Call American Express to close your account
The fastest way to close an American Express card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card and account number ready. The representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're closing the account, and process the closure on the call. Most closures take effect immediately, though it may take a few days for the change to appear on your credit report.
American Express also allows you to close your account through their website or mobile app if you prefer not to call. Log into your account, go to the account settings or card management section, and look for the option to close the account. The online process typically asks you to confirm your decision and may offer retention offers before finalizing the closure.
If you have multiple American Express cards, closing one does not automatically close the others. You must request closure for each card separately, whether by phone or online.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your American Express card to close it, or use the website or mobile app to request closure without calling.
- Pay off any remaining balance before closing, since you cannot use the card after closure and interest will continue to accrue on unpaid balances.
- Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it for your records in case disputes arise later.
- Closing a card may lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit and may increase your credit utilization ratio.
- If you have pending rewards points, redeem them before closing because you may lose access to them after the account is closed.
Pay off your balance before you close
Do not close your American Express card while you still owe money on it. If you close the account with an unpaid balance, you will still be responsible for paying it, and interest will continue to accrue at your card's regular rate. American Express will not forgive the debt or lower the interest rate because the account is closed.
Check your statement for the full balance owed, including any pending charges that have not yet posted. If you are unsure of the exact amount, call customer service and ask for your current balance. Pay this amount in full before requesting closure, or at minimum before the closure is finalized.
Redeem your rewards before closing
American Express Membership Rewards points, airline miles, or cash back earned on your card may be forfeited if you close the account. The rules vary depending on your specific card and how long it has been inactive. Some American Express cards allow you to keep your rewards for a period of time after closure, while others require you to use them before the account closes.
Log into your account and check your rewards balance. Redeem any points or miles for travel, merchandise, statement credits, or cash back before you request closure. If you are unsure whether your rewards will be lost, call American Express and ask specifically what happens to your points after closure.
Request written confirmation of closure
After you close your account, ask American Express to send you written confirmation. If you closed by phone, the representative should offer to email or mail a confirmation letter. If you closed online, check your email for a confirmation message within a few hours. Save this confirmation in case you need to prove the account was closed on a specific date.
Written confirmation is useful if a charge appears on the card after closure, if a debt collector contacts you about the account, or if you need to dispute something with the card issuer later. Keep the confirmation for at least one year.
Understand the impact on your credit score
Closing a credit card typically lowers your credit score in the short term, usually by 5 to 10 points or more depending on your credit profile. This happens for two reasons: closing an account reduces your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your credit limits you are using), and it removes an active account from your credit history.
The impact is usually temporary. Your score will recover over time as you continue to pay other accounts on time and your utilization ratio improves. If you are planning to apply for a loan or mortgage soon, closing a card a few months before you apply may not be ideal, but it is not a permanent barrier.
If you want to keep the account open without using it, you can simply stop charging to the card instead of closing it. This preserves your available credit and keeps the account active on your credit report.
What happens after you close your account
Once your American Express card is closed, you cannot use it for new purchases. Any pending transactions that have not yet posted will still go through, but no new charges will be accepted. If you have automatic payments set up on this card, update those payments to a different card or bank account before closure to avoid missed payments.
Your closed account will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years, depending on whether the account was in good standing when closed. This is normal and does not harm your credit score after the initial dip from closure. You can still view your closed account details through your American Express online account for a limited time after closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen my American Express card after I close it?
American Express may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain timeframe, usually 30 to 60 days, if you contact them quickly. After that window, you would need to open a new account. Call customer service immediately if you change your mind after closing.
What if I have an annual fee and want to close before it hits?
If your annual fee is coming up and you want to avoid it, close the account before the fee posts. Once the fee appears on your statement, you can sometimes call and ask American Express to reverse it as a courtesy, but closure before the fee is the most reliable way to avoid it.
Do I need to cut up my card after closing?
Yes, cut the card into pieces or shred it to prevent someone from finding it and attempting to use it. Even though the account is closed, the card number is still valid until it fully expires, and fraud is possible.
Will closing my American Express card hurt my credit if I have other cards?
Closing one card will lower your score temporarily, but the impact is smaller if you have other open accounts with available credit. The damage is usually 5 to 15 points and recovers within a few months.
What if American Express won't let me close my account?
American Express must allow you to close your account if you request it. If you encounter resistance, ask to speak with a supervisor or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if you believe the company is not honoring your request.