How to Cancel a Credit Card Without Hurting Your Credit (Step-by-Step)
Quick answer: To cancel a credit card, redeem your rewards, pay the balance to $0, move any automatic payments, then call the number on the back of your card (some issuers let you close it online or by chat) and ask for written confirmation. Closing a card doesn't directly lower your score, but it can raise your credit utilization and, over time, shorten your credit history. If the card has no annual fee, keeping it open is often better.
How to Cancel a Credit Card in 6 Steps
- Redeem your rewards. Points, cash back and store certificates are usually lost when the account closes.
- Pay the balance to $0. You can close a card with a balance, but you'll still owe it, and interest keeps running.
- Move recurring charges. Update subscriptions, phone bills and streaming services to another card so payments don't fail.
- Contact the issuer. Call the customer service number on the back of your card, or use online chat if your issuer offers it. Say clearly: "I want to close my account."
- Ask for written confirmation. Request a letter or email confirming the account is closed with a $0 balance.
- Check your credit report after 30–60 days. It should say "closed by consumer." Get free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Tip: the representative may offer you a lower APR, a fee waiver or a bonus to stay. If that solves your problem, you can keep the card.
Does Cancelling a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit?
It can, for two reasons:
| Factor | What happens when you close a card | How much it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Credit utilization | Your total available credit drops, so the share you use goes up | High: utilization is a major scoring factor |
| Length of credit history | A closed account in good standing can stay on your report for up to 10 years, then disappears | Low at first, bigger in the long run |
| Credit mix | Usually no change if you still have other cards | Small |
Example: you owe $1,500 across cards with $10,000 in total limits (15% utilization). Close a card with a $4,000 limit and your utilization jumps to 25%, which can lower your score.
Closing a card doesn't create a hard inquiry and isn't reported as negative.
Is It Better to Close a Credit Card or Leave It Open With a Zero Balance?
In most cases, leaving a no-fee card open is better for your score. Close it when:
- It has an annual fee you no longer want to pay (ask for a downgrade first).
- You're tempted to overspend with it.
- You're sharing it with someone you no longer trust (for example, after a divorce).
- It's a store card with a high APR you'll never use again, and you have other cards.
Keep it open when it's your oldest card, it has no annual fee, or you're about to apply for a mortgage or car loan.
To stop an unused card from being closed for inactivity, put one small purchase on it every few months and pay it off. Learn more in does not using a credit card hurt your credit.
Alternatives to Cancelling
- Product change (downgrade): switch to a no-annual-fee card from the same bank and keep your credit history.
- Ask for a fee waiver or retention offer.
- Lock the card in the app so it can't be used, without closing it.
How to Close a Card With Major Issuers
| Issuer | How to close | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Chase (including Southwest and other Chase co-branded cards) | By phone or secure message | 1-800-432-3117 |
| Capital One | Online chat, in the app or by phone | 1-800-227-4825 |
| Wells Fargo | By phone | 1-800-642-4720 |
| Store cards (Synchrony, Comenity) | By phone, using the number on the back of the card | See your card |
For store cards, see our guides for the T.J. Maxx card and the Sephora card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cancel a credit card at any time?
Yes. You can close your account whenever you want, even with a balance. You'll keep paying that balance under the card's terms.
Can I cancel a credit card payment?
Usually yes, if the payment is still scheduled or pending. Cancel it in your online account or call the issuer before it processes.
What happens to my rewards when I close a card?
Most issuers cancel unredeemed points or cash back when the account closes. Redeem them first.
Will closing a credit card remove it from my credit report?
No. A closed account in good standing can stay on your report for up to 10 years and keeps helping your history during that time.
Should I cancel a credit card I never use?
Not always. If it has no fee, keeping it open helps your utilization. Use it occasionally so the issuer doesn't close it.
Updated September 2026. Sources: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guidance on closing credit accounts and issuers' published customer service information. Store Card Guide is not a lender. This article is for information only and is not financial advice.
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