Call Credit One Bank and tell them you want to close the account
The fastest way to close a Credit One Bank card is to call their customer service line. You'll find the number on the back of your physical card or on your statement. Have your card number and Social Security number ready when you call — they'll ask for both to confirm your identity.
When you reach a representative, say clearly that you want to close the account. They may ask why, but you don't have to give a reason. Some reps will offer to lower your interest rate or waive an annual fee to keep you — you can accept or decline, but if you've already decided to close it, stick to that decision. Ask the rep to confirm the account is closed and note the date and time of the call.
After you hang up, send a follow-up letter to Credit One Bank's mailing address (listed on your statement or their website) requesting written confirmation that the account is closed. Keep a copy for your records. This creates a paper trail in case there's a dispute later.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your card or your statement to reach Credit One Bank customer service and request closure.
- Pay off any remaining balance before or during the call, because closing an account with a balance doesn't erase what you owe.
- Send a written follow-up letter to Credit One Bank asking for written confirmation that the account is closed.
- Check your credit report two to three months after closure to confirm the account shows as closed on your file.
- Your credit score may drop slightly after closure because closing an account reduces your total available credit, but the impact is usually temporary.
Pay off your balance before you close
If your card has a balance, you need to pay it off before closing. Closing an account with an outstanding balance doesn't forgive the debt — you'll still owe it, and Credit One Bank will still report it to the credit bureaus. You'll just be paying it down without the ability to use the card.
If you can't pay the full balance in one payment, call and ask about a payment plan. Some issuers will work with you to set up a schedule. Once the balance hits zero, you can proceed with closing. If you close first and then stop paying, Credit One Bank can report the account as delinquent, which damages your credit score far more than a straightforward closure does.
What happens to your credit score when you close the account
Closing a credit card usually causes a small, temporary drop in your credit score — typically 5 to 10 points, though this varies by person. The drop happens because your total available credit shrinks. If you had a $1,000 limit on the Credit One card and you close it, your available credit goes down by $1,000, which can raise your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your total credit you're using).
The impact is usually short-lived. Your score typically recovers within a few months as long as you keep paying other accounts on time. If you're planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other major credit in the next few months, closing the card right before you explore can work against you. If you're not borrowing soon, the timing doesn't matter much.
Confirm closure in writing and monitor your credit report
After you close the account by phone, send a letter to Credit One Bank's customer service address requesting written confirmation of closure. Include your account number, the date you called to close, and the name of the representative you spoke with if you wrote it down. Send it certified mail so you have proof it arrived.
Two to three months after closure, pull a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com (the official source run by the three major credit bureaus). Look for the Credit One account and confirm it shows as "closed by consumer" or "closed at consumer's request." If it shows as open or if there are any errors, contact Credit One Bank in writing with a copy of your confirmation letter.
What to do if Credit One Bank won't close your account
Occasionally a cardholder reports that Credit One Bank resists closure or claims the account is already closed when the cardholder knows it's still open. If this happens, document everything: write down the date, time, and name of the representative you spoke with, and what they said.
Send a written request to close the account to Credit One Bank's mailing address, again certified mail. In the letter, reference your previous phone call and state that you are requesting closure in writing. Keep copies of everything you send. If the account still doesn't close after 30 days, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB investigates complaints against credit card issuers and can compel them to act.
Understand what happens to authorized users and joint accounts
If someone else is an authorized user on your Credit One card, closing the account will cancel their card too. Let them know before you call to close so they're not surprised when their card stops working.
If the account is a joint account (meaning both of you are equally responsible for the debt), either cardholder can request closure, but both are still responsible for any remaining balance. If you're closing a joint account and the other person objects, you may need to work that out between yourselves first — the bank won't take sides.
Keep the account open if you're rebuilding credit
If you opened the Credit One card specifically to rebuild your credit after a past problem, closing it might not serve you well. Credit One cards are designed for people with limited or damaged credit history, and keeping the account open and in good standing helps prove you can manage credit responsibly over time.
The length of your credit history matters — accounts that stay open longer help your score more than accounts you close quickly. If you're still rebuilding, consider keeping the card open even if you don't use it. Just make sure there's no annual fee eating into your finances. If there is a fee and you want to keep the account, call and ask if they'll waive it for inactive accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Credit One card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only slightly and temporarily. Your score may drop 5 to 10 points because your available credit decreases. The impact is typically gone within a few months if you keep other accounts in good standing. If you're explore for a major loan soon, wait to close until after you've been approved.
Can I close my Credit One card online?
Credit One Bank does not offer online account closure through their website or app. You must call customer service or send a written request by mail. Phone is faster — you'll get confirmation when ready rather than waiting for mail delivery and a response.
What if I have a balance on the card when I close it?
You can still close the account, but you remain responsible for paying the balance. The account will show as closed on your credit report, but the debt doesn't disappear. Pay it off as quickly as you can to avoid interest charges and damage to your credit score.
How long does it take for Credit One to close my account after I call?
The account is typically closed when ready when you call, though it may take a few days to appear as closed on your credit report. If you don't see it reflected within two weeks, call back and confirm. Written confirmation usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need to cut up my card after closing?
Yes. Cut the card in half or shred it so it can't be used or found. Even though the account is closed, a physical card lying around could be a security risk. Destroying it is the safest option.