Close the account by calling the card issuer's customer service line, confirming you want to close it in writing, and paying any remaining balance
To close a credit card account, contact your card issuer by phone using the number on the back of your card. Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will confirm your identity, review your account status, and process the closure. After the call, send a written request to the address listed on your statement or the issuer's website, stating your account number and request to close. Pay off any remaining balance before or when ready after closure—the account will still accrue interest on unpaid balances even after it is closed.
The closure typically takes effect within one to two business days, though it may take longer to appear on your credit report. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. Keep this letter and any written correspondence for your records.
Key Takeaways
- Call the card issuer's customer service number, confirm your identity, and state that you want to close the account.
- Follow up with a written request to the issuer's mailing address to create a paper record of your closure request.
- Pay any remaining balance in full before closure to avoid interest charges on a closed account.
- Closing an older account can lower your credit score because it reduces your average account age and available credit, so consider closing newer cards first if you must close multiple accounts.
- Request written confirmation of closure and keep all correspondence in case the issuer reports the account as still open.
Why the order of closure matters for your credit score
Closing a credit card account affects your credit score in two ways: it reduces your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio, and it may lower the average age of your accounts. The impact is usually temporary and smaller if you close a newer card rather than an older one.
If you have multiple cards to close, close the newest ones first. Older accounts contribute more to your credit history length, which accounts for about 15 percent of your credit score. Closing a card you have held for ten years will hurt your score more than closing one you opened last year. If one card has a much higher interest rate or annual fee, prioritize closing that one regardless of age.
Your credit utilization ratio—the percentage of your total credit limit you are using—also matters. If you close a card with a high limit, your remaining available credit shrinks, which can raise your utilization ratio even if your actual spending does not change. For example, if you spend $2,000 across two cards with $5,000 limits each (total $10,000 limit), your utilization is 20 percent. If you close one card, your limit drops to $5,000, and your utilization jumps to 40 percent, even though you still owe $2,000.
What to do with the physical card after closure
After you close the account, cut up the physical card or shred it to prevent unauthorized use. Some issuers will send you a new card if the account remains open, so destroying the card ensures no one can use it by accident or theft.
Do not straightforward throw the card in the trash. A card with your name, account number, and expiration date is enough for someone to attempt fraudulent charges, even on a closed account. Shredding or cutting the card into pieces makes it unusable.
Monitoring your account after closure to catch errors
Check your credit report two to three months after closure to confirm the account shows as closed. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If the account still appears open or active, contact the issuer in writing with a copy of your closure confirmation letter and ask them to correct the report.
Some issuers make errors and report closed accounts as still open, which can artificially lower your credit score. If the issuer does not correct the error within 30 days, file a dispute with the credit bureau that is reporting the account incorrectly. The bureau must investigate within 30 days and remove the account if the issuer cannot verify it is still open.
Also watch for any charges or interest on the closed account. Once an account is closed, you should see no new activity. If charges appear, contact the issuer when ready to report unauthorized use or billing errors.
Handling rewards points and cash back before closure
Redeem any remaining rewards points or cash back before you close the account. Once the account is closed, you may lose access to your rewards balance, depending on the issuer's policy. Some issuers allow redemption for a short period after closure, but others freeze the account when ready.
Check your card's rewards program terms to see what happens to your balance upon closure. If you have a significant balance, redeem it for cash back, a statement credit, or a gift card before you call to close. If you forget to redeem before closure, contact the issuer within a few days to ask if they will still honor the redemption.
When to close a card versus keeping it open
Close a card if it has a high annual fee you are not using, a high interest rate you cannot pay down, or if you are trying to reduce the number of accounts you manage. Keep a card open if it has no annual fee, a long history (which helps your credit age), or a rewards rate you use regularly.
If a card has an annual fee but good rewards, call the issuer and ask if they will downgrade you to a no-fee version of the card instead of closing it. Many issuers offer a basic card with the same account number and history, which preserves your account age without the fee. This option is often available if you have been a customer for at least a year and have a good payment history.
If you are closing the account to reduce debt, closing the card alone will not lower your balance—it only stops new charges. You still owe what you already charged, and the account will continue to accrue interest until you pay it off. Focus on paying down the balance first, then close the account once it is paid in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing a credit card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Closing an account lowers your available credit and may reduce your average account age, both of which can drop your score by 5 to 50 points depending on your credit profile. The impact is smaller if you close a newer card, and your score typically recovers within a few months as you continue to pay other accounts on time.
Can I close a credit card with a balance on it?
Yes, you can close an account with an unpaid balance, but the issuer will continue to charge interest on that balance until you pay it off. It is better to pay the balance in full before closure, or at least pay it down as much as possible. The account will remain on your credit report as closed with a balance, which may affect your credit score.
How long does it take for a closed account to disappear from my credit report?
A closed account stays on your credit report for seven years from the date it was closed, even if the balance is paid in full. After seven years, it will fall off automatically. During those seven years, the account will show as closed and will have less impact on your score than an open account, but it still counts toward your credit history length.
What if the issuer will not close my account?
Most issuers will close an account if you request it, but if yours refuses, ask to speak with a supervisor and state your request clearly in writing. If they still refuse, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. You can also dispute the account with the credit bureaus if it continues to report as open against your wishes.
Do I need to close the account in person or by mail, or is a phone call enough?
A phone call is enough to close the account, but sending a written request creates a record in case there is a dispute later. The issuer is required to honor a verbal closure request, but a letter gives you proof that you requested closure on a specific date. Send the letter within a few days of your phone call to the same address listed on your statement.