Call Chase customer service or use their website to close your account

You can close a Chase credit card by phone, online, or in person at a branch. The fastest method is calling the number on the back of your card and asking to close the account. Chase will confirm your identity, review your account balance, and process the closure. If you have a balance, you'll need to pay it off before or after closing — Chase will not close an account with an outstanding balance unless you arrange a payment plan.

Online closure is available through the Chase mobile app or website for some cardholders. Log into your account, navigate to the card settings, and look for a "close account" or "manage card" option. Not all card types offer this feature, so phone or branch closure may be your only option depending on which Chase card you hold.

In-person closure at a Chase branch works if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring your card and a photo ID. A banker can process the closure immediately and answer questions about your account status or rewards redemption before the account closes.

Key Takeaways

  • You can close a Chase card by calling the number on your card, logging into your online account, or visiting a branch in person.
  • Chase will not close an account with an unpaid balance unless you set up a payment arrangement first.
  • Redeem any remaining rewards points before you close the account, because most rewards expire when the card is closed.
  • Closing a credit card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit and may raise your credit utilization ratio.
  • After closure, keep your card for at least a year in case a dispute arises on a transaction made before the account closed.

What happens to your balance and rewards

If you have a balance on the card when you call to close it, Chase will ask you to pay it off. You can pay the full amount immediately over the phone, or you can close the account and continue making monthly payments on the remaining balance. Either way, the account will close, but you'll still owe the money. Interest will continue to accrue on any unpaid balance unless you have a promotional 0% APR period that extends beyond the closure date.

Rewards points or cash back balances typically expire when the account closes. If you have pending rewards, redeem them before you initiate closure. Log into your Chase account and check your rewards balance, then convert points to a statement credit, transfer them to a travel partner, or cash them out — whichever option your card offers. Once the account is closed, unredeemed rewards are usually gone.

How closing a card affects your credit

Closing a credit card will likely lower your credit score in the short term, though the damage is usually temporary. Your score drops because closing an account reduces your total available credit. If you have balances on other cards, your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit you're using — will increase. For example, if you have $5,000 in balances across $20,000 in total credit limits, your utilization is 25%. If you close a card with a $5,000 limit, your total available credit drops to $15,000, and your utilization jumps to 33%.

The impact fades over time as the closed account ages. After six months to a year, the effect on your score usually becomes minimal. The account will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years after closure, which can actually help your score because it shows a long history of responsible credit use.

If you're concerned about your credit score, consider keeping the card open but unused instead of closing it. This preserves your available credit and keeps your utilization ratio lower. You can set up a small automatic charge — like a streaming service — and pay it off monthly to keep the account active without carrying a balance.

Steps to take before you close the account

Before you call Chase, review your account for any pending transactions or disputes. Check your recent statements to make sure all charges are accounted for and legitimate. If you spot a fraudulent charge, report it before closing the account — it's easier to dispute a transaction while the account is open.

Update your payment method on any recurring charges that use this card. If you have autopay set up for utilities, subscriptions, or loan payments, change those to a different card or bank account. Chase will not process new charges after the account closes, so any recurring payments will fail and may result in late fees from the merchant.

Redeem any remaining rewards, as noted above. Also check whether your card offers any benefits you're currently using — like travel insurance, purchase protection, or extended warranties. Once the account closes, those protections end, even for purchases made before closure.

What to do after the account is closed

Keep your closed card for at least one year. Do not throw it away or cut it up immediately. If a dispute arises over a charge made before closure, you may need to reference the card number or provide it to Chase's dispute team. After a year, you can safely destroy the card by cutting it into pieces or shredding it.

Monitor your credit report to confirm the closure appears correctly. You can check your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. The account should show as "closed by consumer" rather than "closed by creditor," which looks better to lenders. If it shows the wrong status, contact Chase to correct it.

If you closed the card because you wanted to reduce the number of accounts you manage, consider whether you need a replacement card. If you closed it because of high fees or poor rewards, you might open a different Chase card or a card from another issuer that better fits your spending habits. Wait at least 30 days after closure before opening a new account to avoid triggering fraud alerts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Chase let me close my account if I have a balance?

Chase will close the account even if you have a balance, but you must agree to keep paying it. You can pay the full amount before closure, or you can close the account and continue making monthly payments. Interest will keep accruing on the unpaid balance unless you're in a promotional 0% APR period.

Can I reopen a Chase card after I close it?

It depends on how long ago you closed it and why. If you closed it recently and in good standing, Chase may reopen it within a short window. Call the number on your statement or visit a branch to ask. If too much time has passed or the account was closed due to fraud or policy violation, you'll likely need to open a new account instead.

What happens to my credit score when I close the card?

Your score will likely drop temporarily because your available credit decreases and your credit utilization ratio may increase. The impact usually fades within six months to a year. The closed account will stay on your credit report for up to 10 years, which can help your score long-term because it shows a history of responsible credit use.

Do I lose my rewards points when I close the card?

Yes, most rewards expire when the account closes. Redeem any remaining points before you initiate closure by logging into your account and converting them to a statement credit, cash back, or transfer to a travel partner. Once the account is closed, unredeemed rewards are typically forfeited.

Should I cut up my card right after closing it?

No. Keep the card intact for at least one year in case a dispute arises on a transaction made before closure. You may need the card number or physical card to reference during the dispute process. After a year, you can safely cut it up or shred it.