How to delete a credit card depends on what you want to do
If you mean removing a card from your wallet and stopping its use, you can do that when ready by cutting it up or destroying it. If you mean closing the account with the card issuer so the card can no longer be used at all, that takes a phone call or online request and usually takes a few days to process. If you mean removing the card details from a merchant's website or payment app where you saved it, you log into that site or app and delete it from your stored payment methods.
The steps differ because each one involves a different company or system. This guide covers all three, starting with the fastest and moving to the one that takes longest.
Key Takeaways
- Physically destroying a card stops it from being used in person, but the account remains open and can still be charged.
- Closing the account with your card issuer requires a phone call, online message, or visit to a branch, and takes three to seven business days.
- Removing saved card details from individual websites and apps happens when ready once you delete them from your stored payment methods.
- Closing an account may lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your available credit, so do this only when you are ready.
- Before closing, check your account for pending charges, recurring subscriptions, and automatic payments that use that card.
Destroying the physical card
Cut the card in half with scissors, making sure to cut through the chip and the magnetic stripe on the back. You can also shred it, burn it, or soak it in water until it falls apart. This prevents anyone who finds the card from using it in a store or at an ATM.
Destroying the card does not close the account. The card issuer still has your account open, and they can still charge it if a merchant has your card number on file. Merchants who saved your card details before you destroyed it can still process charges. This is why destroying the card alone is not enough if you want to stop using the card entirely.
Removing the card from websites and apps where you saved it
Log into each website or app where you saved this card as a payment method. Look for a section called "Saved Cards", "Payment Methods", "Wallet", or "Billing". Find the card you want to remove and select the option to delete it. The exact wording and location varies by site.
Common places where people save cards include Amazon, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Netflix, Spotify, DoorDash, Uber, and your bank's own app. If you do not remove the card from these places before closing the account, merchants may try to charge the closed card, which will fail and may trigger a declined-payment notice or late fee.
Removing the card from a website does not close the account with the card issuer. It only removes that card number from that one merchant's system. You will need to close the account separately if you want to stop the card issuer from keeping the account open.
Closing the account with your card issuer
Call the phone number on the back of your card, or log into your online account and look for a "Close Account" or "Cancel Card" option. Some issuers let you close the account through their mobile app. If you prefer not to call, you can visit a branch in person or send a written request by mail.
When you call, have your account number and the last four digits of the card ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account. They may ask why, but you do not have to give a reason. They will confirm the account is closed and may ask if you want them to mail you a confirmation letter.
The account usually closes within three to seven business days. During this time, the card may still work for a day or two while the system updates. After it closes, the card will be declined if anyone tries to use it.
What to do before you close the account
Check your account for any pending charges that have not posted yet. If you close the account while a charge is still pending, it may fail or bounce. Log into your online account and look at recent transactions to see if anything is still processing.
Search for any recurring charges or subscriptions that use this card. Common ones include streaming services, gym memberships, insurance payments, and utility bills. You will need to update the payment method for each one before closing the account, or the payment will fail and you may be charged a late fee or lose the service.
If you have an automatic payment set up through your bank (like an automatic bill pay), that is separate from the card and will not be affected by closing the card account.
How closing a card affects your credit
Closing a credit card account may lower your credit score temporarily. This happens because closing an account reduces the total amount of credit available to you, which can raise your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your available credit that you are using). The impact is usually small and temporary, lasting a few months.
Closing a card does not remove it from your credit history. The account will remain on your credit report for seven to ten years, showing that you closed it in good standing. This is actually helpful because it shows you managed the account responsibly.
If you want to avoid the score dip, you can keep the account open without using it. Just make sure there is no annual fee, or the cost of keeping it open will outweigh the benefit to your score.
What happens after you close the account
Once the account is closed, you cannot use the card anymore. If a merchant tries to charge it, the charge will be declined. Any pending charges that were already authorized may still go through, but new charges will fail.
If you are still receiving bills or statements after the account is closed, contact the issuer to confirm the closure went through. Sometimes there is a delay in the system updating.
If you closed the account because of fraud or unauthorized charges, contact the issuer when ready and ask them to dispute those charges. Closing the account does not automatically remove fraudulent charges — you have to report them separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a credit card account after I close it?
It depends on the issuer. Some will reopen a recently closed account if you call within a short window, usually 30 to 60 days. Others will not reopen it and will require you to submit a new process. Call the issuer and ask whether they can reopen your account before you close it, if you think you might change your mind.
What if I have a balance on the card when I close it?
You can still close the account, but you will have to keep paying the balance. The issuer will send you bills until the balance is paid off. You cannot use the card to make new charges, but the account stays open in the issuer's system until the balance reaches zero.
Do I need to close the account if I just want to stop using the card?
No. You can straightforward stop using the card and leave the account open. This avoids the temporary credit score dip from closing. Just make sure there is no annual fee, or you will be charged every year for an account you are not using.
Will closing a card hurt my credit score?
It may lower your score slightly and temporarily because it reduces your available credit. The impact usually fades within a few months. The long-term effect is minimal because the closed account stays on your credit report and shows responsible management.
What if the card issuer will not close my account?
Most issuers will close an account if you ask, but if yours refuses, ask to speak to a supervisor. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if the issuer is being unreasonable. In practice, this is rare — most issuers close accounts on request.