Call American Express to cancel, or request cancellation in writing
To cancel an American Express card, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card number ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will ask why you are canceling and may offer you a retention offer — a reduced annual fee, bonus points, or other incentive to keep the card open. You can accept or decline.
If you prefer not to call, you can request cancellation in writing. Send a letter to American Express at the address listed on your statement, including your full name, card number, and a clear statement that you want to close the account. Keep a copy for your records. Processing takes longer this way — typically two to four weeks — but creates a paper trail.
Do not simply stop using the card and assume the account closes on its own. Inactive accounts remain open and may still carry an annual fee. The account will also continue to appear on your credit report as an open account, which affects your credit utilization ratio and available credit.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on your card to cancel immediately, or send a written request if you want documentation of your cancellation request.
- American Express may offer you a retention deal when you call — a lower fee, bonus points, or other benefit — which you can accept or refuse.
- Pay any remaining balance before or at the time of cancellation; the account will not close until the balance is zero.
- Request written confirmation of your cancellation and keep it with your records to prove the account was closed if disputes arise later.
- Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after cancellation to confirm the account shows as closed.
Settle your balance before the account closes
You must pay off any outstanding balance on the card before American Express will close the account. If you have a balance at the time you call to cancel, the representative will tell you the payoff amount. You can pay it immediately over the phone, by mail, or online through your American Express account.
If you have pending transactions or recent charges that have not yet posted, ask the representative for the total payoff amount including those charges. This prevents the account from remaining technically open because of a small outstanding balance.
Once the balance reaches zero, the account will close. If you have an annual fee that has not yet been charged, ask whether it will be waived when you cancel. Some American Express cards charge the annual fee at the statement closing date, so timing matters — canceling before that date may avoid the fee, while canceling after may not.
What happens to rewards points and pending benefits
Any rewards points you have already earned remain in your American Express account after you close the card. You can redeem them before or after cancellation. Log into your account online or call customer service to redeem points for cash back, travel, merchandise, or other options available under your card's rewards program.
If your card includes benefits like purchase protection, extended warranty, or travel insurance, those benefits end when the account closes. Review your card's benefits guide to see what expires. If you have an active claim or pending benefit — for example, a purchase protection claim in progress — contact American Express before canceling to understand how closure affects it.
Some American Express cards offer annual statement credits for specific purchases, such as airline fees or dining. If you have not yet used a credit for the current year, canceling before you use it means you lose it. Check your account to see what credits remain available.
Request written confirmation and monitor your credit report
After you cancel, ask the representative for a confirmation number and request written confirmation of the cancellation. American Express will mail you a letter stating that your account is closed. Keep this letter with your financial records. If a dispute arises later — for example, if the account appears open on your credit report or if you are charged a fee after closure — you will have proof of when and how you canceled.
Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after cancellation to confirm that 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. The account should show a status of "closed by consumer" or "closed at consumer's request."
If the account still shows as open after 60 days, contact American Express again with your confirmation number. Ask them to confirm the closure with the credit bureaus. Errors on your credit report can be disputed directly with the bureaus using the dispute process on their websites.
Understand how cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit. If you had a balance on the card, closing it increases your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit that you are using across all cards. A higher utilization ratio can lower your score.
The impact is usually temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as the account ages and other factors on your report stabilize. If you are planning to apply for a loan or mortgage soon, consider waiting to cancel until after the application is approved.
Closing an older card can also affect the average age of your accounts, which factors into your credit score. If the American Express card is one of your oldest accounts, closing it may lower your average account age slightly. Cards you close remain on your credit report for up to 10 years, so the age history is not lost immediately.
Cancel in person at an American Express office if you prefer
American Express operates retail locations in some cities where you can handle account services in person. If you have a local American Express office, you can visit and request cancellation there. Bring your card and a photo ID. The representative will process the cancellation on the spot and can provide you with written confirmation immediately.
To find an American Express office near you, visit the American Express website or call customer service to ask for the nearest location. Not all areas have physical offices, so phone or mail may be your only option depending on where you live.
What to do if you cannot reach customer service or encounter problems
If you call American Express and cannot reach a representative, try calling during business hours — typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the evening.
If you have a dispute with American Express about the cancellation or believe you were charged a fee after closure, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB investigates complaints against credit card issuers and can compel American Express to respond. Keep copies of all correspondence, confirmation numbers, and statements as evidence.
If you believe American Express made an error on your account — such as charging a fee after you canceled or failing to credit a payment — dispute the charge through your account or request a chargeback through your bank if you paid with a debit card or bank transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my Amex card if I still owe a balance?
You can request cancellation, but American Express will not close the account until the balance is paid to zero. Pay the balance before or at the time you cancel. The representative will tell you the exact payoff amount, including any pending charges.
Will I lose my rewards points if I cancel?
No. Your earned rewards points stay in your American Express account after you close the card. You can redeem them before or after cancellation by logging into your account online or calling customer service.
How long does it take for the account to close after I call?
The account closes immediately after your balance reaches zero and the representative processes the cancellation. However, it may take 30 to 60 days for the closure to appear on your credit report. Request written confirmation so you have proof of the closure date.
Will canceling hurt my credit score?
Closing a card can lower your score temporarily because it reduces your available credit and may increase your credit utilization ratio. The impact is usually small and temporary, recovering within a few months. If you are applying for a loan soon, consider waiting until after approval.
What if American Express charged me a fee after I canceled?
Contact American Express immediately with your cancellation confirmation number and ask them to reverse the fee. If they refuse, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov or dispute the charge with your bank if you paid by debit card.