Call Chase customer service to request the cancellation
The fastest way to cancel a Chase credit card is to call the number on the back of your card. Chase customer service representatives can process the cancellation immediately over the phone. Have your card number and account information ready when you call.
When you reach a representative, tell them you want to close the account. They will ask why you're canceling — this is optional information, and you don't have to give a detailed reason. Some people say they're consolidating accounts, switching to another card, or simply no longer need it. Chase may offer you a retention bonus or lower rate to keep the card open, but you can decline.
Ask the representative to confirm the cancellation in writing and to note in your account that you requested the closure. This creates a paper trail if there's a dispute later about whether the account was actually closed.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Chase card to cancel; the process takes about 10 minutes and happens immediately.
- Pay off any remaining balance before you call, because closing an account with a balance doesn't erase what you owe.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation and ask Chase to note in your account that you initiated the closure.
- Closing a card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit, but the impact usually fades within a few months.
- Chase will continue to report the closed account to credit bureaus for up to 10 years, which can actually help your credit history if the account was in good standing.
Pay off your balance before calling
Do not cancel a card that still has a balance. Closing the account does not erase what you owe — you will still have to pay it, and Chase will continue to charge interest on the remaining balance until it's gone.
If you have a balance, pay it down to zero before you call to cancel. If you're planning to transfer the balance to another card, do that first, then wait for the transfer to post to your Chase account before requesting the cancellation. This prevents confusion about whether the account is actually closed.
Remove any recurring charges linked to the card
Before you cancel, go through your subscriptions and automatic payments to see which ones charge this card. Streaming services, gym memberships, insurance premiums, utilities, and other recurring charges will fail if the card is closed and you haven't updated them.
Log into your accounts with those services and update the payment method to a different card or bank account. This takes 10 to 15 minutes but prevents late fees and service interruptions. If you miss updating a subscription, the company will usually send you a notice that the payment failed, but you don't want to rely on that.
Understand how closing a card affects your credit score
Closing a credit card will lower your credit score in the short term, usually by 5 to 15 points, because it reduces your total available credit. Credit scoring models look at your credit utilization — the percentage of your total credit limit that you're using. When you close a card, your available credit shrinks, which makes your utilization percentage go up, even if your actual spending doesn't change.
The impact is temporary. Most people see their score recover within three to six months as the account closure ages. If you're planning to apply for a mortgage, car loan, or other major credit in the next few months, you might want to wait to cancel until after you've completed that application.
One benefit: Chase will report the closed account to the credit bureaus for up to 10 years. If you maintained a good payment history on that card, the account will continue to show as paid-on-time, which helps your credit history even after it's closed.
What happens after you cancel
After the cancellation is processed, you can destroy the physical card by cutting it in half. Chase will not reactivate the account if you change your mind later, so make sure you're certain before you call.
You will no longer earn rewards on that card, and any rewards points you haven't redeemed will be forfeited. Before you cancel, check your account for any pending points and redeem them. Most Chase cards let you redeem points for cash back, travel, or merchandise through the Chase website or app.
If you have a Chase checking account linked to the credit card, the checking account will remain open. Closing the credit card does not affect your bank account.
Canceling online or through the app instead of calling
Chase does not offer a way to cancel a credit card through their website or mobile app. You must call customer service. This is standard across most major card issuers — they require a phone call to confirm you actually want to close the account and to give you a chance to hear retention offers.
If you prefer not to call, you can send a written request to Chase's mailing address (found on your statement or the back of your card), but this takes longer. A phone call is processed the same day, while mail can take two to three weeks to reach the right department and be processed.
What to do if Chase won't let you cancel
Chase will not refuse to cancel your card if you request it, but they may ask you to pay off a balance first or resolve a dispute on the account. If there's a fraud claim or billing error under investigation, Chase may temporarily hold the cancellation until that's resolved.
If you've been reported to collections or have a severely delinquent balance, Chase may require you to settle the debt before closing. In that case, work with their collections department to arrange a payment plan or settlement, then request the cancellation once the issue is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling my Chase card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but only temporarily. Your score will drop 5 to 15 points in the short term because closing the card reduces your available credit. Most people see their score recover within three to six months. The closed account will continue to help your credit history if it was in good standing.
What happens to my rewards points when I cancel?
Any rewards points you haven't redeemed will be forfeited when the account closes. Before you cancel, log into your Chase account and redeem your points for cash back, travel, or merchandise. You cannot redeem points after the account is closed.
Can I reopen a Chase credit card after I cancel it?
No. Once you request cancellation, Chase will not reactivate that specific account. You can apply for a new Chase card in the future, but it will be a new account with a new account number. Make sure you're certain before you call to cancel.
How long does it take for Chase to close my account?
The cancellation is processed immediately when you call customer service. The account will show as closed in your Chase account within one to two business days. It may take up to 30 days for the closure to appear on your credit report.
Do I need to pay off my balance before canceling?
Yes. Closing the account does not erase what you owe. You will still have to pay any remaining balance, and Chase will continue to charge interest until it's paid off. Pay the balance to zero before you request the cancellation.