Call Chase directly to cancel, or request cancellation in writing
The fastest way to cancel a Chase credit card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're closing the account, and process the cancellation when ready. The call typically takes five to ten minutes. If you prefer not to call, you can also request cancellation by mail — send a letter to Chase asking them to close the account, include your card number and full name, and keep a copy for your records.
Chase will not cancel your account through their mobile app or online banking portal. You must initiate the request by phone or mail. Once you request cancellation, the card becomes inactive right away, though the account officially closes after Chase processes the request, usually within one to two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Call the customer service number on the back of your Chase card to cancel — this is faster than mailing a request and gives you when ready confirmation.
- Pay off any remaining balance before you call, since closing an account with a balance does not erase what you owe.
- Canceling a card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit, even if you have other cards open.
- Ask Chase to confirm the cancellation in writing, either by requesting they mail you a confirmation letter or by noting the date and time of your call.
- Do not cut up or destroy the card until Chase confirms the account is closed, in case you need the account number for reference.
What to do before you call Chase
Pay off any balance on the card first. Closing an account does not forgive debt — you will still owe whatever you charged, and Chase will continue to report the balance to credit bureaus. If you have an outstanding balance, ask about a payment plan or pay it in full before requesting cancellation.
Check whether you have any pending charges or recurring subscriptions tied to the card. Streaming services, gym memberships, insurance payments, and other monthly charges will fail if the card is closed while they are still active. Log into your Chase account online and review recent transactions to catch anything you might have forgotten about. Move those subscriptions to a different card before you cancel.
If the card has rewards points or cash back that you have not redeemed, redeem them before you close the account. Once the account is closed, you typically cannot use accumulated rewards. Check your Chase account for the current balance and redeem through their rewards portal.
The phone cancellation process
Call the number on the back of your card. You will reach an automated system first — follow the prompts to reach a representative. Have your card number ready, though Chase will ask you to verify it anyway.
When you reach a representative, tell them you want to close the account. They will ask why you are closing it — this is optional to answer, but they may offer you a retention offer (a discount, bonus points, or waived fee) to keep the card open. If you want to close it regardless, say so clearly. They will confirm your identity, review any remaining balance, and process the closure.
Before you hang up, ask the representative to provide a confirmation number and note the date and time of the call. Write this down. Ask them to mail you a written confirmation that the account is closed, or confirm that you can see the closure reflected in your online account within a few days. This creates a record in case there is a dispute later.
Canceling by mail if you prefer not to call
Write a letter to Chase stating that you want to close the account. Include your full name, card number, and the date. Keep the letter brief — one or two sentences is enough. Address it to Chase's customer service department. You can find the mailing address on your statement or on Chase's website under "Contact Us."
Send the letter by certified mail with return receipt requested. This gives you proof that Chase received it. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt. Chase will process the request within one to two weeks and should send you a confirmation letter. If you do not hear back within three weeks, call to confirm the account is closed.
Mailing a cancellation request takes longer than calling, but it creates a paper trail. This method is useful if you want documentation before you close the account or if you are uncomfortable discussing it over the phone.
How closing a card affects your credit score
Closing a credit card typically lowers your credit score in the short term, usually by 10 to 50 points depending on your credit profile. This happens because closing an account reduces your total available credit, which changes your credit utilization ratio — the amount you owe divided by the amount you can borrow. If you have other cards with balances, closing one card makes your utilization percentage higher, and credit bureaus see higher utilization as riskier.
The impact is temporary. Your score usually recovers within a few months as long as you pay other accounts on time. If the card you are closing is your oldest account, the impact may be slightly larger because closing it shortens your average account age, which factors into your score. If it is a newer card, the impact is usually smaller.
If your credit score is important right now — for example, if you are about to explore for a mortgage or car loan — consider waiting to close the card until after the loan is approved. If you are not planning to borrow soon, the temporary dip is not a major concern.
What happens after Chase closes your account
Chase will stop charging you any annual fees once the account is officially closed. If the card had an annual fee that was due soon, closing the account before that date can save you money. However, if you already paid the annual fee for the current year, Chase will not refund it.
The closed account will remain on your credit report for up to ten years. This is normal — closed accounts do not disappear when ready. Having a closed account with a good payment history actually helps your credit score over time because it shows you managed credit responsibly. A closed account with late payments or a high balance will hurt your score longer.
You can still see the closed account in your Chase online banking portal, usually under a "Closed Accounts" section. You can view the full history of charges and payments. If you need to reference something from the account later — for a tax return, a dispute, or a question about an old charge — the information stays available.
If you want to reopen the account later
Chase may reopen a closed account if you request it within a short window, usually 30 to 60 days after closure. Call customer service and ask if the account can be reopened. If Chase agrees, the account returns to active status and you can use the card again. However, this is not may provide — Chase may decline to reopen it depending on why you closed it and your account history.
If Chase will not reopen the account, or if you wait longer than 60 days, you will need to open a new account. A new account is a new process, which means a hard inquiry on your credit report and a new account age. If you think you might want the card back, wait a few days before closing to make sure you are certain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing a Chase card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually temporarily. Your score may drop 10 to 50 points because closing the account reduces your available credit and raises your utilization ratio. The impact is typically largest in the first month and recovers within a few months if you pay other accounts on time. If the card is your oldest account, the impact may last longer.
Can I cancel a Chase card with a balance on it?
Yes, but you will still owe the balance. Closing the account does not erase the debt. Chase will continue to charge interest on the remaining balance and report it to credit bureaus. Pay off the balance before you close, or be prepared to make payments on a closed account.
What happens to my rewards points when I close the card?
You will lose any unredeemed rewards points once the account closes. Redeem your points before you call to cancel. Log into your Chase account and check your rewards balance, then redeem for cash back, travel, or merchandise before requesting closure.
How long does it take for Chase to close my account after I call?
The card becomes inactive when ready when you request cancellation, but the account officially closes within one to two weeks. During this time, Chase processes the closure and updates their systems. You should see the account marked as closed in your online banking portal within a few days.
Can I cancel my Chase card online or through the app?
No. Chase does not offer account closure through their website or mobile app. You must call customer service or send a written request by mail. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized closures.