Call American Express to cancel your card
The fastest way to cancel an American Express card is to call their customer service number on the back of your card. You will speak to a representative who can process the cancellation when ready. Have your card number ready when you call.
American Express customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you reach a representative, tell them you want to close your account. They may ask why you are canceling — this is optional information, and you do not have to explain. The representative will confirm your identity, review any outstanding balance, and process the closure.
After you hang up, your card will be closed. American Express will send you a written confirmation in the mail within a few days. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your American Express card to cancel; a representative can close your account over the phone in minutes.
- Pay off any remaining balance before you cancel, or the card will stay open until the balance is paid.
- American Express will mail you a written confirmation of the closure; save this document.
- After cancellation, your credit report will show the account as closed, which may temporarily lower your credit score.
- If you have pending rewards points, redeem them before you cancel, as they may be forfeited after closure.
Pay your balance before canceling
If your American Express card has an outstanding balance, you must pay it in full before the account will close. If you try to cancel with a balance still owed, the representative will tell you the amount due and ask you to pay it. You can pay over the phone during the cancellation call using a bank account or another card.
Once the balance is paid and the cancellation is processed, you will no longer be able to use the card. If you have automatic payments set up on this card — such as a subscription or monthly bill — those payments will fail after the account closes. Update those payments to a different card or bank account before you cancel.
Redeem your rewards points first
If your American Express card earns rewards points or cash back, check your account balance before you cancel. Log into your American Express account online or call customer service to see how many points you have. You can redeem these points for statement credits, travel, merchandise, or other rewards depending on your card type.
Redeem your points before you cancel the card. While American Express does not automatically forfeit points when you close an account, keeping the account open for a few days after redemption ensures the points post to your account. Once you are certain the redemption has gone through, you can then cancel the card.
Cancel online through your American Express account
You can also cancel your American Express card through your online account. Log into americanexpress.com with your username and password. Go to your account settings or card management section — the exact location varies depending on your card type and account setup.
Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Cancel Card." American Express will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may prompt you to provide a reason. Complete the steps on screen, and you will receive an on-screen confirmation. You will also receive a written confirmation by mail.
Online cancellation works the same way as calling: your card closes when ready, and you cannot use it after that point. If you have a balance, you will need to pay it before the system will allow you to proceed with closure.
What happens to your credit after you cancel
When you cancel an American Express card, the account will show as "closed" on your credit report. This is visible to lenders and affects your credit score in two ways. First, closing the account reduces the total amount of credit available to you, which can lower your score slightly. Second, the account will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years, but its impact on your score will fade over time.
If this is one of your oldest cards, closing it may lower your score more noticeably because it reduces the average age of your accounts. If you are concerned about the impact, you can keep the card open but unused instead of canceling it. However, if you decide to cancel, the score impact is usually temporary and recovers within a few months as long as you pay your other bills on time.
Confirm the cancellation in writing
After you cancel your card by phone or online, American Express will mail you a written confirmation. This letter will state the date the account was closed and confirm that you have no remaining balance. Save this letter in case you need proof of cancellation later.
If you do not receive a confirmation letter within two weeks, contact American Express again to verify the account is closed. Keep the confirmation letter for at least one year. If you ever dispute a charge or need to prove the account was closed on a specific date, this letter is your proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my American Express card if I have a balance?
No. You must pay off the entire balance before American Express will close the account. If you call to cancel with an outstanding balance, the representative will tell you the amount due and ask you to pay it when ready. You can pay over the phone during the call.
Will canceling my American Express card hurt my credit score?
Canceling will likely lower your score slightly because it reduces your total available credit. The impact is usually temporary. If this is one of your oldest cards, the score drop may be larger because closing it lowers the average age of your accounts. The effect typically fades within a few months if you continue to pay other bills on time.
What happens to my rewards points when I cancel?
American Express does not automatically delete your rewards points when you close the account. However, you should redeem them before you cancel to may support they post successfully. After cancellation, you may have a limited window to redeem remaining points, so act quickly if you have any left.
Do I need to cut up my card after I cancel?
Yes. After the account is closed, cut the card into pieces or shred it to prevent anyone from finding it and attempting to use it. Even though the account is closed and the card will not work, destroying the physical card is a good security practice.
How long does it take for American Express to close my account?
The account closes when ready when you cancel by phone or online. You will receive written confirmation by mail within a few days. The closure is effective right away, and you cannot use the card after that point.