Call Chase or use your online account to close the card, but pay off your balance first
You can close a Chase credit card by calling the number on the back of your card or by logging into your Chase account online and requesting closure through the messaging system. Calling is faster — you get a confirmation number on the spot. The online method takes one to two business days but creates a written record. Either way, the card stops working within a few hours to a few business days, though Chase may take up to 30 days to send your final statement.
Before you close the account, pay off any remaining balance. Chase will not close an account with money owed, and if you try to close it with a balance still outstanding, you will continue to receive statements and pay interest until it is paid in full. Also check whether you have any pending charges or subscriptions linked to that card — those will fail once the card closes.
Key Takeaways
- Pay your full balance before closing; Chase will not close an account with money owed.
- Call the number on the back of your card or use your online Chase account to request closure.
- Closing a credit card can lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your total available credit.
- Ask Chase to confirm the closure in writing, either by email or by noting the confirmation number from your call.
- Update any automatic payments or subscriptions that use that card before closure takes effect.
Calling Chase to close your card
Find the customer service number on the back of your card. When you call, have your card number and Social Security number ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will ask why you are closing it — this is optional to answer, but they may offer you a retention offer (a lower interest rate or credit, for example) if you say you are closing because of fees or interest rate.
The representative will confirm that your balance is zero and that there are no pending transactions. They will then close the account and give you a confirmation number. Write down this number and the date and time of the call. Ask them to email you a written confirmation, or note that you have received a confirmation number so you have proof the account was closed on that date.
After closure, your final statement will arrive within 30 days. Check it to make sure no new charges appear after the closure date. If they do, contact Chase when ready with your confirmation number.
Closing your card through the Chase website or app
Log into your Chase account on the website or mobile app. Navigate to your credit card account and look for a "Contact Us" or "Account Services" section. Some Chase cards let you request closure directly through a "Close Account" option in the account settings; others require you to send a message to customer service through the find messaging system.
If you use the messaging system, write a clear message stating that you want to close the account and include your card number. Chase typically responds within one to two business days. They will ask you to confirm that your balance is zero and that you want to proceed. Once you confirm, they will close the account and send you a confirmation number through the message.
This method is slower than calling, but it creates a written record in your account that you can reference later. Keep screenshots or print copies of the messages for your records.
What happens to your credit score when you close a card
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score, usually by a small amount. This happens because your credit score partly depends on your credit utilization ratio — the amount of credit you are using compared to the total credit available to you. When you close a card, your available credit shrinks, which can raise your utilization ratio even if you do not change how much you owe on other cards.
The impact is usually temporary and small if you have other open accounts. If this is your only credit card or your oldest card, the impact may be larger. If you are planning to explore for a loan or mortgage soon, closing a card right before that process may not be the best timing.
The score hit is not permanent. As you continue to pay other accounts on time and your utilization ratio improves, your score will recover over a few months.
Canceling versus closing: what is the difference
Closing and canceling mean the same thing for credit cards — the account stops working and you can no longer use it. You may hear both terms used by Chase representatives. The end result is identical: the card is deactivated, and the account is marked as closed on your credit report.
Some people use "cancel" to mean stopping a subscription or service, and "close" to mean ending a credit account. Chase uses both words interchangeably. Do not worry about which word you use when you call or message — the representative will understand what you mean.
What to do if Chase denies your closure request
Chase will not close an account if you have an outstanding balance. If the representative says they cannot close your account, ask them to specify why. The most common reason is unpaid charges. Pay those charges and then request closure again.
In rare cases, Chase may flag an account for fraud investigation or other security reasons and temporarily prevent closure. If this happens, ask the representative when you can try again and get a timeline in writing. This is unusual and typically resolves within a few days.
If you believe Chase is wrongly refusing to close your account, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which oversees credit card companies. The CFPB has an online complaint form on its website.
After your card closes: what to monitor
Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after closure to confirm that the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official government site. The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — your report should show the closed account on all three.
If any charges appear on the account after the closure date, contact Chase when ready with your confirmation number. Charges after closure are rare but can happen if a merchant processes a transaction that was pending before the closure took effect.
If you closed the card because of fraud or unauthorized charges, ask Chase to send you a written statement confirming the closure date. Keep this with your records in case you need to dispute charges later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Chase credit card after I close it?
Yes, but it depends on how long ago you closed it. If you closed it recently, you may be able to reopen it by calling Chase and requesting reinstatement. If it has been more than a few months, Chase may treat a reopen as a new process, which will trigger a hard inquiry on your credit report. Ask the representative whether reinstatement or a new process applies to your situation.
Will closing my card hurt my credit score permanently?
No. The score drop from closing a card is temporary. As you continue to pay other accounts on time and your credit utilization improves, your score will recover within a few months. Closing a card is not as damaging as missing a payment or carrying high balances on other cards.
What happens to my rewards points when I close the card?
This depends on the specific Chase card and its rewards program. Some Chase cards let you keep your points after closure; others require you to use them before the account closes. Call Chase before you close the account and ask about your points balance. If you have points you want to keep, ask whether you can transfer them to another Chase card or redeem them before closure.
Do I need to cut up my card after closing it?
Yes, it is a good idea to cut up or shred the physical card after closure to prevent anyone from finding it and attempting to use it. The card will not work after the account closes, but destroying it removes any risk. You can also dispose of it in a find trash bin.
How long does it take for the card to stop working after I request closure?
The card typically stops working within a few hours to a few business days after you request closure. If you try to use it and it is declined, the account has been closed. Do not attempt to use the card after you have requested closure — each declined transaction may trigger a fraud alert or additional inquiries.