Call Discover's customer service line to request account closure
The fastest way to close a Discover card is to call Discover directly. Their customer service team can process the closure over the phone and confirm it when ready. You'll reach them at the number on the back of your card, or you can find it on Discover.com. Have your card number ready when you call.
When you call, tell the representative you want to close the account. They may ask why you're closing it or offer you a retention offer — a lower interest rate or bonus points to keep the card open. You can accept or decline. If you decline, they will proceed with closure. Ask the representative to confirm the account is closed and note the date and time of the call.
Closing over the phone takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The account will be marked as closed by the cardholder's request in Discover's system, which matters for your credit report.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Discover card to close the account; the representative can process it when ready over the phone.
- Pay off any remaining balance before closing, or ask the representative what happens to an unpaid balance after closure.
- Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it with your records.
- After closure, check your credit report in a few months to confirm the account shows as closed by the cardholder's request.
Pay off your balance before you close
If your card has a balance, you have two options. You can pay it off in full before calling to close the account, or you can close the account and continue making payments on the remaining balance afterward.
Most people pay off the balance first because it simplifies the process — once the account is closed, you won't be able to make new charges, but you'll still owe what you already charged. If you close with a balance, Discover will send you a bill each month until it's paid. The interest rate stays the same unless you had a promotional rate, which may end after closure.
If you're carrying a large balance and want to close the card anyway, ask the representative during your call whether closing affects your interest rate or payment terms. Write down what they tell you.
Request written confirmation of the closure
After the representative confirms your account is closed, ask them to send you written confirmation by mail or email. This creates a record you can refer to later if there's a dispute about whether the account was actually closed.
Write down the date, time, and the representative's name during your call. If they don't offer to send confirmation, ask specifically: "Can you email me a confirmation that this account is closed?" Most representatives will do this without pushback.
Keep this confirmation with your financial records. If you close the account and later see a charge on it, you'll have proof of when you requested closure.
What happens to your credit score after closure
Closing a credit card can affect your credit score, but the impact is usually temporary. Your score may dip slightly because closing an account reduces your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio if you have balances on other cards.
The closed account will stay on your credit report for seven to ten years, depending on whether it had a positive or negative history. An account closed in good standing (no missed payments) helps your credit history. An account with late payments or charge-offs will hurt your score longer.
Check your credit report a few months after closure to confirm the account shows as "closed by consumer request" rather than closed for another reason. You can view your credit report free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Close the account in writing if you prefer not to call
If you don't want to call, you can close your account by mail. Send a letter to Discover's mailing address (available on your statement or Discover.com) that includes your name, card number, and a clear statement that you want to close the account.
Keep a copy of the letter for your records. Closing by mail takes longer — usually one to two weeks — because Discover has to receive and process the letter. Call to confirm closure after two weeks if you don't hear back.
Closing by phone is faster and gives you when ready confirmation, so it's the better choice if you have the time.
Cancel any automatic payments linked to the card
Before you close the account, review any subscriptions or recurring charges you've set up on the card. Streaming services, gym memberships, insurance payments, and other monthly bills often stay linked to a card even after you close it, which can cause declined payments or overdraft fees.
Log into each service and update the payment method to a different card or bank account. Do this before you call Discover to close the account. If you forget and a charge is declined after closure, contact the service to update your payment information.
Destroy your physical card after closure
Once Discover confirms the account is closed, cut up the physical card or shred it. This prevents accidental use or fraud if the card is lost or stolen.
You don't have to return the card to Discover — destroying it yourself is fine. If the card is damaged or you want Discover to have it, you can mail it to them, but it's not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Discover card hurt my credit score?
Your score may drop slightly in the short term because closing an account reduces your available credit. The impact is usually temporary and smaller if you have other open accounts and low balances on them. The closed account stays on your credit report for seven to ten years, which actually helps your score if the account was in good standing.
Can I reopen a Discover card after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new Discover card after closing one, but Discover may treat it as a new process. You'll go through the approval process again, and you may not get the same card or terms. If you're thinking about closing because of a fee or rate, call first to see if Discover will waive the fee or lower your rate instead.
What if I have a balance when I close the account?
You can close the account and keep paying the balance. Discover will continue to send you bills each month. Your interest rate usually stays the same unless you had a promotional rate, which may end after closure. Pay off the balance as quickly as you can to avoid paying interest on a closed account.
How long does it take to close a Discover card?
If you call, the account closes when ready and the representative will confirm it during the call. If you close by mail, it takes one to two weeks for Discover to receive and process your letter. Either way, the account is marked as closed in Discover's system right away.
Do I have to return my Discover card when I close the account?
No, you don't have to return the card. You can cut it up or shred it yourself. If you want to mail it to Discover, you can, but it's not required. Destroying the card yourself is the safest option because it prevents anyone from finding it and using the number.