Call CareCredit customer service to request cancellation
The fastest way to cancel a CareCredit card is to call their customer service line at 1-800-677-0718. Have your card number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're canceling, and process the cancellation on the call. The card is closed when ready, though your account remains open for 30 days so you can still view statements and make payments on any remaining balance.
You can also cancel by mail. Send a written request to CareCredit's mailing address (available on your statement or their website) that includes your name, account number, and request to close the account. Mail takes longer — typically 7 to 10 business days for the request to reach them and another few days to process — so calling is usually faster if you want confirmation the same day.
Do not straightforward stop using the card and assume it closes on its own. Inactive accounts stay open indefinitely, which means annual fees (if your card has them) continue to charge, and the account appears on your credit report as an open line of credit.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-677-0718 to cancel when ready; the card closes the same day but your account stays open for 30 days to handle remaining balance.
- Pay off any balance before or at the time of cancellation, because interest continues to accrue on unpaid amounts after the card is closed.
- Canceling a card you've had for years may lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your total available credit, but the effect is usually temporary.
- Request written confirmation of cancellation by mail or ask the phone representative to note your request in the account so you have a record.
Settle any balance before you cancel
If your CareCredit card has an unpaid balance, you have two options: pay it off before canceling, or cancel and continue paying the remaining amount. Most people pay it off first to close the account cleanly. If you cancel with a balance still owed, the account stays active for billing and payment purposes — you'll continue receiving statements and paying interest on the remaining balance until it's paid in full.
Interest rates on CareCredit cards vary depending on the promotion you received when you opened the account. If you made a purchase during a promotional period (such as 6 months or 12 months interest-free), that promotion ends when you cancel the card. Any remaining balance on that purchase will start accruing interest at the regular rate, which is typically 19.99% to 26.99% APR depending on your creditworthiness.
If you have a zero-interest promotional period still running, canceling the card does not end the promotion — you can still pay off the balance interest-free during the promotional window. Check your statement or call customer service to confirm your promotion end date before you cancel.
Understand how cancellation affects your credit
Closing a CareCredit card will likely cause a small, temporary drop in your credit score. This happens because closing an account reduces your total available credit, which changes your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your available credit you're actually using). If you have other cards with balances, closing CareCredit makes those balances represent a larger percentage of your remaining available credit, which lowers your score.
The impact is usually modest — typically 5 to 15 points — and temporary. Your score usually recovers within a few months as long as you continue paying other accounts on time. The closed account itself remains on your credit report for 7 to 10 years, which is normal and does not hurt your score after the initial dip.
If you're planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other major credit in the next few months, consider waiting to cancel until after the process is approved. If you're not borrowing soon, the timing of cancellation doesn't matter much.
Request written confirmation of cancellation
After you cancel by phone, ask the representative to email or mail you written confirmation that the account is closed. This confirmation should include your account number, the cancellation date, and a statement that the account has a zero balance (if you paid it off) or the remaining balance amount. Keep this document for your records.
If you cancel by mail, send your request via certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the request was received. When CareCredit processes the cancellation, they will send you a confirmation letter. If you don't receive one within 15 business days of your call or 10 business days of your mailed request, call customer service again to confirm the cancellation went through.
What happens to promotional financing after cancellation
If you have an active promotional period (such as 12 months interest-free) on your CareCredit card when you cancel, the promotion continues on any remaining balance. You can still pay off that balance interest-free during the promotional window, even though the card is closed and you can't make new purchases.
However, if you cancel during a promotional period and still have a balance when the promotion ends, interest will start accruing on the remaining balance at the regular APR. For example, if you have a 12-month interest-free promotion and cancel after 6 months with a remaining balance, you have 6 more months to pay it off interest-free. If you still owe money after those 6 months, interest kicks in.
Reactivate your account if you change your mind
If you cancel your CareCredit card and then change your mind within 30 days, you can call customer service to reactivate it. After 30 days, the account is permanently closed and cannot be reopened. You would have to explore for a new CareCredit card, which means a new credit inquiry and a new account number.
Reactivation is useful if you realize you still need the card for a medical or dental procedure. The reactivated card will have the same terms and balance as before cancellation, so there's no penalty for reopening it within the window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling CareCredit hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only slightly and temporarily. Your score may drop 5 to 15 points because closing the account reduces your available credit. The effect is temporary and typically recovers within a few months. The closed account stays on your credit report for 7 to 10 years but stops hurting your score after the initial dip.
Can I cancel CareCredit if I still owe money?
Yes. You can cancel the card and continue paying the remaining balance. The account stays open for billing purposes, and interest continues to accrue on unpaid amounts unless you're still within a promotional interest-free period. Most people pay off the balance first to avoid ongoing interest charges.
What if I cancel but forget to pay the remaining balance?
CareCredit will continue to send you statements and charge interest on the unpaid balance. If you don't pay, the account can go to collections, which damages your credit score. Contact customer service when ready if you can't pay the balance and ask about payment plans or hardship options.
How long does it take to cancel CareCredit?
Cancellation by phone is when ready — the card closes the same day you call. Cancellation by mail takes 7 to 10 business days for your request to arrive, plus a few more days for processing. Your account stays open for 30 days after cancellation so you can view statements and make payments.
Can I use my CareCredit card after I cancel it?
No. The card is deactivated when ready after cancellation and cannot be used for new purchases. If you have an active promotional period with a remaining balance, you can still pay that balance during the promotional window, but you cannot charge new purchases to the card.