Call your card issuer and request account closure

To close a credit card, call the customer service 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. The call usually takes five to ten minutes.

Before you call, pay off any remaining balance. Most issuers will not close an account with an outstanding balance — they will ask you to pay it first or set up a payment plan. If you have pending transactions or recent charges that have not posted yet, ask the representative when the account will fully close.

Request written confirmation of the closure. The representative should offer it, but if they do not, ask them to mail or email you a letter stating the account is closed at your request. Keep this confirmation for your records.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay your full balance before calling to close the account, because most issuers will not process closure while you owe money.
  • Call the number on the back of your card and tell the representative you want to close the account — the process takes about ten minutes.
  • Request written confirmation that the account is closed at your request, and keep it with your financial records.
  • Closing a card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit, so close cards you use least first.
  • After closure, continue checking your credit report for a few months to make sure the account shows as closed and no new charges appear.

Pay your balance in full before closing

An outstanding balance is the main reason an issuer will refuse to close your account. If you owe money, the card company wants to collect it before they shut down the account. Pay the full balance using your regular payment method — online, by phone, or by mail — before you call to request closure.

If you cannot pay the full amount at once, tell the representative during your closure call. Some issuers will close the account and convert it to a closed account with a payment plan, though this varies by card company. Ask what options they offer before you hang up.

Understand how closure affects your credit score

Closing a credit card lowers your credit score temporarily. The main reason is that it reduces your total available credit. If you had a $5,000 limit and you close that card, your available credit drops by $5,000, which can raise your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit you are using. A higher utilization ratio signals risk to lenders and pulls your score down.

The impact is usually temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as long as you keep other accounts in good standing and do not miss any payments. The damage is smallest if you close a card you rarely used or one with a low credit limit.

If you want to minimize the impact, close cards with the lowest limits first, or space out closures over several months. Do not close your oldest card, because account age also affects your score — older accounts help your credit history look longer.

Remove the card from recurring charges before closure

Before you close the account, check which subscriptions or regular payments are tied to that card. Look at your recent statements for recurring charges — streaming services, gym memberships, insurance, utilities, or software subscriptions. Update each one with a different payment method before you close the card.

If you forget and a charge tries to post after closure, the transaction will be declined. The merchant may then contact you for a new card number, or they may suspend your service. Updating beforehand takes ten minutes and prevents the hassle of reactivating subscriptions later.

Monitor your credit report after closure

After the account closes, check your credit report two to three months later to confirm the closure was recorded correctly. You can request a free report from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — once per year at annualcreditreport.com. The report should show the account as "closed by consumer" or "closed at consumer request."

If the account still shows as open or active, contact the card issuer and ask them to confirm the closure with the credit bureaus. If you see charges on the account after you closed it, contact the issuer when ready and dispute them as unauthorized.

Know the difference between closing and freezing

Closing a card permanently shuts down the account. You cannot use it again, and the issuer may eventually delete the account from your credit report — usually after seven to ten years. Freezing a card temporarily disables it without closing the account.

If you are not sure whether you want to close the card permanently, ask the issuer whether you can freeze it instead. Freezing keeps the account open and preserves your available credit, which helps your credit score. You can unfreeze the card later if you change your mind. Not all issuers offer this option, so ask before you decide.

What to do if the issuer refuses to close your account

A few issuers may push back on closure requests, especially if the account is relatively new or if you have a high credit limit. If the representative says they cannot close the account, ask to speak with a supervisor. Explain that you want the account closed and ask what the barrier is.

If the issuer still refuses, you have the right to stop using the card. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if you believe the issuer is acting unfairly. The CFPB investigates complaints and can pressure companies to comply with closure requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing a credit card hurt my credit score?

Yes, temporarily. Closing a card reduces your available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio and lower your score by 10 to 50 points. The impact is usually smallest if you close a card with a low limit or one you rarely used. Your score typically recovers within a few months.

Can I close a credit card with a balance?

Most issuers will not close an account while you owe money. You must pay the full balance first. If you cannot pay it all at once, ask the representative whether they will close the account and set up a payment plan for the remaining balance.

What happens to my rewards points when I close the card?

Rewards policies vary by issuer. Some let you keep points after closure; others cancel them. Check your card's terms or ask the representative before you close. If you have a large balance of points, redeem them before you call to request closure.

How long does it take for a credit card to close?

The account usually closes within one to three business days after you call. The representative will give you a specific date. Confirm it in your written closure confirmation letter.

Should I cut up my card after I close it?

Yes. Cut the card into pieces or shred it so it cannot be used. Even though the account is closed, a physical card in your possession could be stolen or misused. Destroying it removes that risk.