Call your card issuer and request cancellation
The fastest way to cancel is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card number ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will ask why you are canceling — you do not have to give a detailed reason, but "I no longer need this card" or "I want to reduce the number of accounts I have" is enough.
The representative will confirm your identity, review any outstanding balance, and process the cancellation. Ask them to note in your account that you requested the closure. This creates a record if there is a dispute later. The call usually takes five to ten minutes.
If you have a balance on the card, you will need to pay it off before or after cancellation — the issuer will tell you the options. Some issuers allow you to keep the account open to pay down the balance, then close it once it reaches zero. Others close the account when ready and send you a bill for what you owe.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your card and tell the representative you want to close the account — this is the primary method used by most cardholders.
- Pay off any remaining balance before or after cancellation, depending on what the issuer allows.
- Ask the representative to send written confirmation of the closure to your mailing address or email.
- Check your credit report two to three months later to confirm the account shows as closed.
- Canceling a card may lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit.
What to do if you cannot reach customer service by phone
If you prefer not to call or cannot reach a representative, most issuers offer cancellation through their online portal or mobile app. Log in to your account, look for account settings or account management, and search for a "close account" or "cancel card" option. The process is usually straightforward — you confirm your identity and select the reason for closure.
Some issuers also allow you to request cancellation by mail. Write a letter to the address on your statement requesting that your account be closed. Include your full name, account number, and the date. Send it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the issuer received it. This method is slower — it can take two to four weeks — but it creates a paper trail.
Pay off your balance before the account closes
If you have a remaining balance, contact the issuer to ask whether you can pay it in full before closure or whether they will close the account and bill you afterward. Paying before closure is usually simpler because you avoid receiving bills after the account is closed.
Make the payment through your normal method — online, by phone, or by mail. Once the balance reaches zero, the account is ready to close. If you already requested cancellation and the issuer closed the account while a balance remained, continue making payments on the bill they send you until the debt is paid in full.
Request written confirmation of the closure
Before you hang up the phone or finish your online request, ask the representative to send you written confirmation that the account has been closed. This confirmation should include the account number, the closure date, and a statement that the account balance is zero (or the amount owed, if applicable).
The issuer will usually email or mail this confirmation within one to two weeks. Keep this document for your records. If you ever dispute a charge or need to prove the account was closed on a specific date, this confirmation is your evidence.
Check your credit report after closure
Two to three months after cancellation, check your credit report to confirm the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is run by the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
When you log in, select each bureau and read your report. Look for the card you canceled. It should show a status of "closed" or "account closed by consumer." If it still shows as open or active after three months, contact the issuer again and ask them to confirm the closure with the credit bureaus.
Understand how cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card usually causes your credit score to drop slightly in the short term. This happens because your total available credit decreases. If you had a $5,000 limit and you close that card, your available credit drops by $5,000, which can raise your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your total credit you are using).
The impact is usually temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as long as you continue paying other bills on time and keep other accounts open. The closed account will remain on your credit report for seven to ten years, which actually helps your score because it shows a history of responsible credit use.
If you are concerned about the score impact, consider keeping the card open but unused instead of canceling it. This preserves your available credit and keeps the account history active. You can always cancel later.
What to do with the physical card after cancellation
Once the account is closed, destroy the physical card so it cannot be used or stolen. Cut it in half or shred it. Do not throw it in the trash intact. Some people prefer to keep the card for a few weeks after closure to make sure no unexpected charges appear, then destroy it once they are confident the account is truly closed.
If the card is a joint account or an authorized user card, make sure the primary cardholder knows you are canceling. If you are the primary cardholder and there are authorized users, contact them to let them know their card will stop working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling my card hurt my credit score?
Your score may drop slightly because your available credit decreases, but the impact is usually temporary. The closed account remains on your report for seven to ten years, which helps your score long-term. If you are worried about the impact, keep the card open but unused instead.
What if I have a balance I cannot pay right now?
You can still request cancellation, but the account will remain open until the balance is paid. The issuer will continue sending you bills. Pay as much as you can each month. Once the balance reaches zero, the account will close automatically or you can call to confirm closure.
Can I reopen a card after I cancel it?
It depends on the issuer. Some allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain period (usually 30 to 90 days). Others treat a cancellation as permanent. Call the issuer and ask whether your account can be reopened if you change your mind soon after closure.
Do I need to cancel in writing, or is a phone call enough?
A phone call is enough, but requesting written confirmation protects you. If there is ever a dispute about whether the account was closed, you have proof. Written confirmation also ensures the issuer's records match yours.
What happens to rewards points or cash back when I cancel?
Most issuers let you use or redeem rewards before you cancel. Some allow redemption after closure, but policies vary. Before you cancel, check your account for any pending rewards and redeem them. Ask the representative what happens to unused rewards if you are unsure.