Call American Express to close your account
The fastest way to close an American Express card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative will walk you through the closure and answer questions about your balance, rewards, or any pending transactions. The call takes about 10 minutes.
Have your card number ready when you call. If you have an outstanding balance, American Express will tell you the payoff amount and your payment options — you can pay over the phone or by mail. Closing the account does not erase what you owe; you will still need to pay it in full.
Ask the representative to confirm the closure in writing. Some cardholders request a letter stating the account is closed at the customer's request, which can be useful if you later dispute a charge or need proof of closure for another reason.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your American Express card to close the account; a representative will process the closure over the phone.
- You must pay any outstanding balance before or after closure — closing the account does not forgive what you owe.
- Redeem any remaining rewards points before you close, because points are usually forfeited once the account is closed.
- Request written confirmation of the closure so you have a record if questions arise later.
- Check your credit report a few weeks after closure to confirm the account shows as closed.
Redeem your rewards before closing
American Express typically cancels any unredeemed rewards points when you close the card. Before you call to close, log into your American Express account online or through the mobile app and review your points balance.
You can redeem points for statement credits, travel bookings, merchandise, or gift cards depending on your card type. The redemption options vary by card — some cards offer more travel flexibility, while others focus on cash back or shopping. Redeem what you have rather than lose it.
If you have a small balance of points that is not worth redeeming, ask the representative during your closure call whether any points can be transferred to another American Express card you hold. Some cards allow point transfers between accounts, though this is not may provide.
Pay off your balance before or during the call
You cannot close an American Express card with an outstanding balance still owed, though you can close it while a payment is in process. During your closure call, the representative will give you the exact payoff amount, which includes any interest or fees accrued through that day.
You have several payment options: pay by debit card or bank account over the phone during the call, mail a check to the address provided, or set up an automatic payment from your bank account. If you choose to pay by mail, ask for the mailing address and confirm the payment important date.
After you close the account, continue to monitor your statement for any charges that post after the closure date. Occasionally a merchant will submit a charge that was authorized before closure but processes afterward. Contact American Express if you see unexpected activity.
What happens to your credit after closure
Closing a credit card affects your credit score, though the impact is usually temporary. Your credit utilization ratio — the amount of credit you are using compared to your total available credit — will increase when you remove the card's credit limit from your available total. This can lower your score by a few points in the short term.
The account will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years after closure, showing a zero balance and closed status. This history helps demonstrate that you managed the account responsibly, so the presence of a closed account is not harmful long-term.
If you are planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other major credit in the next few months, closing a card right before that process may not be ideal. The timing of closure relative to your process can affect how lenders view your creditworthiness.
Confirm closure in writing and monitor your report
After you hang up, you should receive written confirmation of the closure by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it, call back and request that a letter be sent to your address on file.
Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after closure to confirm that the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus. Look for the American Express account and verify that the status reads "closed" or "closed by consumer."
If the account does not appear as closed on your report after two months, contact American Express again and ask them to verify the closure with the credit bureaus.
Closing through the American Express website or app
American Express does not offer a full account closure through its website or mobile app. You can request a closure through the app or online account portal, but a representative will still need to contact you by phone to complete the process and discuss your balance and rewards.
If you prefer not to call, you can initiate the closure request online and wait for a representative to reach out. This takes longer than calling directly — usually 1 to 2 business days — but results in the same outcome.
What to do if you want to keep the card but reduce activity
If you are thinking about closing the card mainly because you do not use it, consider keeping it open instead. An unused card with a zero balance does not hurt your credit and actually helps your utilization ratio. You can straightforward stop using it without closing it.
If the card has an annual fee and you do not want to pay it, you have another option: call American Express and ask if they will waive the fee or downgrade you to a no-fee version of the same card. Many cardholders successfully negotiate a fee waiver or product change without closing the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my American Express card hurt my credit score?
Closing a card can lower your score temporarily because your available credit decreases, which raises your utilization ratio. The impact is usually small and fades over time. Your payment history and the age of the account remain on your report for years, so the long-term effect is minimal.
What happens to my rewards points when I close the card?
Most American Express cards cancel unredeemed points when the account closes. Redeem your points before you call to close, or ask the representative if points can transfer to another American Express card you own. Some cards allow transfers, but it is not may provide.
Can I close my card if I have a balance?
You can close the account while you still owe money, but you must pay the balance in full. The representative will give you the payoff amount during the closure call. You can pay over the phone, by mail, or through automatic bank transfer.
How long does it take to close an American Express card?
The phone call itself takes about 10 minutes. Written confirmation arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The account will show as closed on your credit report within 30 to 60 days.
Can I reopen my American Express card after closing it?
American Express may allow you to reopen a recently closed account if you call within a short window, usually 30 to 60 days. After that, you would need to explore for a new card. Contact American Express directly to ask about reopening if you change your mind soon after closure.