Call Chase customer service to request cancellation
The fastest way to cancel a Chase credit card is to call Chase customer service directly. You can reach them at the number on the back of your card, or call 1-800-935-9935 if you don't have the card in front of you. Have your card number ready when you call.
When you reach a representative, tell them you want to close the account. They will ask why you're canceling — this is optional information, and you don't have to give a detailed reason. Common reasons people state are "I'm not using the card" or "I found a card with better rewards." The representative cannot force you to keep the account open based on your reason.
The representative will confirm your identity, review your account balance, and process the cancellation. If you have a balance on the card, you'll need to pay it off before or after closing — the account closure doesn't erase what you owe. Ask the representative to confirm the account is closed and get a confirmation number for your records.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Chase card or 1-800-935-9935 to reach customer service and request cancellation.
- You must pay off any remaining balance on the card before or after closing; closing the account does not erase the debt.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation and keep the confirmation number in case you need to reference it later.
- Canceling a card may lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit, but the impact usually fades within a few months.
- After cancellation, continue checking your credit report to confirm the account shows as closed and watch for any unauthorized charges.
Pay off your balance before you call
If your card has a balance, pay it down to zero before calling to cancel. This simplifies the cancellation process and prevents confusion about what happens to the remaining debt. You can make a payment online through your Chase account, by phone, or by mail.
If you have a large balance and want to keep paying it over time, you can still cancel the card — but the account will remain open in a "closed" status while you pay it down. This means you won't be able to use the card for new purchases, but the balance will continue to accrue interest at your current rate unless you have a 0% promotional period. It's usually simpler to pay the full balance first, then cancel.
What happens to rewards points when you cancel
Chase handles rewards points differently depending on the card type. For most Chase cards, you keep your rewards points after cancellation and can redeem them for several months afterward. Log into your Chase account after cancellation to see your remaining points and redeem them before they expire.
Some Chase cards have specific rules about points forfeiture. For example, certain premium cards may require you to redeem points before closing, or points may expire faster after cancellation. Before you call to cancel, log into your account and check your card's terms, or ask the representative about your specific card's rewards policy.
Understand the impact on your credit score
Canceling a credit card will likely lower your credit score in the short term, usually by 5 to 10 points, though this varies based on your overall credit profile. The drop happens because closing an account reduces your total available credit, which affects your credit utilization ratio — the amount of credit you're using compared to the amount available to you.
This impact is temporary. Most people see their score recover within three to six months as the account ages and other factors in your credit history become more prominent. If you're planning to explore for a loan or mortgage soon, consider waiting to cancel until after you've completed that process.
Request written confirmation and monitor your account
After the representative confirms your cancellation, ask them to send you written confirmation by mail or email. Write down the confirmation number they give you and the date and time of the call. This documentation protects you if there's ever a dispute about whether the account was actually closed.
After cancellation, continue monitoring your account for at least 30 days. Log into your Chase account online to confirm the card shows as closed. Check your credit report through AnnualCreditReport.com (the official free credit report site) within a few weeks to make sure the account appears as closed on your report. Watch for any unauthorized charges that might appear after closure — though rare, they can happen if someone has your card information.
Cancel through the Chase mobile app or website if you prefer
Chase also allows you to close some cards through their mobile app or website, though not all card types support this option. Open the Chase app or log into Chase.com, navigate to your card account, and look for a "Close Account" or "Manage Account" option. If you don't see this option, the card requires a phone call to close.
Closing through the app or website is faster than calling, but you won't have a live representative to answer questions about your rewards points or balance. If you have either of those concerns, calling is the better choice. If you do close online, take a screenshot of the confirmation screen for your records.
What to do if you change your mind
If you cancel a Chase card and then change your mind within a short window — usually 30 days — you may be able to reopen it. Call Chase customer service and explain that you want to reactivate the account. They will review your account history and may agree to reopen it, though this is not may provide.
The longer you wait after cancellation, the less likely Chase will reopen the account. After 30 to 60 days, the account is typically considered permanently closed and cannot be reopened. If you want the card back after that point, you would need to explore for it again as a new account, which will trigger a hard inquiry on your credit report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling my Chase card hurt my credit?
Yes, but only temporarily. Your score may drop 5 to 10 points initially because closing the account reduces your available credit. This impact usually fades within three to six months. If you're explore for a loan or mortgage soon, consider waiting to cancel until after that process is complete.
What happens to my rewards points after I cancel?
You keep your rewards points and can redeem them for several months after cancellation on most Chase cards. Log into your account after closing to see your balance and redeem them. Some premium cards have different rules, so check your card's terms or ask the representative before you cancel.
Do I have to pay my balance before canceling?
You don't have to pay it all at once, but the account will stay open in a closed status while you pay it down. Interest will continue to accrue unless you have a promotional 0% period. It's simpler to pay the full balance first, then cancel, so the account is completely closed.
Can I cancel my Chase card online?
Some Chase cards can be closed through the app or website, but not all. Open your Chase account and look for a "Close Account" option. If you don't see one, you'll need to call customer service at 1-800-935-9935 to cancel.
What if I cancel and then want the card back?
You can ask Chase to reopen the account within about 30 days of cancellation. Call customer service and request reactivation. After 30 to 60 days, the account is usually permanently closed and you would need to explore for the card again as a new account.