Call American Express to close your account

The fastest way to cancel an American Express card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative will walk you through the cancellation process, answer questions about your account balance, and confirm the closure. The call takes about five minutes.

Have your card number ready when you call. American Express will ask whether you want to close just that card or your entire account. If you have multiple American Express cards, you can close one and keep the others open. The representative will also ask why you're canceling — this is optional to answer, but American Express sometimes offers retention deals if you mention cost or rewards concerns.

After you hang up, American Express will send a written confirmation of the cancellation to the address on file. Keep this letter for your records.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on the back of your American Express card to cancel; a representative will process the closure in about five minutes.
  • Pay off any remaining balance before or during the call, as American Express will not close an account with an outstanding balance.
  • Canceling one card does not close your entire American Express account unless you specifically ask the representative to do so.
  • American Express will mail a written confirmation of the cancellation; save this letter as proof the account is closed.
  • After cancellation, your credit report will show the account as closed, which may temporarily lower your credit score if this card represented a large portion of your available credit.

Settle your balance before canceling

American Express will not close your account if you have an unpaid balance. Before you call to cancel, check your statement and pay any amount you owe. You can pay online through your American Express account, by phone during the cancellation call, or by mailing a check to the address listed on your statement.

If you have a promotional 0% interest rate on a balance transfer or purchase, canceling the card does not end the promotion — you can still pay off the balance at 0% after the account closes. However, you will no longer be able to make new charges on the card once it is closed.

Understand what happens to your rewards points

American Express Membership Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains open. If you cancel your card, your points stay in your account for a limited time — typically 12 months — but you can no longer earn new points. You can still redeem existing points during this window by logging into your American Express account online or calling customer service.

If you have a business American Express card with points, the same rule applies. Points remain redeemable for 12 months after cancellation. After that period, unredeemed points are forfeited. Redeem your points before or when ready after canceling if you want to use them.

Know the impact on your credit score

Closing a credit card affects your credit score in two ways. First, your available credit decreases — if this card represented a large portion of your total credit limit, your credit utilization ratio will rise, which can lower your score. Second, the account will appear as "closed" on your credit report, which may also cause a small dip.

The impact is usually temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as long as you continue paying other accounts on time. If you are planning to explore for a mortgage, auto loan, or other major credit in the next few months, consider waiting to cancel until after you have been approved.

Cancel online if you prefer not to call

American Express does not offer a direct online cancellation tool on their website, but you can start the process through your online account. Log in, go to your account settings, and look for the option to contact customer service about closing your account. You can also send a find message through your account asking to cancel, and a representative will call you back to complete the closure.

Some cardholders prefer this method because it creates a written record of the request. However, the representative will still need to speak with you by phone to confirm your identity and finalize the cancellation, so you will not avoid a phone call entirely.

Request written confirmation and monitor your credit report

After you cancel, ask the representative to confirm that the account is closed and note the date. When you receive the written confirmation in the mail, keep it with your financial records. This letter proves the account was closed on your request, which is useful if there are any disputes later.

Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after cancellation to confirm the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If the account does not appear as closed after two months, contact American Express again and ask them to verify the status with the credit bureaus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will canceling my American Express card hurt my credit score?

Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your score may drop because your available credit decreases and the account shows as closed on your report. The impact is typically small and recovers within a few months if you keep other accounts in good standing. If you are explore for a loan soon, wait to cancel until after approval.

What happens to my rewards points when I cancel?

Your points remain in your account for 12 months after cancellation and can still be redeemed. After 12 months, any unredeemed points are lost. Redeem your points before or right after you cancel if you want to use them.

Can I cancel one American Express card and keep another?

Yes. When you call to cancel, tell the representative you want to close only that specific card. Your other American Express cards will remain open and active. You can only close one card at a time.

Do I have to pay my balance before canceling?

Yes. American Express will not close an account with an unpaid balance. Pay off what you owe before calling, or pay it during the cancellation call. After the account closes, you can still pay any remaining balance at the address on your statement.

How long does it take for my American Express card to be officially closed?

The cancellation is effective when ready when you call, but it takes 7 to 10 business days for the closure to appear on your credit report. You will receive written confirmation in the mail within one to two weeks.