Call Chase to close your account, not email or online chat
The fastest way to close a Chase credit card is to call Chase customer service directly. You cannot close an account through the Chase mobile app or website — you must speak to a representative by phone. Chase customer service is available 24/7 at the number on the back of your card.
When you call, have your card number ready and be prepared to answer security questions to verify your identity. The representative will confirm your request, review your account balance, and process the closure. The call typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.
If you prefer not to call, you can visit a Chase branch in person with your card and a photo ID. A banker can close the account at the branch, though this requires a trip and may involve a short wait.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Chase card to reach customer service; this is the only way to close the account.
- Pay off your full balance before closing, or your remaining balance will still be due and will accrue interest if you carry it.
- Closing a card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit and may raise your credit utilization ratio.
- Chase will send you a written confirmation of the closure within 7 to 10 business days; keep this for your records.
- After closure, your card will stop working when ready, but you remain responsible for any pending charges or disputes on the account.
Pay your balance in full before you call
Do not close your account while you still owe money on it. If you have a balance when you request closure, Chase will not close the account until the balance is paid. You can pay by phone during the same call, through your online account, or by mailing a check.
If you close the account with an outstanding balance, you remain legally responsible for paying it. Interest will continue to accrue on any unpaid amount at your card's regular APR. The account will show as closed on your credit report, but the debt does not disappear.
Check your statement for any pending transactions that have not yet posted. These charges will still hit your account after closure, so make sure you have enough funds available to cover them.
Understand how closing affects your credit score
Closing a credit card typically lowers your credit score in the short term, usually by 5 to 10 points, though the impact varies based on your overall credit profile. The score drop happens for two reasons: your total available credit decreases, and your credit utilization ratio (the amount you owe divided by your total credit limit) goes up.
For example, if you have two cards with $5,000 limits each and a $2,000 balance, your utilization is 20 percent. If you close one card, your total limit drops to $5,000, and your utilization jumps to 40 percent — even though you owe the same amount. Credit scoring models penalize higher utilization ratios.
The impact is temporary. Your score typically recovers within 3 to 6 months as long as you pay your remaining cards on time and keep balances low. Closing a card has less impact if you have multiple other open accounts with good payment history.
What happens to rewards points and cash back
Any rewards points or cash back you have earned on the card remain yours after closure, but you must use them before you close the account. Once the account is closed, you cannot earn new rewards, and your access to redeem existing rewards may be limited or expire.
Before you call to close the account, log into your Chase account online and check your rewards balance. Redeem your points for cash back, travel, or merchandise through the Chase rewards portal. If you have a significant balance, consider redeeming it before the closure call.
Different Chase cards have different reward expiration policies. Some rewards expire 12 months after the account closes; others may expire sooner. Check your card's terms or ask the representative during your closure call what will happen to any unredeemed rewards.
Request written confirmation of the closure
After the representative closes your account, ask them to mail you a written confirmation. This document shows the closure date, final balance (if any), and account status. Chase typically sends this within 7 to 10 business days.
Keep this confirmation letter in your records. It serves as proof that you closed the account on purpose, which is useful if you ever dispute a charge or need to show the account status to another lender. If you do not receive a confirmation letter within two weeks, call Chase again and request one.
You can also take a screenshot or note of your account status in the Chase app when ready after the call, which shows the account as closed. This is not an official document, but it provides a timestamped record of when you made the request.
Monitor your credit report after closure
Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after closure to confirm the account appears as closed. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official government site. The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
The closed account will remain on your credit report for 7 to 10 years, depending on whether the account was in good standing. This is normal and does not hurt your score — closed accounts in good standing actually help your credit history by showing you managed credit responsibly.
If the account does not show as closed within 60 days, or if it shows an incorrect balance, contact Chase again. Errors on your credit report can be disputed directly with the credit bureau, but it is faster to have Chase correct it first.
What to do if you want to reopen the account
If you close a Chase card and change your mind within 30 to 60 days, you may be able to reopen it. Call Chase customer service and ask if the account can be reopened. Chase has some flexibility here, especially if the account was in good standing and the closure was recent.
After 60 days, reopening becomes much harder. Chase treats a request to reopen as a new process, which means a hard inquiry on your credit report and a new approval decision. You are better off closing only when you are certain you will not need the card again.
If you want to keep the card open but stop using it, you do not have to close it. You can straightforward cut up the card or set it aside. An inactive account does not hurt your credit as long as there are no annual fees or missed payments. Many people keep old cards open for this reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Chase card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your score may drop 5 to 10 points because your available credit decreases and your utilization ratio rises. The impact is smaller if you have other open accounts. Your score typically recovers within 3 to 6 months of on-time payments on your remaining cards.
Can I close my Chase card if I still have a balance?
Chase will not close the account until the balance is paid off. You can pay the balance during the closure call, online, or by mail. Interest will continue to accrue on any unpaid balance after closure, so pay it as soon as possible.
What happens to my rewards points when I close the card?
You must redeem your rewards before closing the account. Once the account is closed, you may lose access to unredeemed points, or they may expire within 12 months depending on your card's terms. Redeem them through the Chase rewards portal before you call to close.
How long does it take to close a Chase credit card?
The phone call itself takes 5 to 10 minutes. The account closes when ready after the call, and your card stops working right away. Chase sends written confirmation within 7 to 10 business days. The closure appears on your credit report within 30 to 60 days.
Can I reopen my Chase card after I close it?
If you close the account and change your mind within 30 to 60 days, call Chase and ask if they can reopen it. After 60 days, reopening is treated as a new process with a hard credit inquiry. It is better to close only when you are certain you will not need the card again.