Call Amex directly to cancel, or write to them in a letter

American Express handles cancellations by phone or mail. The fastest route is calling the customer service number on the back of your card — they can process the cancellation immediately and confirm it in writing. If you prefer not to call, you can write a letter to Amex requesting cancellation, though this takes longer and you should keep a copy for your records.

Before you cancel, check whether you have an annual fee coming due soon. If your renewal date is within the next month or two, cancelling now may save you that charge. Also review any rewards points or cash back you have accumulated — some cards let you redeem these after cancellation, but policies vary by card type.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on the back of your Amex card to cancel immediately, or send a written request by mail if you prefer a paper trail.
  • Redeem any rewards points or cash back before you cancel, as some cards do not let you use them after the account closes.
  • Ask Amex to confirm the cancellation in writing so you have proof the account is closed.
  • Check your credit report a few weeks after cancellation to make sure the card shows as closed by you, not by the company.

What happens to your rewards and cash back

Amex policies on rewards vary by card. Some cards let you redeem points or cash back after you cancel, while others require you to use them before the account closes. Call before you cancel and ask specifically whether you can redeem after closure — do not assume either way.

If you have a large balance of points or cash back, consider redeeming it first, then cancelling. This avoids the risk of losing value if Amex's policy on post-cancellation redemption changes or if your specific card has restrictions you were not aware of.

Paying off any balance before you cancel

If you carry a balance on the card, you must pay it off before Amex will close the account. You can continue making payments after cancellation if needed — closing the account does not stop you from paying what you owe — but Amex will not formally close it while a balance remains.

Pay the full balance, then call to cancel. If you have a promotional rate on the balance (such as 0% for 12 months), check when that rate expires before you cancel, because cancelling does not stop interest from accruing once the promotional period ends.

How cancellation affects your credit score

Closing a credit card can lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your total available credit and may increase your credit utilization ratio on other cards. The impact is usually small and temporary — your score typically recovers within a few months. If you are planning to apply for a mortgage or loan soon, you may want to wait until after that application before cancelling.

The cancellation itself does not hurt your score. What matters is how it changes the ratio of credit you are using to credit available to you. If you have other cards with low balances, the impact is usually minimal.

Confirming the cancellation in writing

After you cancel by phone, ask Amex to send you written confirmation that the account is closed. This protects you if there is ever a dispute about whether the cancellation went through. Keep this confirmation with your financial records.

If you cancel by mail, send your letter to the address Amex provides for account services (usually found on your statement or their website). Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the letter arrived. Wait at least two weeks, then call to confirm the cancellation was processed.

Checking your credit report after cancellation

A few weeks after you cancel, check your credit report to make sure the card shows as closed by you (sometimes listed as "closed by consumer" or "account closed at consumer's request"). You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official government site for this purpose.

If the card shows as closed by Amex instead of by you, contact the credit bureau and ask them to correct it. This distinction can matter if you are applying for credit later, because "closed by consumer" looks better than "closed by creditor."

What to do if you want to cancel but keep the account open

If you want to stop using the card but do not want to close the account, you can simply stop charging to it. Amex may close inactive accounts after a long period of no use, but this is not immediate. Keeping the account open preserves your available credit and can help your credit score, since older accounts with good payment history are valuable.

If you want to keep the account open but do not want to pay an annual fee, call Amex and ask if they will waive it. They sometimes will, especially if you have been a long-time customer or have a high credit score. This is worth asking before you cancel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my Amex card online?

Amex does not offer online cancellation through their website or app. You must call or send a written request by mail. Calling is faster and gives you immediate confirmation.

What if I have pending charges on the card when I cancel?

Pending charges will still post to the account after cancellation. The account will remain open until you pay the balance in full. Make sure all charges have posted and you have paid them before you cancel, or be prepared to continue making payments after the account closes.

Will cancelling hurt my credit score?

Cancelling may lower your score slightly because it reduces available credit, but the impact is usually temporary and small. The effect is worse if you carry high balances on other cards. If you are applying for a loan or mortgage soon, consider waiting to cancel until after that application.

How long does it take for the cancellation to show up on my credit report?

It typically takes two to four weeks for the cancellation to appear on your credit report. Check after a month to make sure it shows correctly. If it does not appear or shows incorrectly, contact the credit bureau to request a correction.

Can I reopen my Amex card after I cancel it?

Amex may let you reopen a closed account within a certain period, but this is not may provide. If you think you might want the card again, ask Amex about their policy before you cancel. If you cancel and later want to reopen, you may have to apply as a new customer.