Call American Express to close your account
To close an American Express card, 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. The call takes about five minutes. Your account will be marked as closed by the cardholder's request.
American Express does not require you to visit a branch or submit written notice, though you can send a written request if you prefer. A phone call is faster and gives you immediate confirmation. Ask the representative to note in your file that you requested the closure, and request a confirmation number for your records.
After you hang up, your card will no longer be usable for new purchases. Any pending transactions may still post to the account for a few days. Do not throw away the card immediately — keep it until you receive written confirmation that the account is closed.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your American Express card to close it; the process takes about five minutes and requires only your card number and identity confirmation.
- Your card stops working for new purchases immediately, but pending transactions may still post for a few days after closure.
- Request a confirmation number during the call and ask the representative to note that you requested the closure.
- A zero balance is not required to close the account, but you remain responsible for any remaining balance after closure.
- Written confirmation of closure arrives by mail within one to two weeks; keep your card until you receive it.
What happens to your balance when you close the card
Closing your American Express card does not erase any balance you owe. If you have an outstanding balance at the time of closure, you must continue to pay it. American Express will send you monthly statements until the balance reaches zero, and interest will continue to accrue on the remaining amount at your card's regular APR unless you have a promotional rate.
The best practice is to pay your balance in full before closing, or at least pay it down as much as possible. If you close with a balance, set up automatic payments or mark your calendar for the due date each month. Missing a payment on a closed account can damage your credit score just as much as missing a payment on an active card.
If you have a promotional 0% APR offer that has not yet expired, that rate will continue to apply to your remaining balance after closure. Once the promotional period ends, the regular APR takes over.
Rewards points and pending benefits before you close
Check your rewards balance before you call to close. Any points you have earned will remain in your account for a limited time after closure — typically 30 to 90 days, depending on your card type. Use or redeem your points before closing if possible, because once the redemption window closes, you lose them.
If your card includes annual benefits like travel credits, statement credits, or lounge access, those benefits end when the account closes. If your annual fee is coming due soon, closing before that date will prevent the charge. However, if you have already paid the annual fee for the current year, American Express will not refund it when you close.
Review your card's benefits guide or log into your online account to see what you have earned and what benefits are still active. Some American Express cards offer a grace period to use travel credits or other benefits after you request closure — ask the representative about this when you call.
How closing affects your credit score
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score in the short term, primarily because it reduces your total available credit. If you have balances on other cards, your credit utilization ratio increases, which can drop your score by 10 to 50 points depending on how much credit you have in use.
The impact is usually temporary. Your score will recover over several months as you pay down other balances and as the closed account ages. Closing a card also removes that account from your active credit mix, which is a small factor in your score, but the effect is minor compared to utilization.
If you are planning to apply for a loan or mortgage in the next few months, closing a card right before that application can work against you. If you are not applying for new credit soon, the timing of closure is less critical.
Keeping your account open instead of closing
If you are closing because you do not use the card, consider keeping it open with zero balance instead. An open account with no balance costs you nothing and actually helps your credit score by keeping your available credit high and your utilization low. You can put the card in a drawer and forget about it.
The only reason to close is if you want to eliminate the account entirely, you are concerned about fraud risk, or you want to stop paying an annual fee. If the card has an annual fee and you do not use it, closing makes sense. If there is no annual fee, keeping it open is usually better for your credit.
If you are closing because of a high annual fee, call first and ask whether American Express will waive or reduce the fee. Some cardholders have success negotiating, especially if they have been with the company for years or have a high account balance.
What to do after your account is closed
Once your account is closed, continue to monitor your credit report to confirm the closure is reported correctly. You can check your credit report for free once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. The closed account will remain on your report for seven to ten years, which is normal and does not harm your score after the initial impact.
If you set up any automatic payments or recurring charges on this card, update those accounts now with a different payment method. Charges that attempt to post to a closed account will be declined, which can trigger late fees or service interruptions with the merchant.
Keep your final statement and any confirmation letter from American Express in your records. If a dispute arises later about charges or the account status, you will need proof of closure.
Closing an American Express business card
The process for closing a business American Express card is the same as a personal card: call the number on the back of the card. However, business accounts may have additional considerations. If you have employee cards linked to the account, those will also be closed. If you need to keep employee cards active, contact American Express first to discuss your options.
Business cards may also have different reward redemption rules or benefits that expire on closure. Review your business account online or ask the representative about any pending rewards or credits before you close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Amex card online?
American Express does not offer online account closure through their website or mobile app. You must call customer service. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized closures. The phone call is quick and is the only way to close your account.
What if I have a dispute or pending claim when I close?
Closing your account does not stop a dispute or chargeback in progress. If you have filed a dispute, tell the representative about it when you call. The dispute will continue to be investigated after closure, and any credit or reversal will be applied to your closed account.
How long does it take for Amex to confirm the closure in writing?
Written confirmation usually arrives within one to two weeks. You will receive a letter stating that your account has been closed at your request. Keep this letter with your records. If you do not receive confirmation within three weeks, call back to verify the closure was processed.
Will closing my Amex card hurt my credit if I have other cards?
Closing one card will have less impact if you have other open accounts. The damage depends on how much credit you have in use on your remaining cards. If your other cards are at low balances, the impact will be minimal. If they are near their limits, the impact will be larger.
Can I reopen my Amex account after I close it?
American Express may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain period, but this is not may provide. If you think you might want the card again, ask the representative about reopening options before you close. If you close and later want the card back, you may have to apply as a new customer.