Call Chase to cancel, not online chat or email

Chase does not let you cancel a credit card through their website or mobile app. You must call their customer service line to close the account. The phone number is on the back of your card, or you can find it on Chase.com under "Contact Us." Have your card number ready when you call.

When you reach a representative, tell them you want to close the account. They will ask why you are canceling — this is optional information, and you do not have to give a detailed reason. They may offer you a lower interest rate or other incentives to keep the card open. You can accept or decline. If you want to close it, say so clearly.

The representative will confirm the closure and give you a confirmation number. Write this down. The account will close within a few business days, though you may still see it on your credit report for several months afterward.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on the back of your Chase card to cancel; online chat and the mobile app cannot close accounts.
  • Have your card number ready and tell the representative you want to close the account.
  • Chase may offer incentives to keep the card open, but you can decline and proceed with cancellation.
  • Ask for a confirmation number and write it down before you hang up.
  • Pay off any remaining balance before or immediately after closing, or your debt will still be owed.

Pay your balance before the account closes

If you have a balance on the card, you must pay it off. Closing the account does not erase what you owe. Chase will continue to charge interest on any unpaid balance after the account closes, and they will send you bills until it is paid.

The best approach is to pay the full balance before you call to cancel. If you cannot pay it all at once, pay as much as you can, then call to close the account. You can continue making payments on the closed account by mail, phone, or through your Chase online account.

If you have a promotional rate (like 0% APR for 12 months), closing the account does not end the promotion. You will keep that rate for the remaining time, as long as you make your minimum payment on time.

What happens to rewards points and cash back

Any rewards or cash back you have already earned will stay in your account for a limited time after closure. Chase typically gives you 30 to 90 days to redeem them, though this varies by card type. Check your account before you call to cancel, and redeem your points first if you want to use them.

If you do not redeem your rewards before the deadline, they are forfeited. Chase will not extend the window or restore points after they expire. Once the account is closed, you cannot earn new rewards on that card.

Understand the impact on your credit score

Closing a credit card can lower your credit score, but the effect is usually temporary. The main reason is that closing an account reduces your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio (the amount you owe divided by your total credit limit). A higher utilization ratio can hurt your score.

The impact is smaller if you have other cards open or if your utilization is already low. For example, if you have $2,000 in debt across three cards with a combined $10,000 limit, your utilization is 20%. If you close one card with a $3,000 limit, your utilization jumps to 25%, which may lower your score by a few points.

The closed account will stay on your credit report for up to 10 years, so it will not disappear immediately. However, its weight on your score decreases over time, especially if you keep other accounts in good standing.

Cancel the card, not the entire Chase account

When you call to cancel, be clear that you want to close the credit card only. If you have a Chase checking account, savings account, or other products, those will remain open unless you specifically ask to close them too. The representative will confirm which account you are closing.

If you have automatic payments set up on the card (like a subscription or utility bill), those will fail after the account closes. Contact the companies you pay with that card and update your payment method before you cancel. This prevents missed payments and late fees.

What to do with the physical card after closing

After the account is closed, cut up the card or shred it. Do not throw it away whole, as the card number and other information could be used by someone who finds it in the trash. You do not need to return the card to Chase by mail.

If the card is still active when you close the account, it will stop working immediately. Any attempts to use it will be declined. You do not need to do anything else with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a Chase card online or through the app?

No. Chase requires you to call customer service to close a credit card. You cannot cancel through their website, mobile app, or email. Call the number on the back of your card or find it on Chase.com.

What if I have a balance when I close the account?

You can close the account with a balance, but you still owe the money. Chase will continue to charge interest and send you bills. Pay off the balance as soon as you can to avoid paying more in interest.

Will closing my card hurt my credit score?

It may lower your score slightly because it reduces your available credit and can raise your credit utilization ratio. The effect is usually temporary and smaller if you have other cards open or low overall debt.

What happens to my rewards points after I close the card?

You have 30 to 90 days to redeem them before they expire. Check your account before you cancel and redeem any points you want to use. After the deadline, unredeemed points are lost.

Do I need to return the card to Chase?

No. You can cut up or shred the card yourself. Do not throw it away whole. You do not need to mail it back to Chase.