Call Macy's customer service to request cancellation

The fastest way to cancel a Macy's credit card is to call the number on the back of your card. A representative will confirm your identity, answer questions about why you're closing the account, and process the cancellation on the spot. The call typically takes five to ten minutes.

You can also cancel by mail if you prefer not to call. Write a letter to Macy's requesting cancellation, include your account number and full name, and send it to the address listed on your statement. Mail takes longer — usually two to three weeks — but creates a paper record of your request.

Pay off your balance before canceling

If you have a balance on the card, you have two options. You can pay it in full before you call to cancel, which closes the account with a zero balance. Or you can cancel first and continue making payments on the closed account afterward — Macy's will send you bills until the balance is paid.

Paying the balance before cancellation is cleaner and faster. It also means you won't receive monthly statements for a card you no longer use. If you're carrying a balance and want to keep the account open while you pay it down, you can do that instead — cancellation is not urgent.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the customer service number on the back of your Macy's card to cancel; a representative will process it when ready over the phone.
  • You can pay your balance before canceling or continue paying after the account closes, but paying first avoids future statements.
  • Cancellation takes effect right away, but it may take 30 to 60 days for the closed account to stop appearing on your credit report as active.
  • Closing a credit card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit, even if you pay off the balance first.

What happens to your credit score when you cancel

Closing a credit card typically lowers your credit score in the short term. The main reason is credit utilization — the percentage of your total credit limit that you're using. When you close a card, your available credit shrinks, which can push your utilization percentage up even if you owe the same dollar amount on other cards.

The impact is usually temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as long as you keep other accounts in good standing and don't miss payments. If you have a long history with the Macy's card, closing it will also remove that account history from your active accounts, which can have a small effect on the age of your credit mix.

Timing: when to cancel before or after a purchase

If you're planning to explore for a mortgage, auto loan, or other credit in the next three to six months, canceling a card right now will hurt your score at the worst possible time. Lenders pull your credit report just before approval, and a lower score can mean a higher interest rate or a smaller loan amount. If you're not explore for credit soon, timing doesn't matter much.

If you want to keep the card open but stop using it, you can do that instead of canceling. Keeping an unused card open preserves your credit history and available credit, which helps your score. The only reason to cancel is if you want to close the account entirely — there's no penalty for letting it sit unused.

What to do with the physical card

After you cancel, cut up the card or shred it so it can't be used. You don't need to return it to Macy's — destroying it yourself is sufficient. If you're worried about fraud, you can also request a new card number before canceling, use it for a few transactions to make sure it works, and then cancel the old one.

Check your statements for 30 to 60 days after cancellation to make sure no unauthorized charges appear. Once the account is closed, new charges shouldn't go through, but it takes time for the system to fully process the closure.

Alternatives to cancellation

If you're canceling because you don't use the card, keeping it open costs nothing. Macy's cards have no annual fee, so there's no financial reason to close it. An open unused account actually helps your credit score by keeping your available credit high and your utilization low.

If you're canceling because you want to switch to a different rewards card, compare what you'd earn with another issuer before you close this one. Some people keep multiple cards open for different purposes — a Macy's card for in-store purchases, another card for travel, another for groceries. There's no rule against having several cards as long as you can manage the payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will canceling hurt my credit score?

Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your score drops because your available credit decreases, raising your utilization ratio. The effect typically fades within a few months. If you're explore for a loan soon, wait until after approval to cancel.

Can I cancel over the phone or do I have to go to a store?

You can cancel by phone using the number on your card, or by mail. You don't need to visit a Macy's store. Phone is faster — you'll have confirmation the same day.

What if I have a balance when I cancel?

You can cancel with a balance still owed. Macy's will continue to send you bills and accept payments on the closed account until it's paid off. Paying the balance first is cleaner, but not required.

How long does it take for the cancellation to show up on my credit report?

The account will show as closed within 30 to 60 days. During that time, it may still appear as active on your report. Once it shows as closed, it will remain on your report for up to seven years, but won't affect your score the way an active account does.

Can I reopen the card after I cancel it?

Macy's may reopen a recently closed account if you call and request it, but there's no may provide. If you think you might use the card again, keeping it open is safer than canceling and hoping to reopen it later.