Call Wells Fargo or go online to close your account
You can cancel a Wells Fargo credit card by calling their customer service line at 1-800-869-3557, or by logging into your Wells Fargo online account and requesting closure through the card settings. Both methods work equally well — the phone route is faster if you have questions, and online is faster if you know exactly what you want to do.
Before you call or click, pay off any remaining balance on the card. Wells Fargo will not close an account with an unpaid balance, and they will keep charging interest until you do. If you have a promotional 0% period, closing the card does not end it — the promotional rate stays in place until the period expires or you miss a payment.
Have your card number ready when you call, or your account will pull up automatically if you use the online method. The process itself takes about five minutes. Wells Fargo will confirm the closure and send you a written confirmation in the mail within a few days.
Key Takeaways
- Pay off your full balance before closing the card, because Wells Fargo will not close an account with money owed.
- You can cancel by phone at 1-800-869-3557 or through your online account under card settings.
- Closing a card lowers your total available credit, which may raise your credit utilization ratio and temporarily lower your credit score.
- Keep the card open for at least a few months after closure to make sure no unexpected charges post, then safely destroy it.
What happens to your credit when you close the card
Closing a credit card affects your credit score in two ways. First, it removes that card's credit limit from your total available credit. If you have a $5,000 limit and you close that card, your available credit drops by $5,000 — even if you never used it. This raises your credit utilization ratio, which is the percentage of your total credit limit that you are currently using. A higher utilization ratio can lower your score by 10 to 50 points, depending on how much credit you have open elsewhere.
Second, closing the card does not erase its history. The account stays on your credit report for up to 10 years after closure, and the payment history you built on that card continues to help your score. This is why closing a card with a long, clean payment history hurts less than closing a newer one.
The damage is usually temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months if you keep your other accounts in good standing and do not open new cards right away.
After you close the card: what to do next
Do not destroy the card immediately. Wait at least 30 days after closure to make sure no stray charges post to the account. Sometimes a subscription or recurring payment takes a billing cycle or two to stop, and you want to catch those before the account is truly closed. Check your online account or call Wells Fargo if you see any unexpected charges.
Once you are confident nothing else is coming, cut the card in half or shred it. Do not just throw it in the trash — a card number is enough for someone to attempt fraud. If the card is damaged or warped, Wells Fargo will replace it before closure, so ask for a replacement card if yours is hard to read.
Keep the written closure confirmation letter in your files. You may need it later to prove the account was closed in good standing, especially if a debt collector or credit bureau ever disputes the closure date.
When to close a card versus keeping it open
Closing a card makes sense if you are paying an annual fee and you do not use the card. If the card is free, there is usually no reason to close it — an open account with zero balance helps your credit score by lowering your utilization ratio. An old account with a long payment history also helps your score, so closing it removes that benefit.
Close the card if you are trying to reduce temptation to overspend, or if you are concerned about fraud on that particular account. Close it if you have multiple cards from the same bank and you want to simplify. But if the card is free and you have no other reason to close it, leaving it open costs you nothing and helps your score.
If you want to reopen the card later
Wells Fargo does not automatically reopen closed accounts. If you change your mind within 60 days of closure, call 1-800-869-3557 and ask whether the account can be reopened. Some closed accounts can be restored if you request it quickly enough, but this is not may provide — it depends on the reason for closure and how the account was closed.
If more than 60 days have passed, you will need to open a new card instead. A new application will trigger a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score by a few points. The new card will have a new account opening date, so you lose the age benefit of the original account.
Closing a Wells Fargo card with a balance transfer or promotional rate
If you transferred a balance from another card onto this Wells Fargo card and you are still paying it off, closing the card does not stop the promotional rate. You can close the card and keep paying the transferred balance at the promotional rate until the promotion ends or you pay it off. However, if you miss a payment after closure, Wells Fargo may end the promotional rate early and charge you the regular interest rate on the remaining balance.
Pay off the balance before closing if you want to avoid this risk. If you must close the card while a balance remains, set up automatic payments to ensure you never miss a due date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Wells Fargo card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your score may drop 10 to 50 points because closing the card lowers your available credit and raises your utilization ratio. The damage is typically temporary and recovers within a few months if you keep other accounts in good standing.
Can I close my card if I still owe money on it?
No. Wells Fargo will not close an account with an unpaid balance. You must pay off the full amount first. After the balance reaches zero, you can request closure.
What if I closed my card by mistake?
Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 within 60 days of closure and ask if the account can be reopened. Some accounts can be restored if you request it quickly, but this is not may provide. After 60 days, you will need to open a new card.
Do I have to destroy the card after closing it?
You should, but not immediately. Wait at least 30 days to make sure no additional charges post. Then cut the card in half or shred it to prevent fraud. Keep the closure confirmation letter for your records.
Can I close my card online, or do I have to call?
You can do either. Log into your Wells Fargo account and look for card settings or account closure options, or call 1-800-869-3557. Both methods work, so choose whichever is more convenient for you.