How to cancel a Chase credit card
You can cancel a Chase credit card by calling Chase customer service at the number on the back of your card, or by logging into your Chase online account and requesting cancellation through the messaging center. Chase does not allow cancellation through their mobile app or website directly — you must speak to a representative or send a message. The process takes a few minutes, and the card is closed when ready, though any pending transactions may still post to the account for a few days after.
Before you call or message, pay your full balance and check your account for any recurring charges tied to that card. Chase will ask you why you are closing the account, but your reason does not affect whether they will process the request. If you have rewards points remaining, redeem them before closing — points are typically forfeited once the account is closed, though some cards allow a brief window to use them afterward.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Chase card or use the messaging center in your online account to request cancellation.
- Pay your full balance and redeem any remaining rewards points before closing the account.
- Check for recurring charges or subscriptions linked to the card and move them to another payment method first.
- The card closes when ready, but pending transactions may still post for a few days after cancellation.
- Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it for your records.
Steps to cancel over the phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your Chase card. You will reach an automated system first — select the option for account services or card management. When you reach a representative, have your card number or account number ready. Tell them you want to close the account.
The representative may ask why you are closing the card or offer you a retention offer (a reduced interest rate or bonus points). You are not required to accept any offer. Once you confirm you want to close the account, the representative will process the closure and give you a confirmation number. Write down this number and the date and time of the call.
Ask the representative to mail you written confirmation of the closure. This protects you if a charge appears on the account later or if there is a dispute about when the account was closed. Some representatives will email confirmation when ready; others will mail it within five to seven business days.
Steps to cancel through your online account
Log into your Chase account at chase.com. Look for the messaging center or contact us section — this is usually in the account settings or help menu. Send a message stating that you want to close your credit card account and include your card number or account number.
Chase typically responds within one to two business days. They will confirm the closure in writing through the messaging center. Save or print this message as your proof of cancellation. If you do not hear back within three business days, call customer service to confirm the account was closed.
Cancellation by message takes longer than a phone call, so use this method only if you cannot reach customer service by phone. The closure is not final until Chase confirms it in writing.
What happens to your balance and rewards
If you have an outstanding balance when you close the account, you still owe it. Chase will continue to charge interest on the remaining balance until it is paid off. You can pay the balance by check, automatic bank transfer, or by setting up a payment plan through your account. Closing the card does not erase what you owe.
Rewards points are usually forfeited when the account closes. Some Chase cards allow you to redeem points for up to 30 days after closure, but this varies by card type. Redeem your points before you call to close the account — do not count on a grace period. If you have a Chase Sapphire card or other premium card, check your cardholder agreement to see if points can be transferred to another Chase card or a travel partner before closure.
Canceling a card with an annual fee
If your Chase card has an annual fee, you can cancel before the fee posts to avoid paying it. Check your account statement or cardholder agreement to see when your annual fee is due. Most cards charge the fee on the anniversary of when you opened the account.
If the annual fee has already posted in the current billing cycle, you can still request a refund when you close the account. Tell the representative that you are closing because of the annual fee and ask if they can waive or refund it. Chase sometimes refunds the fee if you close within 30 days of it posting, though this is not may provide. If they refuse, you can dispute the charge through your bank, but closing the account is usually faster.
Protecting your credit after cancellation
Closing a credit card affects your credit score in two ways: it reduces your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio, and it removes an active account from your credit history. The impact is usually small if you have other cards open and keep your balances low on them.
Your payment history on the closed card remains on your credit report for seven years, so closing the account does not erase good payment history. If you closed the card because of missed payments or high debt, the negative marks will still appear on your report until they age off.
After you close the card, check your credit report a few weeks later to confirm the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If the account still shows as open after 30 days, contact Chase again to confirm the closure was processed.
What to do if you change your mind
If you close a Chase card and want to reopen it within a short time, contact Chase customer service when ready. Some cards can be reopened within 30 to 60 days of closure if the account is in good standing. After that window, you would need to open a new account, which counts as a new process and triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report.
Reopening a closed account is not may provide — Chase reviews each request based on your account history and current credit profile. If you are unsure about closing, ask the representative about their reactivation policy before you proceed with cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a Chase credit card online without calling?
You can request cancellation through the messaging center in your Chase online account, but you cannot cancel directly through the website or app. A representative must process the closure, so you either call or message. Messaging takes longer — usually one to two business days — so calling is faster if you want the account closed when ready.
What happens to pending transactions after I close the card?
Pending transactions may still post to the account for a few days after closure. You remain responsible for these charges. Once they post, you can pay them through your closed account. The account stays open long enough for pending charges to clear, then closes completely.
Will closing my Chase card hurt my credit score?
Closing a card can lower your score slightly because it reduces your available credit and may raise your credit utilization ratio on other cards. The impact is usually temporary and small if you have other accounts in good standing. Your payment history on the closed card stays on your report for seven years.
Can I cancel a Chase card if I still owe a balance?
Yes, you can close the account even with an outstanding balance. You still owe the debt and will continue to be charged interest until it is paid off. Closing the card does not forgive the balance. Pay what you owe through your closed account or set up a payment plan with Chase.
How long does it take for a Chase credit card to close?
The account closes when ready when you call customer service. If you cancel through messaging, the closure is final once Chase confirms it in writing, usually within one to two business days. Pending transactions may post for a few days after, but the account itself is closed and cannot be used.