Call Macy's customer service to request cancellation
The fastest way to cancel a Macy's credit card is to call Macy's Card Services directly at the number on the back of your card. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're closing the account (though you don't have to give a detailed reason), and process the cancellation on the spot. The call typically takes five to ten minutes.
You can also cancel online through your Macy's credit card account portal, though the phone route is more reliable because you get immediate confirmation. If you choose to cancel online, log in to your account, navigate to account settings or account management, and look for a "close account" or "cancel card" option. Some account portals don't offer this feature, which is why calling is the backup plan.
Have your card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready before you call. Macy's customer service hours are typically 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, seven days a week, though hours may vary by season.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Macy's card to cancel; a representative will process it immediately and confirm in writing.
- Pay off any remaining balance before or at the time of cancellation, because closing an account with a balance doesn't erase what you owe.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation and keep it with your records in case the card is reported as open later.
- Your credit report will show the account as closed, which may temporarily lower your credit score if this card represented a large portion of your available credit.
- After cancellation, destroy the physical card by cutting it in half to prevent accidental or fraudulent use.
Pay off your balance before canceling
If your Macy's card has an outstanding balance, you have two options: pay it off before you call to cancel, or pay it during the cancellation call. Either way, the balance must be settled. Closing an account does not forgive what you owe — Macy's will continue to bill you and report the debt to credit bureaus if you don't pay.
If you have a large balance and want to keep the account open while you pay it down, you can do that instead. There's no rule requiring you to cancel immediately. Some people keep the card open specifically to maintain available credit while they pay off the debt, then cancel once the balance reaches zero.
Check your statement or log into your account to see the exact balance before you call. This prevents surprises and lets you decide whether to pay in full or set up a payment plan.
Understand what happens to rewards points
Macy's Star Rewards points are tied to your account, not to the physical card. When you cancel the card, your points don't disappear immediately, but Macy's policies on what happens next vary. Some cardholders report that points remain in the account for a set period (often 12 months) after cancellation, while others say points are forfeited right away.
Before you cancel, use any points you have accumulated. You can redeem them for a discount on your next purchase in-store or online. If you have a large point balance, it's worth spending them before closing the account rather than risking forfeiture. Ask the representative during your cancellation call what the specific policy is for your account.
If you have pending rewards or promotional certificates tied to the card, check your account for those as well. Some promotional offers expire when an account closes.
Request written confirmation of cancellation
After the representative confirms your cancellation over the phone, ask them to send you written confirmation by mail or email. This confirmation should include the date the account was closed and a statement that the card is no longer active. Keep this document for your records.
Written confirmation protects you if the account is reported as open on your credit report later, or if you're accidentally billed after cancellation. It's rare, but it happens — having proof of the cancellation date makes it easy to dispute with the credit bureau or with Macy's if needed.
If you don't receive written confirmation within two weeks, call back and request it again. Some representatives send it automatically; others require you to ask.
Destroy the physical card
Once the account is closed, cut your Macy's card in half or shred it. Don't just throw it away intact. Even though the account is closed, the card number is still printed on the plastic, and someone could theoretically attempt to use it.
If you have multiple cards (a regular Macy's card and a Macy's American Express card, for example), make sure you're canceling the right one. Check the card number before you destroy it to confirm it matches the account you just closed.
Monitor your credit report after cancellation
Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after cancellation to confirm the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official government site. The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
When you close a credit card, your credit score may dip slightly because your available credit decreases. If the Macy's card represented a large portion of your total available credit, the impact may be more noticeable. This effect is usually temporary and recovers within a few months as long as you continue to pay other accounts on time.
If the account still shows as open 60 days after cancellation, or if you see any errors on your report, contact the credit bureau directly to dispute it. You'll need your written cancellation confirmation to back up the dispute.
What to do if you can't reach customer service
If you call Macy's Card Services and experience long wait times or can't reach a representative, try calling during off-peak hours — early morning or late evening — or on a weekday rather than a weekend. You can also visit a Macy's store in person and ask a customer service representative to help you cancel, though this is slower than a phone call.
If you've tried multiple times and still can't reach anyone, send a written request to cancel by mail. Address it to Macy's Card Services (the address is usually on your statement or the back of your card), include your full name, card number, and a clear statement that you want to cancel the account. Keep a copy for your records and send it via certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling my Macy's card hurt my credit score?
Your score may drop slightly because closing an account reduces your available credit, but the impact is usually temporary. The effect is larger if the Macy's card was a significant portion of your total credit limit. The dip typically recovers within a few months if you keep other accounts in good standing.
Can I reopen my Macy's credit card after I cancel it?
Macy's does not automatically reopen closed accounts. You would need to reapply as a new customer. There's no may provide you'll be approved, and you may face a new hard inquiry on your credit report. If you think you might want the card again, consider keeping it open but unused instead of canceling.
What happens if I have a balance after I cancel?
You still owe the balance. Macy's will continue to send you bills and charge interest if it's a revolving balance. Closing the account doesn't erase the debt. You can set up a payment plan with Macy's if you can't pay it all at once.
Do I need to cancel in writing, or is a phone call enough?
A phone call is enough to cancel, but request written confirmation afterward. The written confirmation protects you if there's a dispute later about whether the account was actually closed. Without it, you're relying on the representative's word.
Can I cancel my Macy's card if I have an outstanding balance?
Yes, you can cancel even with a balance, but the balance doesn't disappear. You'll continue to owe it and be charged interest. Most people pay off the balance first or set up a payment plan before canceling to avoid ongoing interest charges.