Close your card by calling the issuer, paying the balance in full, and requesting written confirmation
To close a credit card, call the customer service number on the back of your card and tell them you want to close the account. Pay off any remaining balance first—most issuers will not close an account with an outstanding debt. After the balance reaches zero, the issuer will process the closure. Ask them to send you written confirmation that the account is closed and marked as "closed by consumer" rather than "closed by issuer." This distinction matters for your credit report.
The entire process usually takes one phone call, though the closure may not appear on your credit report for 30 to 60 days. Do not assume the account is closed until you see it reflected in your credit file or receive written confirmation. Some issuers close accounts automatically after a period of inactivity, but requesting closure yourself gives you control over the timing.
Key Takeaways
- Pay your full balance to zero before calling to close, as most issuers will not process a closure with an outstanding debt.
- Request written confirmation that the account is closed and marked as "closed by consumer," not "closed by issuer."
- Closing a card reduces your available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio and temporarily lower your credit score.
- Closing an old card removes its payment history from your active accounts, which may shorten your average account age and affect your score.
- If you want to keep the account open but unused, ask the issuer to waive annual fees instead of closing it.
Why closing a card affects your credit score
Closing a credit card changes two factors that credit scoring models use: your credit utilization ratio and your average account age. Your utilization ratio is the percentage of your total available credit that you are currently using. If you close a card with a $5,000 limit and you have $10,000 in total credit limits across all cards, your available credit drops from $15,000 to $10,000. If you carry a $3,000 balance on your remaining cards, your utilization ratio rises from 20 percent to 30 percent. Higher utilization typically lowers your score.
Closing an old account also removes it from your active credit history. Credit scoring models consider the average age of your accounts, so closing your oldest card can shorten that average. The closed account will remain on your credit report for seven to ten years, but it stops being counted as an active account once it closes. The impact is usually temporary—your score may drop 5 to 15 points depending on the card's age and your overall credit profile—but it recovers as you build new positive history.
When to close a card versus keeping it open
Close a card if you have multiple accounts and want to simplify your finances, if the card charges an annual fee you cannot avoid, or if you are concerned about fraud or identity theft on that specific account. Closing a card you no longer use reduces the number of accounts you need to monitor and eliminates the risk of unauthorized charges on an inactive card.
Keep a card open if it is your oldest account, if it has no annual fee, or if closing it would significantly raise your utilization ratio. Many issuers will waive annual fees if you call and ask, even if the card's standard terms include a fee. Keeping an old card open with zero balance costs you nothing and preserves the account age that helps your credit score. If you want to keep the account active without using it, make one small purchase every few months and pay it off immediately—this prevents the issuer from closing it due to inactivity.
Steps to close your account
First, review your recent statements to confirm you have paid off the full balance. Log into your online account or call the customer service number on the back of your card. If you call, have your account number and Social Security number ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account and ask them to confirm the balance is zero before processing the closure.
Second, ask the representative to note in your account that you requested the closure and to mark it as "closed by consumer." This distinction appears on your credit report and shows that you initiated the closure rather than the issuer closing it due to inactivity or default. Request that they mail you written confirmation of the closure within 5 to 10 business days.
Third, do not cut up or destroy the card immediately. Wait until you receive written confirmation that the account is closed. Once you have that confirmation, you can safely destroy the card. Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after closure to verify that the account appears as closed and that the balance shows as zero.
What happens after you close the account
The card issuer will stop charging interest and fees once the account is closed. Any pending transactions may still post to the account for a few days after closure, so monitor your statements for the next billing cycle. The closed account will continue to appear on your credit report, but it will be marked as closed and will no longer affect your available credit or utilization ratio calculations.
If you had an automatic payment set up on that card—such as a subscription or utility bill—you must update that payment method before closing the account. The payment will fail once the account closes, which could result in late fees or service interruption. Review your recent statements to identify any recurring charges and move them to another card or payment method at least one week before the closure takes effect.
Handling store credit cards and secured cards
Store credit cards follow the same closure process as regular credit cards, but closing them may affect your relationship with that retailer. Some stores track customer loyalty through their credit card account, so closing the card might remove you from their rewards program or mailing list. Call the store's customer service line rather than the credit card issuer's line if you want to discuss this before closing.
Secured credit cards—cards backed by a cash deposit—require an additional step. Once you close a secured card, the issuer will return your deposit to the account you used to fund it, usually within 5 to 10 business days. Confirm the deposit amount with the representative before closing and verify that the refund posts to your account within two weeks. If the refund does not arrive, contact the issuer again with your confirmation number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing a credit card hurt my credit score?
Closing a card typically lowers your score temporarily because it reduces your available credit and may shorten your average account age. The impact is usually 5 to 15 points and recovers within a few months as you build new positive history. Closing an old card has a larger impact than closing a newer one.
Can I close a credit card with a balance on it?
Most issuers will not close an account with an outstanding balance. You must pay the full balance to zero first. After the balance reaches zero, call and request closure. If you have a large balance, pay it down over time before closing, or consider keeping the account open if closing it would significantly raise your utilization ratio.
How long does it take to close a credit card?
The phone call takes 5 to 10 minutes. The issuer processes the closure immediately, but it may take 30 to 60 days for the closure to appear on your credit report. Request written confirmation and check your credit report after 60 days to verify the closure was recorded correctly.
What if the issuer refuses to close my account?
Issuers are required to close accounts when you request it. If a representative refuses, ask to speak with a supervisor or escalation team. Document the date, time, and representative's name. If the issuer continues to refuse, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state's attorney general's office.
Should I close old credit cards to improve my credit score?
No. Closing old cards typically lowers your score because it removes account age and reduces available credit. Keep old cards open with zero balance if possible. If a card has an annual fee, call and ask the issuer to waive it instead of closing the account.