How to cancel a credit card?

[alenaghose]

I’m thinking about closing one of my credit cards, but I’ve never actually canceled a card before. What’s the proper way to do it so it doesn’t hurt my credit more than necessary? Do you just call the issuer, or are there extra steps like paying the balance down first, redeeming rewards, or getting written confirmation? Also, is there anything I should avoid doing when canceling a card?

 

[Oscar]

To cancel a credit card, call your card issuer's customer service, pay the remaining balance, request to close your account, redeem any rewards, and get written confirmation. Some time later, verify your credit report shows the account as "closed."

 

[John Smith]

To cancel a credit card, log in to your account (online or via app) and navigate to the account or customer-service section. Alternatively, call the card issuer’s customer-service number and request account closure. Before closing, pay any outstanding balance, redeem rewards, and ensure no automatic payments are pending — then get confirmation in writing or via email.

 

[Peter]

To cancel a credit card, first pay off or transfer any remaining balance. Next, redeem any rewards, then call the card issuer’s customer service and request cancellation. Ask for written confirmation of the closure. Finally, cut up the physical card and check your credit report after a few weeks to ensure the account shows as closed.