Call American Express to close your account, not the other way around
The fastest way to close an American Express card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask to close the account. A representative will walk you through the process on the phone — it takes about 10 minutes. American Express does not let you close an account online through their website or app, so a phone call is your only option.
Before you call, have your card in front of you and know why you want to close it. The representative may ask, and they may offer you a lower interest rate or fee waiver to keep the account open. You can accept or decline, but the decision is yours to make, not theirs.
When you call, the representative will confirm your identity, verify that you have no outstanding balance on the card, and then process the closure. If you do have a balance, you will need to pay it off first — American Express will not close an account with money owed. After closure, you will receive written confirmation in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your American Express card to close it; there is no online closure option.
- Pay off any remaining balance before calling, because American Express will not close an account with debt on it.
- The closure takes effect when ready after the call, but written confirmation arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Closing a card lowers your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio and temporarily lower your credit score.
- If you want to preserve your credit history, downgrade to a no-annual-fee American Express card instead of closing the account.
What happens to your credit score when you close the account
Closing a credit card affects your credit score in two ways, both negative in the short term. First, your total available credit shrinks. If you had a $10,000 limit on the American Express card and $5,000 in total credit limits across all your cards, closing this card drops your available credit to $5,000. Your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your credit limit you are using — goes up, and a higher ratio lowers your score.
Second, the card stays on your credit report for 7 to 10 years after closure, but it stops building payment history. The longer a closed account sits on your report without new activity, the less weight it carries in your score calculation. If this American Express card was your oldest account, closing it can lower your average account age, which also affects your score.
The damage is usually temporary. Most people see their score recover within a few months if they keep their remaining cards in good standing and pay down balances. But if you are planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other large credit in the next 3 to 6 months, closing the card right now may not be the best timing.
Downgrading instead of closing: a way to keep the card active
American Express offers no-annual-fee versions of many of its cards. If you are closing the card mainly because of the annual fee, ask the representative whether you can downgrade to a different American Express card with no fee instead. This keeps the account open, preserves your credit history, and avoids the credit score hit that comes with closure.
Downgrading works like this: you keep the same account number and credit limit, but the card issuer sends you a new physical card with a different product name. Your old rewards or benefits stop, but the account age stays on your credit report. The downgrade is when ready, and you will not pay a new annual fee going forward.
Not every American Express card has a no-fee version, so ask what options are available for your specific card. If downgrading is not possible and you do not want to pay the annual fee, then closing is your choice to make.
Steps to take before you call to close the account
Check your balance. Log into your American Express account online or call customer service to confirm you owe nothing. If you have a balance, pay it in full before closing. American Express will not close an account with an outstanding balance.
Redeem your rewards. If your card earns cash back or points, use them before you close. After the account closes, you may lose access to your rewards balance, depending on your card type. Some American Express cards let you redeem rewards for up to a year after closure, but do not count on it — redeem now.
Update automatic payments. If you have set up any recurring charges to this card — subscriptions, utilities, insurance — change them to a different payment method. The card will stop working after closure, and missed payments will hurt your credit.
Gather your card number. Have the card in front of you when you call. The representative will ask for it to confirm your identity and locate your account.
What to expect after you close the account
Your card stops working when ready after the call ends. You will not be able to use it for purchases or cash advances. If you have pending transactions that have not yet posted to your account, they will still go through, but new charges will be declined.
American Express will mail you written confirmation of the closure within 7 to 10 business days. Keep this letter for your records. Your closed account will remain on your credit report for 7 to 10 years, showing a zero balance and a closed status. This is normal and does not hurt your credit — it actually shows that you paid off the account responsibly.
If you need to reopen the account later, you can call American Express and ask. They may reopen it, but they are not required to, and the decision depends on your credit history and account standing at that time.
If you have an American Express charge card instead of a credit card
American Express charge cards — like the American Express Gold Card or Platinum Card — work differently from traditional credit cards. They require you to pay your full balance each month, not just a minimum payment. Closing a charge card follows the same process: call the number on the back, confirm you have no balance, and the representative will close it.
The credit score impact is similar, but charge cards are treated slightly differently by credit scoring models because they do not carry a revolving balance. Closing a charge card may have a smaller effect on your credit utilization ratio, but it still removes an account from your credit history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my American Express card online?
No. American Express does not offer online account closure through their website or mobile app. You must call the customer service number on the back of your card to close the account. The call takes about 10 minutes.
What if I have a balance when I try to close?
American Express will not close the account until the balance is paid in full. Pay off what you owe first, then call back to request closure. If you have a pending balance that has not yet posted, ask the representative to close the account after the payment clears.
Will closing my American Express card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your available credit shrinks, which raises your credit utilization ratio. Your score may drop 5 to 50 points depending on how much of your total credit limit this card represented. Most people see their score recover within a few months if they keep other accounts in good standing.
Can I reopen my American Express card after I close it?
You can call and ask, but American Express is not required to reopen it. Whether they will depends on your credit history and how long ago you closed it. If you think you might want the card again, downgrading to a no-fee version is a safer option.
What happens to my rewards points after I close the account?
Redeem your rewards before you close. After closure, you may lose access to your points balance depending on your card type. Some American Express cards let you redeem for up to a year after closure, but this varies — do not rely on it.