How to close a Chase credit card
You can close a Chase credit card by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, visiting a Chase branch in person, or using the Chase mobile app or website. The fastest method is usually a phone call — you'll reach a representative who can process the closure when ready and confirm it in writing. Have your card number and account details ready before you call.
Chase will ask why you're closing the account. You don't have to give a detailed reason, but they may offer you a retention offer (a bonus, fee waiver, or rate reduction) to keep the card open. If you decide to proceed, the representative will close the account on the spot. The card becomes inactive right away, though the account itself remains on your credit report for several years after closure.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Chase card to close it when ready over the phone, or visit a branch or use the app for online closure options.
- Pay off any remaining balance before closing, because you'll still owe it after the account is closed and will continue to receive statements.
- Closing a card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit and may raise your credit utilization ratio on other cards.
- Chase will keep the account on your credit report for up to 10 years after closure, which can help your credit history length if it's an older account.
- If you have rewards points or cash back pending, redeem them before closing because you may lose them once the account is closed.
What happens to your balance when you close
Closing a Chase credit card does not erase any balance you owe. If you have an outstanding balance at the time of closure, you remain responsible for paying it in full. Chase will continue to send you monthly statements and charge interest on the unpaid balance until it's paid off.
For this reason, it's best to pay off the entire balance before you call to close the account. If you can't pay it all at once, you can still close the card, but you'll need to make payments on the closed account for as long as the balance exists. Some people choose to keep the card open while paying down a large balance to avoid interest charges, then close it once it reaches zero.
How closing affects your credit score
Closing a credit card typically lowers your credit score in the short term, usually by 10 to 50 points depending on your overall credit profile. The main reason is that closing an account reduces your total available credit. If you have balances on other cards, your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your total credit limit you're using) will go up, and higher utilization hurts your score.
The impact is usually temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as long as you keep other accounts in good standing and pay bills on time. If the Chase card you're closing is one of your oldest accounts, closing it will also slightly reduce the average age of your credit accounts, which can affect your score. However, the account will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years after closure, so the age history stays part of your record.
Redeeming rewards and cash back before closure
Check your Chase account for any pending rewards points or cash back balance before you close the card. Some Chase cards allow you to redeem rewards after the account is closed, but others may forfeit unused points once the account is no longer active. The rules vary by card type, so it's safer to redeem everything before you call to close.
Log into your Chase account online or through the app and look for your rewards balance in the account dashboard. You can usually redeem points for cash back, statement credits, travel bookings, or merchandise depending on your card. Once you've redeemed everything you want to keep, you can proceed with closing the account without worrying about losing value.
Closing a card versus downgrading to a different card
Before you close a Chase card, consider whether downgrading to a different Chase card might be a better option. Downgrading means converting your current card to a different Chase product — usually one with no annual fee. This keeps the account open and preserves your credit history length, which is better for your credit score than closing it outright.
Downgrading is especially useful if you want to avoid the credit score dip that comes with closure, or if you're trying to keep your average account age high. Chase allows downgrades on many of its cards, though the specific options depend on which card you have. You can ask about downgrade options when you call to close, or contact Chase customer service to explore what's available for your account.
What to do after you close the account
After you close a Chase credit card, keep the account number and any documentation of the closure for your records. You may receive a final statement showing a zero balance, which confirms the account is closed. If you had autopay set up for any bills on this card, update those payment methods now so they don't fail.
Monitor your credit report over the next few months to make sure the account shows as closed by you (not by the creditor, which can look different to lenders). You can check your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. If you notice any errors or if the account doesn't update correctly, contact Chase to correct it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close a Chase credit card online without calling?
Chase offers online closure through its website and mobile app for some cards, though phone closure is still the most reliable method. If you use the app or website, follow the prompts in your account settings under "Close Account" or similar language. You may still need to call to confirm, depending on your card type and account status.
What happens to my credit limit after I close the card?
Your credit limit on that specific card goes away once it's closed. Your total available credit across all your accounts decreases, which can raise your credit utilization ratio on your remaining cards. This is one reason closing a card can temporarily lower your score.
Will Chase let me reopen the card after I close it?
Chase generally allows you to reopen a closed account within a certain timeframe, though policies vary. If you change your mind shortly after closing, contact Chase customer service to ask about reopening. The longer you wait, the less likely they are to reopen it without a new process.
Do I lose my rewards points when I close the card?
It depends on the specific Chase card. Some cards let you redeem rewards after closure, while others forfeit unused points. Redeem all your rewards before closing to be safe. Check your card's terms or call Chase to confirm the policy for your specific card.
Should I close a card with an annual fee or downgrade instead?
Downgrading to a no-fee version of the same card is usually better for your credit score than closing it, because the account stays open and your credit history length is preserved. Ask Chase about downgrade options before you close. If downgrading isn't available, then closing is your next option.