Call American Express directly to cancel your card
The fastest way to close an American Express account is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. You will reach a representative who can process the cancellation immediately. Have your card number ready when you call.
American Express does not require you to mail in your card or visit a branch. The representative will confirm your identity, ask why you are closing the account (this is optional to answer), and then deactivate the card. The account closes at that moment.
If you have an outstanding balance, you will still owe it. Closing the account does not erase what you owe — you will receive bills until the balance is paid in full. If you have pending transactions that have not yet posted, they will still post after cancellation.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your American Express card to cancel; the process takes a few minutes and closes immediately.
- An outstanding balance remains your responsibility after cancellation and must be paid according to the terms of your account.
- Pending transactions will still post after you cancel, so check your recent activity before calling.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation by mail or email so you have a record of the closure date.
- If you have rewards points, redeem them before cancellation because most programs end when the account closes.
What happens to your rewards points when you cancel
American Express rewards points expire when your account closes. The exact timeline depends on your specific card and membership agreement, but most programs give you a window of 30 to 90 days after cancellation to use remaining points. After that window closes, any unredeemed points are forfeited.
Before you call to cancel, log into your American Express account online and check your current points balance. Redeem them for statement credits, travel, merchandise, or gift cards while your account is still active. This is the safest way to preserve the value you have already earned.
If you have a high balance of points and want to transfer them to a partner program (such as an airline or hotel chain), do that before cancellation as well. Once the account is closed, you will not be able to move points to another program.
Paying off your balance before or after cancellation
You do not have to pay off your balance before canceling. If you have a remaining balance, you can cancel the card and continue making payments on the closed account. American Express will send you monthly statements and accept payments until the balance reaches zero.
However, if you cancel while carrying a balance, American Express may change the terms of your account. Some card agreements allow the issuer to increase your interest rate or remove promotional rates once the account is closed. Check your cardholder agreement or ask the representative during your cancellation call what rate will apply to your remaining balance.
If you want to avoid interest charges, paying the balance in full before canceling is the cleaner option. But it is not required — you can cancel first and pay later if that fits your situation better.
Timing your cancellation around annual fees
If your American Express card charges an annual fee, the timing of your cancellation matters. Most annual fees post on your card anniversary date — the same date each year that you opened the account. If you cancel before that date, you will not be charged the upcoming annual fee.
If the annual fee has already posted in the current year and you have not yet used the card's benefits, you may be able to request a refund. Call American Express and explain that you want to cancel but the annual fee was just charged. Representatives sometimes reverse the fee as a courtesy, especially if you have been a long-standing customer. There is no harm in asking.
If you are canceling specifically to avoid an annual fee that is about to post, do it a few days before your card anniversary. American Express processes cancellations the same day you call, so the account will be closed before the fee hits.
Requesting written confirmation of your cancellation
After the representative confirms your cancellation over the phone, ask them to send you written confirmation by mail or email. This creates a record of the closure date and protects you if a dispute arises later about whether the account was actually closed.
Write down the date and time of your call, the representative's name (if they provide it), and the confirmation number they give you. Keep this information along with any written confirmation you receive. If American Express later reports the account as open or sends you unexpected charges, you will have proof of when you canceled.
Some representatives will email confirmation immediately; others will mail it within 5 to 10 business days. Either way, request it during the call so it is documented that you asked for it.
What to do if you have authorized users on the account
When you cancel your American Express account, all authorized user cards are also canceled. Authorized users will no longer be able to use their cards, and the account will no longer report activity to their credit reports.
If you have authorized users, let them know before you call to cancel. They should redeem any remaining rewards points on their cards before the account closes. After cancellation, they will not be able to access the account or make charges.
If an authorized user has a balance they owe on the account, that debt remains tied to your account, not theirs. You are responsible for paying it, even though the authorized user made the charges.
How cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score in the short term, primarily because it reduces your total available credit. If you have balances on other cards, your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your total credit limit you are using) will increase, which can temporarily hurt your score.
The impact is usually small and temporary. Your score will recover as you pay down balances on remaining cards and as time passes. The cancellation itself stays on your credit report for about 10 years, but its effect on your score diminishes significantly after the first few months.
If you are planning to apply for a mortgage, auto loan, or other major credit in the next few months, you may want to delay canceling until after you have been approved. Otherwise, the timing of cancellation is not critical to your long-term credit health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my American Express card online instead of calling?
American Express does not offer online cancellation through their website or mobile app. You must call the number on the back of your card to close the account. The call takes only a few minutes, and cancellation is immediate.
What if I have a pending charge that has not posted yet?
Pending charges will still post to your account after cancellation. The card is deactivated so no new charges can be made, but transactions that were already in process will complete. Check your recent activity before calling to cancel so you know what is still pending.
Do I need to cut up my card after canceling?
It is a good idea to cut up or shred your card after cancellation to prevent someone from finding it and attempting to use it. However, the card is already deactivated in American Express's system, so it will not work even if someone tries to use it.
Can I reopen my American Express account after I cancel it?
American Express may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain period, but policies vary. If you think you might want the card again, ask the representative during your cancellation call what the timeline is for reopening. In most cases, you can reapply for the card as a new account if you change your mind later.
What happens to my credit history with American Express after I cancel?
Your payment history with American Express remains on your credit report for about 10 years, even after you cancel. This is actually beneficial because a long history of on-time payments helps your credit score. The closed account will show on your report as "closed by consumer."