How to cancel your Chase credit card
You can cancel a Chase credit card by calling Chase customer service, logging into your online account, or visiting a Chase branch in person. The fastest method is a phone call — you'll reach a representative who can process the cancellation when ready and confirm it in writing. Have your card number ready when you call.
Before you cancel, pay off any remaining balance on the card. Chase will not close the account until the balance is zero. If you have a promotional rate or pending rewards, those details matter too — cancelling mid-promotion or before redeeming points means you lose them.
Key Takeaways
- Call Chase at the number on the back of your card to cancel; a representative will process it the same day.
- Pay your full balance before cancelling, because Chase will not close an account with an outstanding balance.
- Redeem any rewards points before cancelling, since most rewards expire when the account closes.
- Ask Chase to confirm the cancellation in writing so you have proof the account is closed.
- Cancelling a credit card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit.
Call Chase customer service to cancel over the phone
The phone number for cancellations is on the back of your Chase credit card. When you call, tell the representative you want to close the account. They will ask why you're cancelling — you don't have to give a detailed reason, but some customers say they're consolidating cards or switching to a different issuer.
The representative will confirm your identity, review your account balance, and process the cancellation. Ask them to send you written confirmation of the closure. This confirmation is useful if you later see the account still appearing on your credit report — you can send it to the credit bureau as proof the account was closed on your request.
Processing time is usually when ready, but it can take a few business days for the closure to show on your credit report. During that time, the card may still appear active in your Chase online account.
Cancel through your Chase online account
Log into your Chase account on the Chase website or mobile app. Navigate to the account settings or account details section — the exact location varies depending on the card type and whether you're using the website or app. Look for an option labeled "Close account" or "Account settings."
Chase will ask you to confirm that you want to close the account and may ask why. After you confirm, the system will show a message indicating the account is scheduled for closure. You will not receive when ready written confirmation through the app or website, so follow up with a phone call to request a written letter confirming the closure date.
Cancel in person at a Chase branch
Visit any Chase branch with your card and a photo ID. Tell a banker you want to close the account. They can process the cancellation on the spot and print a receipt showing the closure. This method gives you when ready proof in hand, though you should still request written confirmation by mail.
Branch hours vary by location. You can find your nearest Chase branch and its hours on the Chase website or by calling the number on the back of your card.
What happens to your balance and rewards
If your card has an outstanding balance when you request cancellation, Chase will not close the account until you pay it off. You can make payments online, by phone, by mail, or at a branch. Once the balance reaches zero, the account will close.
Any rewards points or cash back you've earned will be forfeited when the account closes unless you redeem them first. Log into your Chase account and check your rewards balance. Most Chase cards let you redeem points for cash back, statement credits, or travel. Redeem before you cancel so you don't lose the value.
If you have a promotional 0% APR offer or other promotional terms still active, cancelling ends those terms when ready. Any remaining promotional period is lost.
How cancellation affects your credit score
Cancelling a credit card can lower your credit score in the short term because it reduces your total available credit. If you had a $5,000 credit limit on the card you're closing, your available credit drops by $5,000. This change affects your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit that you're currently using.
The impact is usually temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as long as you continue paying other accounts on time. The closed account will remain on your credit report for seven to ten years, which actually helps your score because it shows a history of accounts you managed responsibly.
If you're concerned about the impact, consider keeping the card open but unused instead of cancelling. This preserves your available credit and keeps the account history active.
What to do after you cancel
After cancellation is processed, check your credit report a few weeks later to confirm the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If the account still shows as open, contact Chase again with your written confirmation of closure.
If you had automatic payments set up on this card — subscriptions, utilities, or other recurring charges — update those payments to a different card or bank account before you cancel. Chase will decline charges to a closed account, and missed payments can damage your credit and result in service interruptions.
Keep your written cancellation confirmation for your records. If you ever need to dispute something related to this account, you'll want proof of when it was closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a Chase credit card if I still owe money on it?
You can request cancellation, but Chase will not close the account until your balance is paid in full. You must pay off the remaining balance before the closure takes effect. You can continue using the card to make purchases until the account is officially closed.
Will cancelling my Chase card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Closing the account reduces your available credit, which can lower your score by a few points in the short term. The impact typically fades within a few months. The closed account remains on your credit report for years and shows positive payment history, which helps your score long-term.
What happens to my rewards points when I cancel?
Rewards points are forfeited when the account closes unless you redeem them first. Log into your Chase account before cancelling and convert your points to cash back, statement credits, or travel rewards. Once the account is closed, unredeemed points cannot be recovered.
How long does it take for Chase to close my account?
The cancellation is usually processed the same day you request it, but it can take a few business days to show on your credit report and in your Chase online account. You should see the closure reflected within one to two weeks. Request written confirmation so you have proof of the closure date.
Do I need to cut up my card after cancelling?
Yes, cut or shred the card so it cannot be used. Even though the account is closed, a physical card could theoretically be used fraudulently if someone finds it. Destroying the card eliminates that risk.