Call Chase customer service or use your online account to close the card
The fastest way to close a Chase credit card is to call the number on the back of your card and ask to speak with someone who handles account closures. You can also log into your Chase account online, go to the card settings, and look for a "close account" or "close card" option — though not all Chase cards offer this online. Either way, Chase will ask you a few questions before they process the closure, and the whole conversation usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Before you call or click, make sure your balance is zero. Chase will not close an account with an outstanding balance. If you have a balance, pay it down first, then wait for the payment to post (usually one to three business days), and then request the closure.
Once you request closure, Chase will send you a confirmation letter in the mail within a week or two. Keep that letter — it is your proof that you closed the account on purpose, which matters if a debt collector later claims you owe money on it.
Key Takeaways
- You must pay your balance to zero before Chase will close the account; they will not close an active debt.
- Call the number on the back of your card or log into your online account to request closure; the process takes about 15 minutes.
- Chase will mail you a confirmation letter after closure; save this as proof you closed the account intentionally.
- Closing a card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit, but the impact usually fades within a few months.
- If you have pending transactions or recurring charges on the card, cancel those before you close the account.
What to do before you call Chase
Check your account for any recurring charges — subscriptions, gym memberships, insurance payments, anything that charges automatically. If you close the card while a recurring charge is still set up, that charge will fail, and the merchant may report it as a missed payment. Log into your Chase account, look at your recent transactions, and switch any recurring charges to a different card or payment method before you request closure.
Also check for pending transactions. If you made a purchase that has not posted yet, wait for it to show up in your account and clear before you close. A pending transaction can sometimes cause problems during closure.
Finally, make a note of your card number and account number before you close. You will not need them when ready, but if you ever need to reference this card in the future — for a dispute, a fraud claim, or proof of payment — you will want that information written down somewhere safe.
The actual steps to close your Chase card
By phone: Call the customer service number on the back of your card. Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will ask why you are closing it (you do not have to give a detailed reason — "I am not using it" is fine), confirm your identity, and check that your balance is zero. If everything is clear, they will process the closure right then. Ask them to confirm the account is closed and to note in your file that you requested the closure.
Online: Log into your Chase account on the Chase website or mobile app. Navigate to the card you want to close. Look for account settings or card management options. Some cards have a "close account" button; others do not. If you cannot find the option online, you will need to call. If the button is there, click it, confirm your identity if prompted, and follow the on-screen steps. You should see a confirmation message when ready, but you will still receive a mailed confirmation letter.
After closure, your card will stop working when ready. You will not be able to use it for new purchases, and you will not be able to make payments on it (though you can still pay any remaining balance from your bank account if needed). The account will remain on your credit report for seven to ten years, which is normal and does not hurt your credit — closed accounts age off naturally.
How closing a card affects your credit score
Closing a credit card usually lowers your credit score by a small amount, usually 5 to 15 points, because it reduces your total available credit. If you have a $5,000 limit on the card you are closing and you carry balances on other cards, your credit utilization ratio (the amount you owe divided by the amount you can borrow) goes up, and that can ding your score temporarily.
The impact is usually temporary. Most people see their score recover within a few months as the closed account ages and other factors in their credit history become more prominent. If you are planning to explore for a loan or mortgage soon, it is worth waiting a few months after closing a card before you explore, but if you are not explore for credit in the near future, the temporary dip is not a major concern.
The one exception: if the card you are closing is your oldest account, closing it can lower your score more noticeably because it reduces the average age of your accounts. If that card is very old, you might consider keeping it open and unused instead of closing it.
What happens to your credit report after closure
The closed account will stay on your credit report for seven to ten years. During that time, it will show as "closed by consumer" or "closed at consumer's request," which is actually good — it shows you closed it on purpose, not because of missed payments or other problems. The account will not hurt your credit score just by being there; in fact, a closed account with a clean payment history can help your score because it shows you managed credit responsibly.
After seven to ten years, the account will fall off your credit report entirely. You do not have to do anything to make that happen — it happens automatically.
If you want to close the card but keep the account open
Chase allows you to close individual cards within a larger account if you have multiple cards under one account. For example, if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred and a Chase Freedom card under the same account, you can close one card and keep the other active. When you call or go online to close the card, make sure you are closing the specific card, not the entire account.
If you only have one card under your account and you close it, your entire account closes. There is no way around this — you cannot keep an account open with zero cards.
What to do if Chase denies your closure request
Chase rarely denies a closure request, but it can happen if your account has an outstanding balance, a pending dispute, or a fraud investigation. If Chase tells you they cannot close the account right now, ask them specifically what is blocking the closure and when it will be resolved. Usually it is just a matter of waiting a few days for a payment to post or for a dispute to close.
If you have a balance you cannot pay when ready, you can still request closure — Chase will close the account, but you will still owe the balance, and you will still have to pay it. The account will show as closed with a balance, which is not ideal for your credit, but it is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Chase card hurt my credit?
Yes, but usually only a little and only temporarily. Your score may drop 5 to 15 points because closing the card reduces your available credit. The impact usually fades within a few months. If the card is your oldest account, the impact may be larger.
Can I close my Chase card if I have a balance?
No. Chase requires a zero balance before they will process closure. Pay the balance down completely, wait for the payment to post, and then request closure.
What if I closed my Chase card and now I want to reopen it?
Call Chase customer service and ask if they can reopen the account. They may be able to reopen it within a short window after closure, but policies vary. The sooner you call, the better your chances.
Do I need to cut up my card after I close it?
It is a good idea to cut or shred the card so it cannot be used if it is lost or stolen, but it is not required. The card will not work after closure regardless.
Will the closed account show up on my credit report?
Yes. It will show as "closed by consumer" and will stay on your report for seven to ten years. This is normal and does not hurt your credit — it actually shows responsible credit management.