in place for the remaining time, as long as you meet the terms of the offer.
What happens to rewards points and cash back
Any rewards points or cash back you've earned but not yet redeemed will stay in your account for a limited time after cancellation. The exact window depends on your specific Chase card, but it's typically 30 to 90 days.
Redeem your rewards before you cancel if you want to be certain you don't lose them. Log into your Chase account, go to the rewards section, and convert points to cash back, travel credits, or gift cards. Once you've redeemed them, you can cancel without worry.
If you forget to redeem before canceling, contact Chase customer service right away. They may still honor the redemption if you call within a few days, though this is not may provide.
Understand the impact on your credit score
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score, usually by a small amount. The drop happens because your available credit decreases. If this card made up a large portion of your total credit limit, the impact will be larger.
The score typically recovers within a few months as long as you keep other accounts open and pay on time. The closed account will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years, but it will show as closed and will have less weight over time.
If you're planning to explore for a loan or mortgage soon, consider waiting to cancel until after your process is approved. Closing a card right before a credit check can hurt your chances.
Cancel through the Chase app or website if you prefer
Log into your Chase account on the mobile app or at chase.com. Go to your account settings or card details page. Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Cancel Card." Chase will walk you through a few confirmation screens and may ask why you're closing the account.
Online cancellation is slower than calling because you won't get when ready confirmation that the account is closed. After you submit the request, it can take one to two business days for Chase to process it. Call to confirm the cancellation went through if you don't hear back within that time.
Some Chase cards don't offer online cancellation. If you can't find the option in your app or account, call customer service instead.
Request written confirmation of cancellation
After the representative tells you the account is closed, ask them to send you written confirmation by mail or email. This gives you proof that you canceled on a specific date, which is useful if a charge appears on the card later or if there's ever a dispute about when the account closed.
Chase will send a final statement showing a zero balance and the account status as closed. Keep this statement with your records. If you don't receive written confirmation within two weeks, call back and request it again.
What to do if the card is still being charged after cancellation
Occasionally, a charge will post to a closed card if a merchant had a pending transaction when you canceled. This is rare but can happen with subscriptions, recurring payments, or delayed charges.
If a charge appears after cancellation, contact Chase when ready. Explain that the card was closed and the charge should not have gone through. Chase can dispute the charge on your behalf or reverse it directly. Keep your cancellation confirmation handy when you call.
If the charge came from a subscription or recurring payment you forgot to cancel, you'll need to contact that merchant separately to stop future charges. Closing the card doesn't automatically stop merchants from trying to charge it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a Chase card if I still have a balance?
Yes, you can cancel even with a balance. The balance doesn't disappear—you'll still owe it and Chase will keep charging interest. Pay off what you can before canceling, then continue making payments on the closed account until it's paid in full.
Will canceling hurt my credit score?
It may lower your score slightly because your available credit decreases. The impact is usually small and temporary. The score typically recovers within a few months if you keep other accounts open and pay on time.
What happens to my rewards points when I cancel?
Redeem them before you cancel. After cancellation, you typically have 30 to 90 days to use them, depending on your card. If you miss that window, contact Chase right away—they may still honor the redemption if you call within a few days.
How long does it take to cancel a Chase card?
If you call, the cancellation is when ready—the representative will close it during the call. If you cancel online, it takes one to two business days to process. Either way, request written confirmation so you have proof of the cancellation date.
Can I reopen a Chase card after I cancel it?
You can contact Chase and ask to reopen the account, but they may decline. It's easier to open a new card if you change your mind. If you think you might want the card again, consider keeping it open but unused instead of canceling.