Call American Express directly to cancel your card
The fastest way to cancel an American Express credit card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative will walk you through the cancellation, answer questions about your account, and confirm the closure. The call typically takes five to ten minutes.
Have your card number ready when you call. American Express customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you reach a representative, tell them you want to close your account. They may ask why you're cancelling — this is optional information, and you don't have to explain.
After you hang up, American Express will send you a written confirmation of the cancellation by mail within a few days. Keep this letter for your records. Your account will be marked as closed, and you won't be able to use the card after the call ends.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your American Express card to cancel; a representative will process the closure when ready over the phone.
- Pay off any remaining balance before you cancel, or you will still owe the debt after the account closes.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation and keep it with your financial records.
- Your credit report will show the account as closed, which may temporarily lower your credit score if this is one of your oldest cards.
- If you have rewards points, use them before cancelling — you may lose them once the account is closed.
Settle your balance before cancelling
Before you call to cancel, pay off any balance you owe on the card. American Express will not close your account if you have an unpaid balance, and even if they did, you would still owe the money. Closing the account does not erase the debt.
If you have a large balance, ask the representative whether you can set up a payment plan before cancelling. Some cardholders choose to keep the account open until the balance is paid in full, then cancel afterward. This avoids confusion about where to send payments.
Use or transfer your rewards points first
American Express rewards points may be forfeited when you close your account, depending on the type of card you hold. Check your account online or ask the representative what happens to your points when you cancel.
If you have accumulated points, use them before you cancel. You can redeem points for statement credits, travel, merchandise, or gift cards through the American Express website. Some cards also allow you to transfer points to airline or hotel partners — do this before the account closes if that option is available to you.
If you're unsure whether your points will disappear, contact American Express before cancelling and ask them to clarify. It's easier to use the points while the account is still active.
What happens to your credit after cancellation
Closing a credit card account can affect your credit score, though the impact is usually temporary. Your credit report will show the account as closed, which may lower your score slightly if this card is one of your oldest accounts or if it represents a large portion of your available credit.
The score drop is typically not permanent. Over time, as you continue to pay other accounts on time, your score will recover. The closed account will remain on your credit report for up to ten years, but it will have less weight as it ages.
If you're planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other major credit in the next few months, consider waiting to cancel until after you've completed that process. Closing an account right before a credit inquiry can make your process more complicated.
Cancel online through your American Express account
American Express does not offer a direct online cancellation option through their website, but you can start the process by logging into your account and sending a find message to customer service requesting cancellation. A representative will contact you to confirm and complete the closure.
This method takes longer than calling — typically one to two business days for a response. If you need to cancel quickly, calling is faster. If you prefer not to speak on the phone, the find message option is available through the American Express website under "Contact Us."
Keep records of your cancellation
Save the confirmation letter American Express sends you after cancellation. This letter proves the account was closed on a specific date and can be useful if a charge appears on the card after closure or if there's ever a dispute about when the account ended.
You should also keep records of your final balance, the date you cancelled, and the name of the representative who processed the cancellation if you spoke to someone on the phone. Write down these details when ready after the call while they're fresh.
If you receive a bill after cancellation, contact American Express right away. Closed accounts should not generate new statements, and a post-cancellation bill usually means there's an error or a pending charge that hasn't cleared yet.
What to do if you change your mind
If you cancel your American Express card and then change your mind within a short window, you may be able to reopen the account. Call customer service and explain that you want to reverse the cancellation. American Express will attempt to restore the account if it hasn't been fully processed yet — usually within 24 to 48 hours of the original cancellation.
After that window closes, reopening the account becomes more difficult. You may have to explore for a new card instead, which will be treated as a new process and will generate a hard inquiry on your credit report. It's better to be certain before you cancel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will cancelling my American Express card hurt my credit score?
Closing a credit card can lower your score temporarily, especially if it's one of your oldest accounts or represents a large portion of your available credit. The impact is usually modest and temporary. Your score will recover as you continue to pay other accounts on time.
What happens to my rewards points when I cancel?
This depends on your specific American Express card. Some cards let you keep points after closure; others forfeit them. Check your card's terms or call customer service before cancelling to find out. If you have points, use or transfer them before the account closes.
Can I cancel my American Express card online?
American Express does not have a direct online cancellation button, but you can send a find message through your account requesting closure. A representative will contact you to confirm. Calling customer service is faster if you need when ready cancellation.
Do I have to pay my balance before I cancel?
Yes. You must pay off any balance before American Express will close the account. Even if they closed it with a balance remaining, you would still owe the debt. Cancellation does not erase what you owe.
How long does it take for my American Express card to be cancelled?
If you call, the cancellation is when ready — the account closes as soon as the representative processes it. You'll receive written confirmation by mail within a few days. If you use the online message option, expect a response and completion within one to two business days.