You can cancel a Chase card online through your account, by phone, or by mail — online is fastest if you want to avoid hold times
Chase does not offer a cancel button in their mobile app or website. Instead, you contact Chase directly through their customer service line, which is the official way to close an account. The process takes about 10 minutes on the phone. If you prefer not to call, you can write a letter to Chase requesting cancellation, though this takes longer and gives you no confirmation until the card arrives marked closed.
Before you cancel, pay off any remaining balance and check your rewards balance — points may expire after closure depending on your card type. Once you call and request cancellation, the card stops working when ready, though the account stays on your credit report for up to 10 years.
Key Takeaways
- Chase card cancellation happens by phone at 1-800-935-9935 (the number is on the back of your card), not through their website or app.
- You should pay your full balance and redeem any rewards before calling, because points may be forfeited after the account closes.
- The card stops working the moment you request cancellation, but the closed account remains on your credit report and affects your credit score.
- If you want written confirmation, ask the representative to mail you a letter stating the account is closed at your request.
- Canceling a card lowers your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio on other cards and temporarily lower your score.
Call Chase customer service at the number on your card
The fastest way to cancel is to call Chase directly. The main customer service number is 1-800-935-9935. This number is printed on the back of your physical card. When you call, you will reach a representative who can process the cancellation when ready.
Have your card number ready when you call. The representative will ask you why you want to cancel — this is optional to answer, but some customers say Chase occasionally offers a retention offer (like a statement credit or waived annual fee) if you are canceling a premium card. If you do not want to hear an offer, you can say so upfront.
Ask the representative to confirm the cancellation in writing and to mail you a letter. This gives you proof that you closed the account at your request, which matters if a balance or fee appears later. The representative will also tell you whether any remaining rewards points will expire or transfer.
Pay your balance and redeem rewards before you call
Do not cancel with an outstanding balance. Pay the full amount first, either through your Chase online account or by mailing a check. If you cancel with a balance, you still owe it, and Chase will continue charging interest until it is paid off.
Check your rewards balance before canceling. With most Chase cards, points expire after the account closes. Some cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, let you transfer points to a travel partner or redeem them for cash back before closure. Log into your Chase account, go to the rewards section, and redeem or transfer any points you have accumulated.
If you have a Chase card with an annual fee and you are within 30 days of the anniversary date, call before that date passes. Some customers have reported that Chase will refund the annual fee if you cancel within a few days of being charged, though this is not may provide.
What happens to your credit score after cancellation
Closing a credit card affects your credit score in two ways. First, it lowers your total available credit. If you have other cards with balances, your credit utilization ratio goes up — this is the percentage of your total credit limit that you are using. A higher utilization ratio can lower your score by 10 to 50 points, depending on how much credit you have available elsewhere.
Second, the closed account stays on your credit report for up to 10 years. This is actually good for your score in the long run, because it shows a long payment history. But in the short term (the first few months after closure), your score may dip.
If you want to minimize the impact, cancel a card with a low credit limit, or cancel only after you have paid down balances on other cards so your utilization is already low. If you are planning to borrow money soon (a mortgage, car loan, or new credit card), consider waiting to cancel until after you have closed that deal.
Cancel by mail if you do not want to call
Write a letter to Chase requesting cancellation. Address it to Chase's customer service department — the address is on your statement or on the Chase website under "Contact Us." Include your full name, card number, and a clear statement that you want to close the account.
Mail the letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. This gives you proof that Chase received it. Keep a copy for your records. Cancellation by mail takes 2 to 4 weeks, and you will not know it is complete until you stop seeing the card on your account or receive a confirmation letter from Chase.
This method is slower than calling, but it creates a paper trail. Some people prefer it for that reason, especially if they are concerned about being charged a fee or balance after closure.
Destroy your card after cancellation
Once the representative confirms the cancellation, cut up your physical card and throw it away. Do not just throw it in the trash whole — a card number can be read from a discarded card. Cut it into pieces or shred it.
If you have set up automatic payments using this card (utilities, subscriptions, insurance), update those accounts with a different payment method before you cancel. Chase will not process payments after the account closes, and missed payments can hurt your credit or result in service interruptions.
What to do if you change your mind
If you cancel and then change your mind within a short window (usually 30 days), call Chase back and ask if they can reopen the account. Chase sometimes will, but it is not may provide. The sooner you call, the better your chances.
If Chase cannot reopen it, you will have to open a new account. A new card means a new account age, which lowers the average age of your accounts and can slightly lower your score. This is another reason to be certain before you cancel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chase charge a fee to cancel a card?
No, Chase does not charge a cancellation fee. However, if you have an annual fee and you cancel after the anniversary date, you will owe that fee unless Chase refunds it. Call before your anniversary date if you want to avoid the charge.
Will canceling hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your score may drop 10 to 50 points in the short term because your available credit decreases. The closed account stays on your report for up to 10 years and helps your score long-term by showing a clean payment history.
What happens to my rewards points after I cancel?
Most Chase cards expire rewards after closure. Log in and redeem or transfer points before you call to cancel. Some cards let you transfer to travel partners; others let you cash out. Check your specific card's terms first.
Can I cancel over Chase's website or app?
No. Chase requires you to call customer service or send a written request. There is no online cancellation option. Call 1-800-935-9935 for the fastest result.
How long does it take for the card to stop working?
The card stops working when ready after you request cancellation on the phone. If you cancel by mail, it stops working once Chase processes the letter, which takes 2 to 4 weeks.