Call American Express customer service to request cancellation
The fastest way to cancel an American Express card is to call the number on the back of your card and ask to speak with a representative about closing the account. American Express does not allow you to cancel online through their website or mobile app — you must speak to someone directly. Have your card number ready when you call.
When you reach a representative, state clearly that you want to close the account. They will ask why you are canceling (this is optional to answer), confirm your identity, and process the closure. The representative may offer you a retention offer — a bonus, fee waiver, or statement credit — to keep the card open. You can accept or decline. If you decline, they will proceed with the cancellation.
The call typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. After you hang up, American Express will send you a written confirmation in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your American Express card to cancel; online cancellation is not an option.
- A representative may offer you a retention bonus or fee waiver before closing the account, but you are not required to accept it.
- Pay off any remaining balance before or during the cancellation call to avoid future bills.
- Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it with your financial records.
- Canceling a card may lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit.
Settle your balance before you call
If your American Express card has an outstanding balance, pay it off before you cancel. You can pay over the phone during the cancellation call, or you can pay online or by mail before you call. American Express will not close an account with an unpaid balance, and leaving a balance open after cancellation means you will continue to receive statements and pay interest.
If you have a large balance you cannot pay when ready, you can still request cancellation, but the account will remain open until the balance is paid in full. You will be responsible for any interest charges that accrue. Some people choose to keep the account open until the balance is paid rather than deal with a closed account that still carries debt.
Handle rewards points and pending transactions
Before you cancel, check your rewards balance. American Express Membership Rewards points do not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. Once you close the account, you have a limited time to redeem your points — American Express typically allows 30 to 90 days after closure, though the exact window depends on your card type. Redeem your points before you call to cancel, or when ready after if you forget.
If you have pending transactions that have not yet posted to your account, wait for them to clear before canceling. Canceling while transactions are still processing can create confusion about whether charges will go through. Check your recent activity online, wait a few business days if needed, and then call to cancel.
What happens to your credit after cancellation
Closing a credit card account reduces your total available credit, which can lower your credit score in the short term. The impact is usually small if you have other open accounts, but it can be more noticeable if this is one of your only cards. The score typically recovers within a few months as long as you continue to pay other accounts on time.
Your payment history with the closed account remains on your credit report for seven years, so the account closure itself does not erase the positive history you built. The closed account will show as "closed by consumer" on your credit report, which is neutral and does not harm your score further.
Keep your account information after closure
After you cancel, American Express will stop sending statements, but you may still need to access old statements for tax purposes, expense tracking, or dispute resolution. Log into your American Express online account before you cancel and read or print any statements you want to keep. After the account is closed, you may lose access to online records, depending on your card type.
Save the written confirmation of closure that American Express mails to you. If there is ever a dispute about whether the account was closed, or if a charge appears after closure, this confirmation is your proof that you requested the closure on a specific date.
Canceling a business or corporate American Express card
If you are canceling a business or corporate American Express card, the process is similar but may involve additional steps. Call the business customer service number on the back of your card. If the card is registered to a business entity rather than your personal name, you may need to provide authorization from the business owner or account manager.
For corporate cards issued to multiple employees, contact your company's account manager at American Express. They can deactivate individual cards or close the entire corporate account. Personal cancellation requests for a corporate card you were issued may not be processed without authorization from the account holder.
What to do if you want to keep the card but lower your credit limit
If you are considering cancellation mainly because you want to reduce your credit exposure, you have another option: request a credit limit decrease instead. Call American Express and ask to lower your credit limit to a specific amount. This keeps the account open, preserves your payment history, and reduces your available credit without closing the account.
Lowering your credit limit has a smaller impact on your credit score than closing the account entirely, and you can always request an increase later if your situation changes. This is worth considering if you like the card's rewards or benefits but straightforward want to reduce the amount you can borrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my American Express card online?
No. American Express requires you to cancel by phone. Call the number on the back of your card and speak with a representative. You cannot cancel through their website or mobile app.
What happens to my rewards points when I close my account?
Your points do not expire while the account is open. After you close it, you typically have 30 to 90 days to redeem them, depending on your card type. Redeem before you cancel if possible, or when ready after if you forget.
Will canceling hurt my credit score?
Closing a card lowers your available credit, which can reduce your score temporarily. The impact is usually small and recovers within a few months. Your payment history with the card stays on your report for seven years.
Do I have to pay off my balance before canceling?
You do not have to, but American Express will not close the account until the balance is paid. If you cancel with an outstanding balance, the account stays open and you continue to pay interest until it is paid in full.
How long does it take to close my account?
The phone call takes 5 to 10 minutes. American Express sends written confirmation in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The account is closed when ready after the call, but the written confirmation is your proof.