Call Chase to cancel your card

The fastest way to cancel a Chase credit card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative will walk you through the cancellation and answer questions about your account. The call usually takes five to ten minutes.

Have your card number ready when you call. Chase will ask why you're canceling — you don't have to give a detailed reason, but they may offer you a retention offer (like a fee waiver or bonus points) to keep the account open. You can accept or decline. Once you confirm you want to cancel, Chase will close the account when ready.

You can also cancel online through your Chase account if you log in to Chase.com or the Chase mobile app, though the phone route is more straightforward because a representative can confirm the cancellation on the spot and answer follow-up questions.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on the back of your Chase card to cancel; a representative will process it in one call and confirm the account is closed.
  • Pay off your full balance before you cancel so you don't owe interest on remaining charges after the account closes.
  • Chase will report the closed account to credit bureaus, which may lower your credit score temporarily because your available credit decreases.
  • Keep the card for at least 30 days after cancellation in case Chase needs to verify the closure or you need to dispute a charge.
  • If you have rewards points, use them before you cancel because you may lose them once the account is closed.

Pay your balance before canceling

Do not cancel a Chase credit card while you still owe money on it. If you close the account with an outstanding balance, you'll still have to pay it, but you won't be able to use the card to make new purchases. Interest will continue to accrue on what you owe.

Log into your Chase account online or call customer service to check your current balance. Pay the full amount before you call to cancel. If you have a promotional 0% interest rate that hasn't expired, canceling the card may end that promotion and cause interest to kick in on the remaining balance, so check the terms of your offer first.

Understand what happens to your credit score

Closing a credit card affects your credit score because it reduces your total available credit. If you had a $5,000 limit on the Chase card and no other cards, closing it means your available credit drops to zero. Credit bureaus use this ratio — called your credit utilization — to calculate your score, so closing an account can lower it temporarily.

The impact is usually small if you have other open credit cards or if your utilization was already low. If this is your only card or your only source of available credit, the score drop may be more noticeable. The effect fades over time as the closed account ages.

If you're planning to explore for a loan or mortgage soon, consider waiting a few months after canceling to let your score recover. If you want to keep your credit score stable, you can also keep the card open but unused instead of canceling it.

What happens to rewards points

Chase's policy on rewards points varies by card type. On most Chase cards, you keep your points even after you cancel, and you can redeem them for cash back, travel, or merchandise through your Chase account for a limited time after closure — usually 30 to 90 days. Check your specific card's terms or call Chase to confirm.

Some cards have stricter rules: certain business cards or premium travel cards may have terms that say points expire when the account closes. Log into your Chase account before you cancel and redeem any points you want to keep. If you're unsure whether your points will survive cancellation, ask the representative when you call to cancel.

Cancel authorized user cards

If other people have authorized user cards on your Chase account, those cards will stop working once you cancel the primary account. Call Chase before you cancel to let authorized users know the account is closing so they're not surprised when their card is declined.

If you want to cancel only an authorized user card but keep your own account open, you can do that separately. Call Chase and ask them to remove a specific authorized user. The primary account will stay active.

Keep records of the cancellation

After you cancel, Chase will send you a confirmation letter in the mail within one to two weeks. Keep this letter with your financial records. It shows the account was closed at your request and the date it closed, which is useful if you ever need to dispute a charge or prove the account wasn't active at a certain time.

Take a screenshot of your Chase account showing a zero balance before you cancel, or write down the date and time you called and the name of the representative who processed the cancellation. If you cancel online, save a copy of any confirmation screen or email.

What to do with the physical card

After Chase confirms the account is closed, destroy the physical card by cutting it up or shredding it. Do not throw it away whole — cut through the card number and chip to prevent someone from finding it in the trash and attempting to use it.

You don't need to return the card to Chase. Once the account is closed, the card is deactivated and cannot be used, even if someone finds it. Destroying it is just a precaution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will canceling a Chase card hurt my credit?

Yes, but usually not severely. Your credit score may drop 5 to 10 points temporarily because your available credit decreases. The impact is smaller if you have other open cards. The effect fades over several months as the closed account ages.

Can I cancel a Chase card online?

You can start the process online through your Chase account, but calling is faster and gives you when ready confirmation. If you cancel online, Chase may still call you to confirm or ask why you're canceling. Calling the number on your card gets it done in one conversation.

What if I have a balance transfer or promotional rate?

Closing the card may end the promotional rate and cause interest to start accruing on the remaining balance. Check your card terms before you cancel. If you owe money under a 0% offer, pay it off first or ask Chase whether canceling will end the promotion.

Do I lose my rewards points when I cancel?

On most Chase cards, you keep your points and can redeem them for 30 to 90 days after cancellation. Some premium or business cards have stricter terms. Redeem your points before you cancel to be safe, or call Chase to confirm your card's policy.

How long does it take to cancel?

If you call, the cancellation is when ready — the account closes during the call. You'll receive a written confirmation letter from Chase within one to two weeks. The closed account will show on your credit report within 30 to 60 days.