How to cancel a Chase credit card
You can cancel a Chase credit card by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, through the Chase mobile app, or online at Chase.com. The fastest method is usually a phone call — you'll reach a representative who can process the cancellation when ready and confirm it in writing. If you use the app or website, the cancellation may take a few business days to process.
Before you cancel, check your account for any remaining balance, pending transactions, or rewards points you haven't redeemed. Chase will close the account after you pay off any balance, but you'll want to settle everything first so there are no surprises later.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your card to cancel when ready, or use the Chase app or website if you prefer not to call.
- Pay off any remaining balance before canceling, and redeem any rewards points you've earned.
- Canceling a card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit and may increase your credit utilization ratio.
- Ask the representative if there are retention offers available — Chase sometimes offers statement credits or bonus points to keep cardholders from closing accounts.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation and keep it for your records.
What happens to your rewards and balance when you cancel
Any rewards points or cash back you've already earned stay in your account after cancellation. You can redeem them before you close the card, or redeem them afterward — Chase keeps your rewards balance active even after the card is closed. Check your rewards balance in the app or on Chase.com before you call to cancel, so you know exactly what you have.
If you have an unpaid balance on the card, you'll need to pay it off. Chase will not close the account until the balance reaches zero. You can make payments online, through the app, or by phone. After the account closes, you'll no longer earn rewards on new purchases, but you can still make payments on any remaining balance.
How cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card typically lowers your credit score in the short term. The main reason is that your total available credit decreases — if you had a $5,000 limit and you cancel that card, your available credit drops by $5,000. This can raise your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your total credit limits you're using), which is a factor in your score.
The impact is usually temporary and most noticeable if you have high balances on other cards. If you have low balances across your remaining cards, the effect may be minimal. Your payment history stays on your credit report for seven years after the account closes, so the cancellation itself doesn't erase your positive payment record.
Retention offers and reasons to keep the card open
Before you cancel, ask the Chase representative if there are retention offers available. Chase sometimes offers statement credits, bonus points, or a waived annual fee for the next year to keep you from closing the account. These offers vary by card type and your account history, so it's worth asking even if you think you're set on canceling.
If you're canceling because of an annual fee, a retention offer might eliminate that cost for a year or longer. If you're canceling because you don't use the card, consider keeping it open with zero spending — the account will stay active and your available credit will remain part of your credit profile. There's no penalty for having an unused card as long as you don't carry a balance.
Canceling through the Chase app or website
Log into your Chase account on Chase.com or the mobile app and navigate to your card's account settings. Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Cancel Card" — the exact wording varies by card type. You may be asked to confirm your reason for canceling and whether you want to keep other Chase accounts open.
Online cancellations typically take three to five business days to process. You won't get when ready confirmation the way you would on a phone call, so follow up after a few days to make sure the account is closed. Check your account status in the app or call customer service to verify.
Canceling by phone
Call the number on the back of your card and tell the representative you want to cancel. They may ask why you're canceling and offer you a retention offer before processing the request. If you want to cancel, confirm that you've paid off any balance and redeemed your rewards. The representative will close the account and give you a confirmation number — write it down and ask them to send written confirmation to your mailing address.
Phone cancellations are processed when ready, so your account will be closed the same day. You'll receive a written confirmation within a few business days. Keep this confirmation for your records in case there are any disputes later.
What to do after you cancel
After your account closes, monitor your credit report to make sure the cancellation is reported correctly. You can check your credit report for free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. The closed account should show a status of "Closed by Consumer" or "Account Closed."
If you had automatic payments set up on this card, update those payments to a different card or bank account before the cancellation is final. Chase will not process new charges after the account closes, so any recurring subscriptions or bills charged to this card will fail. Check your email for any notifications from services you subscribe to, and update your payment method with them directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling my Chase card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your score may drop because your available credit decreases and your credit utilization ratio may increase. The impact is typically smaller if you have low balances on other cards. Your payment history remains on your report for seven years, so the cancellation doesn't erase your positive record.
Can I cancel my card if I still have a balance?
You can request cancellation, but Chase won't close the account until you pay off the balance. Pay what you owe first, then call to cancel. You'll continue to receive statements and can make payments until the balance is zero.
What happens to my rewards points after I cancel?
Your rewards points stay in your account after cancellation. You can redeem them before or after you close the card — Chase keeps your rewards balance active. Redeem them through the app or Chase.com before you cancel so you don't forget.
How long does it take to cancel a Chase card?
Phone cancellations are processed when ready and you'll get a confirmation number the same day. Online cancellations through the app or website take three to five business days. You'll receive written confirmation by mail within a few business days either way.
Should I cancel or just stop using my card?
Keeping an unused card open is usually better for your credit score because it preserves your available credit. There's no penalty for having a card you don't use, as long as you don't carry a balance. Cancel only if you want to close the account for other reasons, like avoiding an annual fee that a retention offer won't waive.