Call Chase to cancel, have your account number ready, and ask about any pending rewards before you hang up
To cancel a Chase credit card, you call Chase directly at the number on the back of your card and tell them you want to close the account. They will confirm your identity, ask why you are closing it, and process the cancellation on the call. The account closes immediately, though it may take a few days for the closure to show on your credit report. You do not need to visit a branch or mail anything in.
Before you call, check your account online for any pending rewards points, cash back, or sign-up bonuses that have not posted yet. Once the card is closed, you cannot earn new rewards, and some programs will not let you redeem old ones. If you have a balance, Chase will send you a bill each month until it is paid off — closing the card does not erase what you owe.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Chase card to cancel; the process takes about five minutes and closes the account the same day.
- Redeem any pending rewards, cash back, or sign-up bonus before you call, because some rewards programs lock you out after closure.
- If you have a balance on the card, you will still owe it after cancellation and will receive monthly bills until it is paid.
- The closure appears on your credit report within a few days, which may temporarily lower your credit score because it reduces your available credit.
Step 1: Gather your account information before calling
Have your Chase card in front of you when you call. You will need your card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. If you have multiple Chase cards, know which one you want to close — the representative will ask you to confirm.
Log into your Chase online account or mobile app and check for any rewards that have not been redeemed yet. Look at your recent transactions to make sure there are no pending cash back credits or sign-up bonuses still processing. If you see pending rewards, note the amount so you can ask about them during the call.
Step 2: Call Chase and request cancellation
Call the number printed on the back of your card. You will reach an automated system first; select the option for account services or customer service. When you reach a representative, tell them you want to close your credit card account.
The representative will ask you to confirm your identity and may ask why you are closing the account. You do not have to give a detailed reason — "I no longer need this card" is sufficient. Some representatives may offer you a retention offer (a lower interest rate, waived annual fee, or bonus points) to keep the account open. You can accept or decline.
Step 3: Redeem rewards and confirm the closure details
Before the representative processes the cancellation, ask about any pending rewards, cash back, or sign-up bonuses. If you have points or cash back that have not posted, ask when they will be available and whether you can redeem them after the card is closed. Some Chase cards let you redeem rewards after closure; others do not.
If you have a balance on the card, ask the representative what your final payment options are. Chase will mail you a bill, but you can also pay online through your account or by phone. Ask for the mailing address for payments if you prefer to send a check.
Step 4: Confirm the account is closed and monitor your credit report
Before you hang up, ask the representative to confirm the account closure date and the last day you can use the card (usually the same day). Ask for a confirmation number for your records. Write down the date and number in case you need to reference the closure later.
The closure will show on your credit report within a few days. Check your credit report through a free service like AnnualCreditReport.com to confirm the account status changed to "closed." The closure may cause a temporary dip in your credit score because it reduces your total available credit, but the effect usually fades within a few months.
What happens to your balance after cancellation
Closing the card does not erase any balance you owe. Chase will continue to charge interest on the remaining balance at your current rate until it is paid off. You will receive a monthly bill as long as there is a balance, even though you cannot use the card anymore.
Pay the balance as quickly as you can to avoid interest charges. If you have a large balance, ask the representative during your cancellation call whether you can set up automatic payments or a payment plan. Some Chase cards offer a 0% introductory rate on balance transfers; if you are moving the balance to another card, ask about that option before you close the account.
Canceling a card with an annual fee
If your Chase card has an annual fee, check when it is due. If the fee is coming up soon, you can cancel before it posts to avoid paying it. If the fee has already posted this year, you can ask the representative whether Chase will refund it as a courtesy, though they are not required to.
Some Chase cards waive the annual fee for the first year or offer a waiver if you meet spending requirements. If you are canceling because of the fee, mention that to the representative — they may offer a waiver or a lower fee to keep you as a customer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling my Chase card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Closing the account reduces your available credit, which can lower your score by a few points in the short term. The effect typically fades within a few months. Paying down balances on your other cards can offset the impact.
Can I cancel my Chase card online or through the app?
No. Chase requires you to call to cancel a credit card. You cannot close the account through the website or mobile app. Call the number on the back of your card to reach a representative.
What if I have a pending sign-up bonus that has not posted yet?
Ask the representative about the bonus status before you request cancellation. If the bonus has not posted, closing the card may disqualify you from receiving it. If it has already posted, you can keep it. Do not close the account until you know the status.
Can I reopen a Chase credit card after I close it?
Chase may let you reopen a closed account within a certain window, but policies vary by card type. Call Chase to ask whether your specific card can be reopened. If you want to use a Chase card in the future, you can always open a different one.
Do I need to cut up my card after I cancel it?
Yes. Cut the card in half or shred it so it cannot be used. The account is closed, but a physical card in your possession could be a security risk if it is lost or stolen.