Call American Express before you close the 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 in front of you when you call. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you want to close the account, and process the closure on the spot. The whole call usually takes five to ten minutes.
American Express sometimes offers to lower your annual fee or provide other benefits to keep you as a customer. You do not have to accept — if you want to close the account, you can say no and proceed. But it is worth listening to the offer, because switching to a no-annual-fee version of the same card (if one exists) can be simpler than closing and reopening later.
Write down the date you called and the name of the representative who helped you. Ask them to confirm in writing that the account is closed at your request. This creates a record in case there is a dispute later about whether the account was closed or left open.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your American Express card to close it; the process takes about five to ten minutes and happens immediately.
- Pay off any remaining balance before closing, because you will still owe the debt even after the account is shut down.
- Closing a card reduces your available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio and temporarily lower your credit score.
- American Express may offer to keep the account open with a lower fee or different card type — listen to the offer before you decide.
- Request written confirmation that the account is closed at your request, and keep that confirmation with your records.
Settle any balance before the account closes
If your American Express card has an unpaid balance, you must pay it off before or at the time you close the account. The closure does not erase the debt — you will still owe whatever you charged, and American Express will continue to charge interest on it until it is paid.
If you have a large balance, you can ask the representative during your closing call whether you can set up a payment plan. American Express will usually work with you on this, but the account will still close. You will receive bills for the remaining balance, and you will make payments until it is gone.
Understand how closing affects your credit score
Closing a credit card changes two things that affect your credit score: your available credit shrinks, and the age of your credit history may shift. The impact is usually temporary, but it is worth understanding before you close.
When you close a card, your total available credit goes down. If you have other cards with balances, your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit that you are using — goes up. A higher utilization ratio can lower your score by a few points. For example, if you have $5,000 in balances across $20,000 in total credit, your utilization is 25 percent. If you close a card with a $5,000 limit, your total credit drops to $15,000, and your utilization rises to 33 percent.
The other factor is age. If the American Express card is your oldest account, closing it removes that age from your credit history. This can lower your score because credit bureaus value a longer average account age. If the card is newer or in the middle of your credit history, the impact is usually small.
These effects are not permanent. Your score will recover as you pay down balances and as time passes. But if you are planning to apply for a mortgage, car loan, or other major credit in the next few months, closing a card right before that application can work against you.
What happens to your rewards points
American Express handles rewards points differently depending on the card type. With most American Express cards, your points do not disappear when you close the account — you can still redeem them for cash back, travel, or merchandise after closure. However, you have a limited window to use them, usually 30 to 90 days. Check your account or call to confirm the deadline for your specific card.
Some American Express business cards have different rules. Points may expire faster or be forfeited entirely after closure. If you have a significant balance of points, redeem them before you close the account rather than risk losing them.
Close the account in writing if you prefer a paper trail
Closing by phone is faster, but closing in writing creates a permanent record. You can send a letter to American Express requesting closure. Address it to the customer service address on your statement or website. Include your account number, your name, and a clear statement that you want the account closed.
Send the letter by certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep a copy for your records. American Express will respond in writing to confirm the closure. This method takes longer — usually one to two weeks — but some people prefer it because there is no question about whether the request was received or understood.
Monitor your credit report after closure
After you close the account, check your credit report within 30 to 60 days to make sure it shows as closed at your request. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — once per year at annualcreditreport.com. This is the official government site; do not use other sites that claim to be free but ask for a credit card.
The account should appear on your report with a status of "closed by consumer" or "closed at consumer's request." If it shows as "closed by creditor" or "charged off," that is a sign something went wrong. Contact American Express to clarify, and dispute the error with the credit bureau if needed.
Consider alternatives to closing if you want to keep the account open
If your main reason for closing is the annual fee, ask American Express about downgrading to a no-annual-fee version of the same card. This keeps the account open and preserves your credit history, but removes the fee. Many American Express cards have a no-fee version available.
If you want to close because you are not using the card, you can also simply stop using it and let it sit inactive. American Express will not close inactive accounts after a set period the way some other issuers do. The account will stay open, your available credit stays in place, and your credit score is not affected. The only downside is that you may still owe an annual fee if the card has one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my American Express card hurt my credit score?
Closing a card usually lowers your score temporarily because it reduces your available credit and may raise your utilization ratio. The impact is typically small — a few points — and recovers over time as you pay down other balances. If the card is your oldest account, the effect may be slightly larger, but it is still temporary.
What if I have a balance when I close the account?
You must pay off the balance before or at the time of closure. If you cannot pay it all at once, you can ask about a payment plan during your closing call. The account will close, but you will continue to receive bills and owe interest until the balance is paid in full.
Can I reopen an American Express card after I close it?
Yes, but American Express may treat it as a new account rather than reopening the old one. If you think you might want the card again, consider downgrading to a no-fee version instead of closing. That way, the account stays open and you can upgrade back later without starting over.
Do my rewards points disappear when I close the card?
No, but you have a limited time to redeem them — usually 30 to 90 days after closure. Redeem your points before you close the account to avoid losing them. Check your card's terms or call American Express to confirm the deadline for your specific card.
How long does it take to close an American Express card?
If you call, the account closes immediately. If you send a letter, it usually takes one to two weeks. Either way, the closure is final once American Express confirms it. Your credit report will update to show the account as closed within 30 to 60 days.