How to cancel your Chase credit card
Call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your card to cancel. Have your account number ready. The representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're cancelling, and process the cancellation on the call. Your card stops working when ready, but your account remains open for 30 to 60 days so Chase can process any pending charges. After that period, the account closes completely.
Before you call, pay off any remaining balance. Chase will not cancel an account with an outstanding balance, and you'll continue to owe interest on it after cancellation. If you have rewards points, redeem them before cancelling—points are typically forfeited once the account closes, though some Chase cards let you transfer them to another Chase card you own.
If you have an annual fee, ask the representative whether it will be refunded. Chase sometimes refunds the annual fee if you cancel within 30 days of being charged, but this is not may provide and depends on your card type and account history.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your card to cancel; the representative will process it when ready over the phone.
- Pay off your full balance before calling, because Chase will not cancel an account with money owed.
- Redeem any rewards points before cancellation, as they are usually lost once the account closes.
- Ask about an annual fee refund if you're cancelling within 30 days of being charged, though refunds are not may provide.
- Your card stops working right away, but the account stays open for 30 to 60 days to process pending transactions.
What happens to your credit score when you cancel
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score, usually by a small amount. The main reason is that it reduces your total available credit, which increases your credit utilization ratio—the percentage of your credit limit you're using across all cards. If you have a $5,000 balance spread across two cards with $10,000 limits each, your utilization is 25%. If you close one card, your available credit drops to $10,000, and your utilization jumps to 50%, which can hurt your score.
The impact is temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as long as you keep other accounts in good standing and don't miss payments. The closed account will remain on your credit report for 10 years, which actually helps your score because it shows a history of responsible credit use.
If you want to minimize the impact, pay down your balance on other cards before cancelling, or cancel a card with a low credit limit. Cancelling a card with a high limit has a bigger effect on your utilization ratio.
Timing: when to cancel before an annual fee hits
Chase charges annual fees on most premium cards on your card anniversary—the date you opened the account, not the calendar year. Check your account online or your most recent statement to find this date. If you cancel before that date arrives, you avoid the fee. If you cancel after the fee posts, ask the representative for a refund.
Some Chase cards have no annual fee, so timing doesn't matter for those. If you're unsure whether your card has an annual fee, log into your Chase account online and look at your card details, or call customer service to ask.
If you've already paid the annual fee and want to cancel, request a refund on the call. Chase's policy varies by card and account history, but representatives have discretion to refund the fee if you're cancelling shortly after being charged. There's no harm in asking.
What to do with rewards points before cancelling
Most Chase cards let you redeem points for cash back, travel, or merchandise before you cancel. Log into your Chase account and go to the rewards section to see your point balance and redemption options. Redeem your points before you call to cancel, because once the account closes, you lose any remaining points.
Some Chase cards let you transfer points to another Chase card you own. If you have multiple Chase cards, you can move points from the card you're cancelling to one you're keeping. This option is available in your online account under the rewards section.
If you have a very small point balance that's not worth redeeming, you can let it go. But most people find it worth the five minutes to cash out whatever they've earned.
Cancelling without calling: online and mail options
Chase prefers phone cancellations because the representative can confirm your identity and document your reason for leaving. However, you can also cancel by mail if you prefer not to call. Send a letter to the address on your statement requesting cancellation. Include your account number and card number. Mail takes longer—allow two to three weeks for processing—and you won't get when ready confirmation, so follow up by calling or checking your online account after two weeks.
Chase does not offer cancellation through their website or mobile app. You must call or mail. If you're uncomfortable calling, mailing is a valid alternative, but calling is faster and gives you confirmation on the spot.
Handling authorized users and joint accounts
If someone else is an authorized user on your card, they will no longer be able to use it once you cancel. Their card will stop working when ready. If the authorized user is a spouse or family member who relies on the card, discuss the cancellation with them first.
If the card is a joint account—meaning both of you are equally responsible for the balance—both account holders must agree to cancel. Call Chase and let them know it's a joint account; they may require both of you to be on the call, or they may accept cancellation from one person if the other has previously authorized it. Check your account documents or call ahead to ask what Chase requires for your specific account.
What happens after cancellation
Your card stops working when ready after you cancel. Any pending charges that post within the next 30 to 60 days will still be processed to the account. After that grace period, the account closes and you can no longer use it. Chase will send you a final statement showing any remaining balance or credit.
If you have an automatic payment set up on this card—for utilities, subscriptions, or other recurring charges—update those payments to a different card or bank account before you cancel. If you don't, those charges will fail and you may face late fees from the merchant.
Keep your final statement for your records. It shows the account closure date and confirms that you paid any balance owed. You may need this for tax purposes or to dispute any charges that appear after cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Chase try to keep me from cancelling?
The representative may ask why you're cancelling and might offer a lower annual fee, a rewards bonus, or a credit to your account to keep you. You're not obligated to accept. If you've decided to cancel, you can politely decline and proceed with the cancellation. The representative cannot force you to keep the card.
Can I reopen a cancelled Chase card?
Once a card is closed, you cannot reopen it. If you want a Chase card again, you would need to open a new account. This means a new hard inquiry on your credit report and a new account age, which affects your credit score. Think carefully before cancelling if you might want the card again in the future.
What if I have a balance I can't pay off right now?
Chase will not cancel an account with an outstanding balance. You must pay it off first. If you can't pay the full balance when ready, make a payment plan with Chase or pay as much as you can before calling to cancel. Once the balance is zero, the cancellation will go through.
Do I need to cut up my card after cancelling?
Yes, cut the card in half or shred it to prevent someone from finding it and attempting to use it. Even though the card is deactivated, destroying it is a good security practice. You don't need to return it to Chase unless they specifically ask you to.
Will cancelling affect my other Chase accounts?
Cancelling one Chase card does not affect your other Chase accounts. Each card is a separate account. Your other cards will continue to work normally, and your credit history with Chase remains intact.