How to cancel a Chase credit card
You can cancel a Chase credit card by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, or by logging into your Chase online account and requesting cancellation through the messaging center. The phone call is faster — 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, check your account for any remaining balance, pending transactions, or rewards points you haven't redeemed. Chase will not close the account until the balance is paid in full. If you have an outstanding balance, you can still cancel the card, but you'll continue to receive monthly statements and pay interest until it's paid off.
After cancellation, your card will stop working for new purchases, but the account remains open for billing purposes until any balance is cleared. Chase typically reports the closure to credit bureaus within 30 to 60 days.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Chase card to cancel when ready, or use the messaging center in your online account for a written record.
- Pay off any remaining balance before or at the time of cancellation, as the account stays open for billing if you owe money.
- Redeem any unused rewards points before canceling, since some cards allow redemption only while the account is open.
- The closure appears on your credit report within 30 to 60 days and may temporarily lower your credit score if this card represented a large portion of your available credit.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation so you have proof the account was closed at your request.
What happens to your rewards points when you cancel
Chase's policy on rewards points varies by card type. On most Chase cards, you can redeem points after cancellation, but some cards require the account to be open to use them. Check your card's terms or call customer service before canceling to confirm whether your points will still be available.
If you have a large balance of points, redeem them before you cancel. You can typically convert them to cash back, travel credits, or merchandise through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Once you know your points are safe, you can proceed with cancellation without worry.
How cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit. If this card makes up a significant portion of your credit limit, the impact is usually larger. For example, if you have three cards with $5,000 limits each and you close one, your available credit drops from $15,000 to $10,000.
The score typically recovers within a few months as long as you keep other accounts open and pay on time. The closed account will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years, but it stops affecting your score after about seven years.
Steps to cancel by phone
Call the customer service number printed on the back of your Chase card. Have your card number and a form of identification ready. The representative will ask why you're canceling — you don't have to give a detailed reason, but some customers mention high fees or finding a better rewards rate.
Confirm that your balance is zero before the representative processes the cancellation. If you have a balance, ask whether you can make a payment over the phone or if you need to pay it separately. Request that the representative send you written confirmation of the cancellation, including the date and confirmation number.
After the call, check your online account within 24 hours to verify the status changed to "closed" or "inactive." If it still shows as active, contact Chase again to confirm the cancellation went through.
Canceling through your Chase online account
Log into your Chase account at chase.com and navigate to the account settings or customer service section. Look for an option labeled "Close Account," "Cancel Card," or "Account Services." The exact wording depends on which Chase product you use.
Click through to the cancellation request form. Chase will ask you to confirm your card number and may ask why you're canceling. Submit the request and you'll receive a confirmation number. This method creates a written record, but processing takes longer — usually three to five business days — than a phone call.
After submitting online, monitor your email for a confirmation message from Chase. If you don't receive one within a week, call customer service to confirm the request was received.
What to do if you have a balance when you cancel
You can cancel your card even if you have an outstanding balance. The account will remain open for billing purposes, and you'll continue to receive monthly statements. You'll still pay interest on the remaining balance at your card's current APR unless you have a promotional 0% offer that applies to existing balances.
If you want to pay off the balance before canceling, you can do so by making a payment online, by phone, or by mail. Once the balance reaches zero, you can cancel when ready or wait. There's no penalty for canceling after the balance is paid.
If you're canceling because of high interest rates, consider transferring the balance to another card with a lower rate before you cancel. This gives you time to pay down the debt without the pressure of closing the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling my Chase card hurt my credit?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your score may drop by 5 to 10 points in the short term because your available credit decreases. The impact is smaller if this card is only one of several you have open. Your score typically recovers within a few months if you keep other accounts in good standing.
Can I reopen a Chase credit card after I cancel it?
Yes, but Chase treats a reapplication as a new account. You'll go through the full approval process again, and a new hard inquiry will appear on your credit report. If you're canceling temporarily, consider calling to request a temporary freeze instead, which keeps the account open without using it.
What happens to my credit limit after I cancel?
Your credit limit disappears once the account is closed. That credit is no longer available to you, which lowers your total available credit and may raise your credit utilization ratio on remaining cards. This is one reason your score may dip after cancellation.
Do I need to destroy my physical card after canceling?
Yes, you should cut up or shred your card after cancellation to prevent someone from finding it and attempting to use it. Even though the card won't work for purchases, destroying it removes the risk of identity theft or fraud.
How long does it take for Chase to close my account?
The cancellation is when ready when you call, but the closure may not appear on your credit report for 30 to 60 days. During this time, the account shows as closed on your Chase account but may still appear as open to other creditors. Once it reports to the bureaus, it will show as closed on your credit report.