Call Amazon's card issuer to cancel your account
To cancel an Amazon credit card, you need to call the bank that issues it, not Amazon itself. Amazon credit cards are issued by either Chase Bank or Synchrony Financial, depending on which card you hold. The issuer's customer service team will process the cancellation and confirm it in writing.
Have your card number ready when you call. The issuer will ask you to verify your identity, confirm your reason for canceling (though you don't have to give a detailed explanation), and may ask if there's anything they can do to keep your account open. You can decline and proceed with the cancellation.
After you hang up, the card will be closed. You'll receive a written confirmation in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep this letter for your records.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon credit cards are issued by Chase or Synchrony, so you call your card issuer's customer service number, not Amazon.
- Have your card number and a form of ID ready when you call to verify your identity.
- The issuer may try to retain you by offering a retention bonus or lower rate, but you can decline and proceed with cancellation.
- Written confirmation arrives in 7 to 10 business days; keep it for your records.
- Pay off any remaining balance before or when ready after canceling to avoid interest charges on the closed account.
Find the correct phone number for your card issuer
The back of your Amazon credit card lists the customer service number for your issuer. If you no longer have the card, you can find the number online by searching for "Chase Amazon card customer service" or "Synchrony Amazon card customer service," depending on which bank issued your card.
You can also log into your Amazon credit card account online through your bank's website or app. Most issuers display the customer service number prominently on the account page or in the help section.
What to do with your remaining balance before canceling
If you have an unpaid balance on your Amazon credit card, you have two options: pay it off before you call to cancel, or pay it after the account closes. Either way, you remain responsible for the balance and must continue making payments.
Paying the balance before cancellation is simpler because you avoid any confusion about where to send payments after the account closes. If you pay after cancellation, the issuer will send you a statement showing what you owe and where to send payments. Interest will continue to accrue on any unpaid balance at your card's current rate.
Understand what happens to your rewards points
Amazon Rewards points on your card do not expire straightforward because you cancel the card. Points remain in your Amazon account and you can use them to make purchases on Amazon.com after the card is closed. The points are tied to your Amazon account, not to the physical card or the credit account itself.
If you have a pending rewards redemption or a rewards certificate that hasn't been applied yet, complete that transaction before you cancel. This removes any possibility of confusion about whether the points transfer correctly after the account closes.
Know how cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your total available credit and may raise your credit utilization ratio on your remaining cards. The impact is usually small and temporary if you have other open accounts and a good payment history.
The closed account will remain on your credit report for 7 to 10 years, which is normal. During that time, it continues to show your payment history with that card, which can actually help your score if you paid on time.
Cancel the card in writing if you prefer not to call
Most credit card issuers accept cancellation requests by mail, though calling is faster. Send a letter to the address on your statement or the issuer's website, stating your name, account number, and request to close the account. Include a copy of your ID or a recent statement for verification.
Mail takes longer than a phone call — expect 2 to 3 weeks for the issuer to receive your letter, process it, and send confirmation. If you need the account closed quickly, calling is the better option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling my Amazon credit card affect my Amazon Prime membership?
No. Your Prime membership is separate from your credit card account. Canceling the card does not cancel Prime, and you can continue using Prime with any other payment method. If you have a Prime Rewards Visa, the card and the membership are still separate accounts.
Can I reopen my Amazon credit card after I cancel it?
Yes, you can request to reopen the account within a short window after cancellation, usually 30 to 60 days. Call the issuer and ask if your account can be reopened. After that window closes, you would need to open a new account, which may require a new credit inquiry.
What if I have a pending purchase or authorization on the card when I cancel?
Pending transactions may still post after you cancel because the card issuer processes them separately from the account closure. Pay any remaining balance that posts after cancellation. If you're concerned about pending charges, wait for them to clear before calling to cancel.
Do I need to destroy my physical card after canceling?
Yes. Cut the card in half or shred it to prevent someone from finding it and attempting to use it. The card will no longer work after cancellation, but destroying it removes the risk entirely.