Call Credit One's customer service line to request cancellation
The fastest way to cancel a Credit One card is to call their customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card in front of you when you call. A representative will ask you to confirm your identity, then process the cancellation on the spot. The call usually takes five to ten minutes.
Credit One's customer service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time. If you call outside these hours, you can leave a message and a representative will call you back, though this takes longer than calling during business hours.
When you call, have ready: your full name, the card number, and your date of birth. The representative may ask why you're canceling, but you don't have to give a detailed reason. A straightforward "I'm no longer using this card" is sufficient.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Credit One card during business hours to cancel when ready, rather than mailing a request or using an online form.
- Pay off any remaining balance before you call, because canceling does not erase what you owe.
- Ask the representative to confirm the cancellation in writing and request a reference number for your records.
- Your credit report will show the account as closed, which may temporarily lower your credit score if this is one of your older accounts.
Pay your balance before calling to cancel
If your card has a balance, you must pay it off before or during the cancellation process. Canceling the card does not forgive the debt — you'll still owe whatever amount is on the account. Credit One will continue to charge interest on any unpaid balance after cancellation.
Make a payment through your Credit One online account, by phone during the same customer service call, or by mailing a check to the address on your statement. Once the balance reaches zero, you can proceed with cancellation. If you cancel with an outstanding balance, the account will remain open until you pay it off, defeating the purpose of closing it.
Request written confirmation of the cancellation
After the representative confirms your cancellation over the phone, ask them to send you a written confirmation letter. This letter should state that your account is closed at your request and include the date the cancellation took effect. Request a reference number for the cancellation as well, so you have proof if there's a dispute later.
The confirmation letter typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Keep this letter with your financial records. If Credit One continues to charge you after the cancellation date, you'll have documentation that you requested closure.
Check your credit report after cancellation
About 30 days after cancellation, check your credit report to confirm the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official government site for this service. The three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — all report to this site.
When you view your report, look for the Credit One account and verify it says "closed by consumer" or "closed at consumer's request." If it shows anything else, or if the account still appears open 60 days after your cancellation call, contact Credit One again with your reference number and ask them to correct the report.
Understand how cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card can temporarily lower your credit score, usually by 5 to 10 points, because it reduces your total available credit. This effect is most noticeable if the Credit One card is one of your older accounts — closing old accounts hurts your score more than closing newer ones, because credit history length matters to your score.
The impact is temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as long as you continue paying other accounts on time. If you're concerned about the score impact, you can wait to cancel until after a major financial event like a mortgage process or loan approval, since those events already affect your score.
What to do if you can't reach customer service
If you have trouble reaching Credit One by phone, you can send a written cancellation request by mail. Address a letter to Credit One's mailing address (found on your statement or their website) and include your name, card number, and a clear statement that you want to cancel the account. Send it via certified mail with return receipt requested, so you have proof of delivery.
Written cancellation takes longer — typically 2 to 4 weeks — because the request has to be received, processed, and confirmed by mail. For this reason, calling is faster. However, if you're unable to call during business hours or prefer a paper trail, mailing a cancellation request is a valid alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling my Credit One card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Closing the account reduces your available credit, which may lower your score by a few points. The impact is smaller if you have other cards open. Your score typically recovers within a few months if you keep other accounts in good standing.
What happens to my rewards points when I cancel?
Credit One does not offer rewards points on most of their cards. If your card does have a rewards feature, contact customer service before canceling to ask whether you can redeem remaining points. Policies vary by card type, so confirm this before you close the account.
Can I cancel my card if I still owe a balance?
You can request cancellation, but the account will remain open until you pay off the balance. Credit One will continue charging interest on what you owe. Pay the balance first, then cancel, so the account actually closes.
How long does it take for the cancellation to show on my credit report?
The account usually appears as closed on your credit report within 30 to 60 days. Check your report after 30 days to confirm. If it still shows as open after 60 days, contact Credit One with your cancellation reference number and ask them to update the credit bureaus.
Do I need to cut up my card after canceling?
Yes. After the account is closed, cut the card into pieces or shred it so it cannot be used. Even though the account is closed, a physical card could theoretically be used fraudulently if someone finds it. Destroying the card removes that risk.