Call American Express directly to cancel your card
The fastest way to cancel an American Express card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. American Express handles cancellations by phone only — there is no online form or email option. When you call, have your card number ready and be prepared to answer security questions to confirm your identity.
The phone line is staffed during business hours, and the process typically takes fewer than 10 minutes. A representative will confirm your request, ask why you are canceling (though you are not required to give a reason), and process the cancellation when ready. Your card will be deactivated right away, though you may see pending transactions post for a few days after.
If you have an American Express business card, the process is the same — call the number on the back of the card. For corporate cards issued to employees, the primary cardholder or account administrator must initiate the cancellation.
Key Takeaways
- Call the customer service number on the back of your American Express card to cancel; this is the only method American Express offers.
- Have your card number and personal information ready when you call, and the cancellation will be processed when ready.
- Pay off any remaining balance before canceling, or set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation by email or mail so you have a record for your files.
- Check your credit report a few weeks later to confirm the account shows as closed.
Pay off your balance before you cancel
American Express will not cancel your account if you have an outstanding balance. You must pay the full amount owed before the cancellation takes effect. If you cannot pay the entire balance at once, contact American Express before calling to cancel and ask about a payment plan or settlement option.
If you have a large balance, paying it down over time before canceling is a reasonable approach. There is no penalty for waiting to cancel until your balance reaches zero. Once the balance is paid, you can call back and complete the cancellation without delay.
Redeem rewards points before the account closes
American Express rewards points typically expire or become unusable once your account is closed. Before you cancel, log into your online account and check your current points balance. Redeem any points you have accumulated for cash back, travel, merchandise, or gift cards — whichever option your card offers.
Different American Express cards have different redemption options. The Platinum Card, for example, may offer points toward travel or statement credits, while the Blue Cash card may offer cash back. Check your card's terms or call customer service to understand what your points are worth and what options are available to you.
What happens to your credit after cancellation
Closing a credit card affects your credit score in two ways. First, your available credit decreases when ready, which can raise your credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you are using compared to your total available credit). If you have balances on other cards, this change may lower your score temporarily.
Second, the closed account remains on your credit report for up to 10 years, but it stops being counted as an active account. This can lower your average account age if American Express was one of your older cards. The impact is usually small if you have other active accounts in good standing, but it is worth understanding before you cancel.
If your main reason for canceling is to reduce your available credit or simplify your finances, these effects are usually temporary. Your score will recover as you pay down balances on other cards and as time passes.
Cancel before your annual fee renews
If your American Express card charges an annual fee, check when it renews. Most American Express cards bill the annual fee on your card anniversary — the same date each year that you opened the account. If you want to avoid paying the next annual fee, cancel before that date arrives.
Some American Express cards offer a grace period after the annual fee posts, during which you can cancel and request a refund. Call customer service to ask whether your specific card has this option. If you have paid the annual fee recently and believe you should not have, mention this when you call to cancel — the representative may be able to reverse the charge.
Request written confirmation of your cancellation
After the representative confirms your cancellation over the phone, ask them to send you written confirmation by email or mail. This creates a record that you canceled on a specific date, which can be useful if a charge appears on your account after cancellation or if there is a dispute later.
Write down the date and time of your call, the name of the representative you spoke with, and the confirmation number they provide. Keep this information with your financial records. If you do not receive written confirmation within a week, call back and request it again.
Monitor your account and credit report after cancellation
Check your American Express account online for a few weeks after cancellation to make sure no new charges appear. Pending transactions may still post, but no new purchases should go through. If you see unexpected charges, contact American Express when ready.
About 30 days after cancellation, check your credit report through a free service like AnnualCreditReport.com to confirm that American Express shows the account as closed. The account should appear on your report with a status of "closed by consumer" or similar language. If it shows as open or delinquent, contact American Express to correct it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my American Express card online?
No. American Express only processes cancellations by phone. You must call the customer service number on the back of your card. Some online banking platforms may have a "close account" option, but this typically just takes you to a phone number to call rather than completing the cancellation itself.
What if I have pending charges on my card when I cancel?
Pending charges will still post to your account after cancellation. You remain responsible for paying them. The card itself will be deactivated and cannot be used for new purchases, but your account stays open until all pending transactions clear and any balance is paid.
Will canceling hurt my credit score?
Canceling a credit card can lower your score temporarily because it reduces your available credit and may raise your utilization ratio on other cards. The impact is usually small and temporary, especially if you have other accounts in good standing. The closed account will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years.
Can I get my annual fee refunded if I cancel right after paying it?
Some American Express cards offer a grace period after the annual fee posts, during which you can cancel and request a refund. Call customer service to ask about this option for your specific card. If you paid the fee more than a few weeks ago, a refund is unlikely, but it never hurts to ask.
What should I do with my physical card after I cancel?
Cut up or shred your physical card after cancellation to prevent unauthorized use. You do not need to return it to American Express. Destroying the card also serves as a reminder that the account is closed.