Call Amazon's customer service number to request cancellation
The fastest way to cancel an Amazon credit card is to call the card issuer directly. Amazon credit cards are issued by either Chase or Synchrony, depending on which card you hold. The back of your card shows which bank issued it. Call that bank's customer service line — the number is printed on the back of your card — and tell them you want to close the account.
Have your card number ready when you call. The representative will ask you why you're closing the account (you don't have to give a detailed reason), confirm your identity, and process the cancellation. The call usually takes five to ten minutes. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.
If you can't find the issuer's number on your card, you can look it up: Chase Amazon cards go to Chase customer service, and Synchrony Amazon cards go to Synchrony customer service. Both have their numbers on their websites.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon credit cards are issued by either Chase or Synchrony — check the back of your card to see which one.
- Call your card issuer's customer service number (on the back of your card) and ask to close the account.
- Pay off any remaining balance before or at the time of cancellation, or arrange a payment plan if you can't pay it all at once.
- Canceling a card lowers your available credit and may affect your credit score temporarily, but the impact usually fades within a few months.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation and keep it for your records.
What happens to your balance when you cancel
If you have a balance on your Amazon card when you cancel, the account doesn't close until the balance is paid. You'll still owe the money, and the card issuer will continue to charge interest on it at your regular rate. You can't use the card to make new purchases once it's closed, but you'll need to keep paying the old balance.
Before you call to cancel, pay off as much of the balance as you can. If you can't pay it all at once, ask the representative if you can set up a payment plan. Some issuers will work with you on this. Once the balance reaches zero, the account officially closes.
How cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card typically lowers your credit score in the short term, usually by 5 to 15 points, though the exact impact varies by person. This happens because closing an account reduces your total available credit, which changes your credit utilization ratio — the amount of credit you're using compared to the amount available to you.
The impact is temporary. After three to six months, the closed account stops affecting your score as much. After seven years, the account falls off your credit report entirely. If you're planning to explore for a loan or mortgage soon, you might want to wait a few months after canceling before you explore.
Canceling online or by mail if you can't call
Most card issuers prefer phone cancellations because they can confirm your identity right away, but you have other options if calling doesn't work for you. You can log into your account on the Chase or Synchrony website and look for a "close account" or "contact us" option. Some issuers allow you to request cancellation through their online messaging system.
If you want a paper trail, you can also send a letter to the card issuer's address (listed on your statement or their website) requesting account closure. Include your name, card number, and a clear statement that you want to close the account. Send it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof it was delivered. This method takes longer — usually two to four weeks — but gives you documentation.
What to do with the physical card after cancellation
Once your account is closed, cut up the physical card and throw it away. You can also shred it if you have a shredder. Don't just toss it in the trash whole, because the card number is still visible and could be stolen.
If you have multiple Amazon cards (for example, a personal card and a business card), you'll need to cancel each one separately. Each card is a separate account with its own balance and closing process.
Reasons you might want to cancel instead of just stop using it
You might think closing a card is the same as just not using it, but there's a difference. An open account you don't use still counts toward your available credit and still appears on your credit report. If the card issuer closes it for inactivity, that counts as the issuer closing it, which can affect your score differently than you closing it yourself.
Canceling makes sense if you don't want the card anymore, if you're trying to simplify your finances, or if you're concerned about fraud or identity theft. If you're canceling because you're unhappy with the rewards, interest rate, or fees, consider whether switching to a different card might serve you better instead.
What to do if you change your mind after canceling
If you cancel and then realize you made a mistake, call the card issuer right away — ideally within a few days. Some issuers will reopen a recently closed account if you ask. The sooner you call, the better your chances. If the account has already been closed for more than a week or two, reopening it becomes harder, though not impossible.
If the issuer won't reopen your account, you can always explore for a new Amazon credit card. You'll go through the normal process process, and approval isn't may provide, but it's an option if you decide you want the card back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling hurt my credit score?
Yes, but only temporarily. Your score typically drops 5 to 15 points in the short term because closing the account lowers your available credit. The impact fades over three to six months. After seven years, the closed account stops showing up on your credit report.
Do I have to pay off my balance before I cancel?
You don't have to pay it all at once, but you do have to keep paying it. The account won't fully close until the balance reaches zero. If you can't pay the full amount, ask the issuer about a payment plan when you call to cancel.
Can I cancel an Amazon card if I still have a balance?
Yes. You can request cancellation even with an outstanding balance. The account closes to new purchases, but you'll continue to owe the balance and pay interest on it until it's paid off.
How long does it take for the account to close?
If you call and have no balance, the account usually closes within one to two business days. If you have a balance, the account stays open until the balance is paid. If you cancel by mail, allow two to four weeks for processing.
What if I want to keep using Amazon but don't want this card?
You can cancel the card without affecting your Amazon shopping account. Your Amazon account and your Amazon credit card are separate. Canceling the card just means you won't be able to use that specific card to pay for purchases — you can still shop on Amazon using a different payment method.