Call Macy's customer service to request cancellation
The fastest way to cancel your Macy's credit card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're canceling (though you don't have to give a detailed reason), and process the cancellation on the spot.
The call typically takes five to ten minutes. The representative will confirm that your account balance is zero before closing it — if you have a balance, you'll need to pay it first or arrange a payment plan. After cancellation, you'll receive written confirmation in the mail within one to two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Macy's card to cancel; the process takes about five to ten minutes and happens when ready over the phone.
- You must have a zero balance before the card can be closed, so pay off any remaining debt first.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation and keep it for your records.
- Canceling a card may lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit, but the effect usually fades within a few months.
- If you want to keep the card open but stop using it, you can straightforward put it away instead of canceling.
What happens to your balance when you cancel
If you have an outstanding balance on your Macy's card when you call to cancel, the representative will tell you the total amount owed and your options. You can pay it in full when ready over the phone using a bank account or another card, or you can arrange a payment plan to pay it off over time.
The card will not close until the balance reaches zero. If you set up a payment plan, your account will remain open and active until the final payment clears. You'll continue to receive monthly statements showing your remaining balance and minimum payment due.
How cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card typically causes a small, temporary dip in your credit score. This happens because canceling reduces your total available credit, which changes your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit that you're currently using. If you have balances on other cards, that ratio goes up, and a higher ratio can lower your score.
The impact is usually modest and fades within three to six months as long as you continue paying other accounts on time. If you're concerned about the timing — for example, if you're planning to explore for a mortgage or car loan soon — you might consider keeping the card open but unused instead of canceling it.
Canceling online or by mail as an alternative
While calling is the most direct method, you can also request cancellation through other channels. Some Macy's cardholders report success sending a written request to the address listed on their statement, though this method is slower and harder to confirm. You can also try logging into your Macy's credit card account online to see if a cancellation option appears in the account settings, though most cardholders find this feature is not available and must call instead.
If you choose to write or use the online portal, follow up with a phone call to confirm the cancellation went through. Written requests can take several weeks to process, and without confirmation, you won't know if your request was received.
What to do after your card is canceled
Once the cancellation is complete, destroy your physical card by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not throw it away intact, as the card number could potentially be recovered from trash. Keep the written confirmation letter you receive in the mail with your important financial documents.
Check your credit report two to three months after cancellation to confirm the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official government site. If the account doesn't show as closed after that time, contact Macy's customer service again with your confirmation number.
Reasons to keep your Macy's card open instead
Before you cancel, consider whether keeping the card open might serve you better. If you use the Macy's card for occasional purchases, the rewards rate — typically 1% cash back on most purchases and higher rates on Macy's purchases — may be worth keeping. Even if you don't use the card, keeping it open preserves your available credit and maintains your account history, both of which help your credit score.
If your main reason for canceling is that you don't want to be tempted to use it, you can straightforward store the card at home instead of carrying it. This gives you the benefits of an open account without the risk of impulse spending. You can also request that Macy's lower your credit limit if you're concerned about the temptation to overspend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling my Macy's card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your score may drop by a small amount because closing the card reduces your available credit. The effect typically fades within three to six months. If you're planning a major purchase like a home or car loan in the next few months, you might wait to cancel.
Can I cancel my Macy's card if I have a balance?
No. You must pay your balance to zero before the card can be closed. You can pay it all at once over the phone, or arrange a payment plan with the representative. The account stays open until the final payment clears.
What if I want to cancel but keep my Macy's Star Rewards account?
Canceling the credit card does not close your Macy's Star Rewards membership. You can still earn rewards on purchases made with other payment methods, though the rewards rate will be lower. Contact Macy's customer service to confirm your rewards account status after cancellation.
How long does it take to cancel a Macy's card?
The cancellation itself happens when ready when you call. You'll receive written confirmation in the mail within one to two weeks. If you use mail or online channels, the process can take several weeks, which is why calling is faster.
Can I reopen my Macy's card after I cancel it?
It depends on how long it's been closed and your credit history. Some cardholders report being able to reopen a closed account by calling customer service, while others have been told they must explore for a new card. Call Macy's customer service to ask about your specific situation.