Call Credit One's customer service line to request cancellation
To cancel your Credit One credit card, call their customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card number and account information ready. A representative will walk you through the cancellation process and confirm the request in writing.
Credit One does not allow you to cancel online or through their mobile app — you must speak to a representative by phone. The call typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Ask the representative to note in your account that you requested the cancellation, and request written confirmation by mail or email.
Before you call, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have an outstanding balance, you will need to pay it in full before the card can be closed. Credit One will not close an account with an unpaid balance.
Key Takeaways
- You must call Credit One's customer service line to cancel — cancellation is not available online or through the mobile app.
- Your account balance must be zero before Credit One will close the card, so pay off any remaining charges first.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation by mail or email so you have a record.
- After cancellation, continue checking your credit report for 30 to 60 days to confirm the account shows as closed.
- Canceling a card may lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit.
Pay your balance in full before calling to cancel
Credit One will not close an account that carries a balance. If you have charges on the card, you must pay them off completely before you call to request cancellation. You can make a payment online through your Credit One account, by phone, or by mailing a check to the address on your statement.
If you have autopay set up, turn it off before you make your final payment. This prevents an accidental double charge. After you confirm the balance is zero, wait one or two business days for the payment to post, then call customer service to cancel.
What happens to your credit after you cancel
Closing a credit card affects your credit score in two ways. First, it reduces your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your credit limit you are using across all cards. A higher utilization ratio can lower your score temporarily.
Second, closing an account removes it from your active credit history. If Credit One is one of your older accounts, closing it may shorten the average age of your accounts, which can also lower your score slightly. These effects are usually temporary and fade within a few months as long as you continue to pay other accounts on time.
Your closed Credit One account will remain on your credit report for seven years. During that time, it will show as "closed by consumer" or "closed by cardholder," which is not harmful to your score.
Confirm the cancellation in writing
After you hang up with the representative, follow up by sending a written cancellation request to Credit One's mailing address. Include your account number, full name, and a clear statement that you are requesting the account be closed. Send it by certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery.
This step creates a paper trail. If Credit One later claims you never requested cancellation, or if the account somehow remains open, you will have documentation. Keep the certified mail receipt and any written confirmation Credit One sends you in a file for at least one year.
Monitor your credit report after cancellation
After you cancel, check your credit report 30 to 60 days later to confirm the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus.
If the account still shows as open after 60 days, call Credit One again and ask for clarification. Sometimes accounts take longer to update across all three bureaus. If Credit One confirms the account is closed but it still appears open on your report, you can file a dispute with the credit bureau directly.
What to do if you cannot reach customer service
If you have trouble reaching Credit One by phone, try calling during business hours on a weekday. Credit One's customer service lines are typically busiest early in the morning and around the end of the month. Calling mid-morning or mid-afternoon on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday usually means shorter wait times.
If you still cannot reach them after multiple attempts, send a written cancellation request by certified mail to the address on your statement. Include your account number and a clear request to close the account. Credit One is required to respond to written requests within a reasonable timeframe.
Consider the timing of your cancellation
If you are working to improve your credit score, canceling a card may not be the best move right now. Closing an account lowers your available credit and can temporarily reduce your score. If you are planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other credit in the next few months, you may want to wait until after that process is approved before you cancel.
If you are canceling because you no longer want the card but you want to keep the account open for credit history purposes, you can straightforward stop using it. You do not have to close it. Keeping an old account open with a zero balance actually helps your credit score by maintaining your available credit and your account history length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling my Credit One card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Closing the account reduces your available credit and may raise your credit utilization ratio, which can lower your score by a few points. The effect typically fades within a few months. If the card is one of your oldest accounts, the impact may last a bit longer.
Can I cancel my Credit One card online?
No. Credit One does not offer online or app-based cancellation. You must call their customer service line and speak to a representative. The number is on the back of your card.
What if I have a balance when I try to cancel?
Credit One will not close the account until the balance is paid in full. Pay off any remaining charges first, wait for the payment to post, then call to request cancellation.
How long does it take for my Credit One account to close?
The account is typically closed within one to two business days after you call and request cancellation. It may take 30 to 60 days for the closure to appear on your credit report across all three bureaus.
Do I need to cut up my card after I cancel?
Yes. After the account is closed, cut up or shred the physical card so it cannot be used. Even though the account is closed, using the card could cause confusion or fraud if someone finds it.