Call American Express to close your card
The fastest way to close 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 closure process, answer questions about your account, and confirm the closure once it's complete. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Before you call, make sure your account balance is paid in full. American Express will not close an account with an outstanding balance. If you have one, you'll need to pay it first — either by mail, online through your American Express account, or over the phone during the same call.
Have your card number ready when you call. You can find the customer service number on the back of your card, on your statement, or on the American Express website. If you're calling from outside the United States, check your statement for the international number.
Key Takeaways
- Pay your full balance before closing — American Express will not close an account with money owed.
- Call the number on the back of your card to speak with a representative who can close the account when ready.
- Closing a credit card can lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your total available credit.
- Ask the representative to confirm the closure in writing or check your account online within a few days to verify the card is closed.
- If you have pending rewards points, redeem them before closing or ask whether they will be forfeited.
What happens to your rewards points when you close the card
American Express rewards points are usually tied to your account, not the physical card. When you close the card, your points typically remain in your account and you can still redeem them — even after closure. Log into your American Express account online or call customer service to check your points balance and redeem them before or after you close the card.
Some American Express cards offer bonus points for spending in the first few months. If you close the card before meeting the spending requirement, you will not receive the bonus. If you've already earned the bonus, it stays with you.
If you have a business American Express card, the rewards rules may differ. Ask the representative during your closure call whether your points will transfer or expire.
How closing a card affects your credit score
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score by a small amount, usually 5 to 10 points, because it reduces the total amount of credit available to you. This is called your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit that you're using. If you have other cards with balances, closing one card makes your overall utilization appear higher, which can temporarily lower your score.
The impact is usually temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as long as you pay your other accounts on time and keep balances low. The damage is smaller if you have multiple cards open or if the card you're closing has a low credit limit.
If you're planning to explore for a loan or mortgage soon, consider waiting a few months after closing the card before you explore. This gives your score time to recover.
Closing the card online or by mail
American Express does not offer a way to close your card through their online portal or mobile app. You must call customer service or send a written request by mail. Calling is faster and gives you when ready confirmation.
If you prefer to close by mail, write a letter to American Express requesting closure of your account. Include your full name, account number, and the date. Send it to the address listed on your statement under "Customer Service" or "Billing Inquiries." Keep a copy for your records. Closure by mail typically takes 1 to 2 weeks to process.
What to do with the physical card after closure
Once your account is closed, your card will no longer work for purchases or cash advances. You should destroy the physical card to prevent unauthorized use. Cut it in half or shred it, making sure to destroy the card number and security code.
Do not straightforward throw the card in the trash. Even a closed card with visible numbers can be a target for fraud. If you have multiple cards, destroy them all the same way.
Confirming your card is actually closed
After you close the card, ask the representative to send you a written confirmation. This protects you in case there's a dispute later about whether the account was closed. You can also log into your American Express account online within 1 to 3 business days to verify the card status shows as closed.
If you don't see the closure reflected online after a week, call customer service again to confirm. Occasionally a closure doesn't process correctly on the first attempt, and a second call will fix it.
Keep the confirmation email or letter in your records for at least one year. If a charge appears on the card after closure, you'll have proof that the account was closed and can dispute it.
Reasons to keep the card open instead
Before you close the card, consider whether keeping it open might be better for your credit score. An open card with a zero balance helps your utilization ratio and shows lenders you have available credit. If the card has no annual fee, there's no cost to leaving it open unused.
If the card does have an annual fee and you don't use the rewards, closing it makes sense. But if it's a no-fee card or a card you use occasionally, keeping it open is usually the better choice for your credit score.
You can also call American Express and ask whether they will waive the annual fee if you keep the card open. Some representatives will do this to retain your account, especially if you've been a customer for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my American Express card hurt my credit score?
Closing a card can lower your score by a small amount because it reduces your available credit. The impact is usually temporary and recovers within a few months if you pay your other accounts on time. The damage is smaller if you have multiple cards open or if this card has a low limit.
What if I have a balance on the card when I try to close it?
American Express will not close the account until the balance is paid in full. You can pay it over the phone during your closure call, online through your account, or by mail. Once the balance reaches zero, the closure will go through.
Do I lose my rewards points when I close the card?
No. Your rewards points stay in your American Express account after the card closes, and you can redeem them anytime. Redeem them before closing if you want to use them when ready, or wait and redeem them later — either way, they don't disappear.
How long does it take to close an American Express card?
If you call customer service, the closure is when ready — the representative will confirm it during the call. If you close by mail, it takes 1 to 2 weeks. You should see the closure reflected in your online account within 1 to 3 business days after calling.
Can I reopen the card after I close it?
Once a card is closed, you cannot reopen that specific account. You can explore for the same card again as a new account, but it will have a new account number and you'll go through the full process process. There may be a waiting period before you're may be able to access to explore again.