Call American Express to close your account, and do it after you've paid the balance to zero
Closing an American Express card means calling the customer service number on the back of your card, confirming your identity, and asking to close the account. American Express will process the closure when ready over the phone. The card stops working right away, but your account remains open for up to a year so American Express can process any pending charges or credits. After that year, the account closes completely.
The timing matters. If you close the card while you still owe a balance, you'll keep getting statements and interest charges until the balance is paid off. Paying the full balance first, then closing, is cleaner and faster.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your American Express card and tell the representative you want to close the account; they will do it when ready.
- Pay your full balance to zero before you call, so the account closes without outstanding charges or interest accruing.
- Your card stops working right away, but American Express keeps the account open for up to a year to process pending transactions.
- Closing a card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit, but the impact fades over time.
- If you have rewards points, use them or transfer them before closing, because some cards let you keep points after closure and some do not.
What happens when you call American Express
When you call the customer service number on the back of your card, tell the representative you want to close your account. They will ask you to confirm your identity, usually by providing your card number and Social Security number or date of birth. They may also ask why you're closing the account — this is optional information, and you don't have to give a detailed reason.
Once you confirm your identity, the representative will close the account. The card is deactivated when ready and cannot be used for new purchases. American Express will send you a confirmation letter in the mail within a few days. Keep this letter for your records.
Paying off your balance before closing
If you have a balance on the card, pay it in full before you call to close the account. You can do this online through your American Express account, by phone, or by mail. Once the balance reaches zero, call to close.
If you close the account while a balance remains, American Express will continue to charge interest on that balance until it's paid off. You'll receive monthly statements, and the account will stay open in their system. Paying first avoids this.
What happens to your rewards points
American Express handles rewards points differently depending on the card type. With most personal cards, you can use your points before closing, or you may be able to keep them in your account for a period of time after closure. With some business cards, points expire when the account closes.
Before you call to close, log into your American Express account and check your rewards balance. If you have points, use them for a statement credit, a transfer to a travel partner, or a merchandise purchase. If you're unsure whether your points will survive closure, ask the representative when you call.
The impact on your credit score
Closing a credit card lowers your credit score temporarily. The main reason is that it reduces your total available credit. If you had a $5,000 limit on the Amex and no other cards, closing it means your available credit drops to zero. Credit scoring models penalize this change.
The impact is usually largest in the first few months after closure, then fades. If you have other cards with higher limits, the damage is smaller. If this is your only card or your oldest card, the impact may be larger. The score recovers over time as the closure ages in your credit history.
Canceling versus downgrading
If you want to keep the American Express relationship but don't want to pay an annual fee, ask the representative about downgrading to a no-fee card instead of closing. American Express offers cards with no annual fee, and you may be able to switch your existing account to one of them.
Downgrading keeps your account open and your credit history intact, so it has less impact on your credit score than closing. If you think you might use an American Express card again in the future, downgrading is worth asking about before you close.
What to do with the physical card
Once the account is closed, cut up the physical card or shred it. Do not throw it away whole, because the card number and security code are still readable. Cutting it into pieces makes it unusable if someone finds it in the trash.
You don't need to return the card to American Express. Destroying it yourself is sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Amex card online instead of calling?
American Express does not offer online closure through their website or app. You must call the customer service number on the back of your card. The call takes about five minutes.
What if I have pending charges on the card after I close it?
American Express keeps the account open for up to a year to process pending charges. If a merchant submits a charge after you close, it will post to the account and you'll receive a statement. Pay it when the statement arrives.
Will closing my Amex hurt my credit if I have other cards?
Closing any card lowers your score because it reduces available credit, but the damage is smaller if you have other cards with higher limits. The impact fades over several months. If you have multiple cards, closing one is less damaging than if it's your only card.
Can I reopen a closed American Express account?
American Express may let you reopen a recently closed account if you call within a short window, usually 30 to 60 days. After that, you would need to open a new account. Ask the representative when you close whether reopening is possible.
What if I have a sign-up bonus I haven't used yet?
If you opened the card recently and earned a sign-up bonus but haven't used the rewards yet, use them before closing. Once the account closes, you lose access to the points. Check your rewards balance in your account before you call.