If you’re asking how to cancel Chase credit card, you’re probably staring at an annual fee you don’t want, a rewards program you’ve outgrown, or a wallet that’s way too crowded. I’ve been there. The good news: canceling a Chase card is straightforward—if you follow a few smart steps first so you don’t torch your credit score or accidentally forfeit rewards.

What should I do before I cancel a Chase credit card?

Start with tidy housekeeping so you don’t leave money—or credit score points—on the table.

• Redeem or move your rewards. Chase Ultimate Rewards® don’t expire while your account is open, but you lose unredeemed points if you close the card. If you hold another UR-earning Chase card, move points there first; otherwise, cash them out or use them.

• Check automatic payments and credits. Shift subscriptions off the card and clear pending credits so nothing gets stranded. (Chase’s “Stored Cards” tool in the app can help you spot saved payment details.)

• Think about your credit score. Closing a card can increase your utilization and shorten your average account age—both can nudge scores down. If you’re applying for a mortgage or auto loan soon, consider waiting.

• Consider a product change instead. If the fee is the problem, you can often downgrade within the same card family and keep history, credit line, and points.

How to Cancel Chase Credit Card: What’s the exact process?

You’ve got three reliable options—pick what’s easiest for you.

• Call the number on the back of your card.
  This is the fastest, most reliable method. Chase lists 1-800-432-3117 as the general credit card customer service line. Have your card handy for verification.

• Send a secure message after logging in.
  If you prefer not to call, sign in at Chase.com and use the Secure Messages center to request closure in writing. Clear, simple wording works: “Please close my [card name] ending in ____.”

• Mail a written request (less common).
  Include your name, address, last four digits, and a short closure request to:
  Chase Card Services, P.O. Box 15298, Wilmington, DE 19850.

Pro tip: Ask the agent to confirm (1) the account is closed to further charges, (2) the balance payoff instructions (if any), and (3) that you’ll receive written confirmation.

Is there a smarter alternative than canceling outright?

Often, yes—especially if you’re mainly trying to ditch an annual fee.

• Downgrade within the same family. Keep your account age, credit line, and the ability to pool points—just with a lower or no annual fee. You generally must stay within the same card family (e.g., Sapphire ↔ Freedom; co-brands typically swap only within that brand).

• Ask for a fee waiver or retention offer. If value is borderline, call and ask politely. Worst case, they say no.

• Sock-drawer + lock. Prefer to keep history? Lock the card in the app and use it for a tiny charge once a year to reduce inactivity risk.

Will I lose my Chase rewards if I cancel?

Possibly. Here’s the quick logic:

• Ultimate Rewards: Points don’t expire while the account is open, but closing the last UR-earning card means you forfeit any unredeemed points. Move or redeem before you cancel.

• Co-brand cards (e.g., Southwest/Marriott): Points already swept to the airline/hotel typically remain there, but anything not yet transferred could be lost at closure. Check your statement cycle timing. 

How does canceling affect my credit score?

Two main ways:

• Utilization can jump. Lose a chunk of available credit and your utilization ratio can spike, which may ding scores.

• Average age can drop. Closing older accounts shortens your average age of credit over time (closed accounts can remain on reports for years, but they stop aging with you).

If you must cancel, consider paying other balances down first to keep utilization steady.

Step-by-step checklist: How to cancel Chase credit card cleanly

1. Move or redeem all points and cash back. 
2. Update or remove all recurring charges. 
3. Call 1-800-432-3117 (or message securely) to close.
4. Ask for written confirmation of the closure. (Keep it for your records.) 
5. Monitor your next statements and your credit report to verify the update. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I cancel my Chase card if I still have a balance?

Yes. You can close the account to new charges and keep paying the remaining balance under the existing terms. Interest may still accrue until it’s paid off.

2. What’s the fastest way to cancel—phone, message, or mail?

Phone is typically quickest because an agent can verify you and process the request on the spot. Secure message works if you want written documentation from the jump. Mail is slowest and rarely necessary.

3. Will canceling hurt my credit right away?

You may see a short-term dip if utilization rises or you close a long-standing account. If you keep balances low and maintain on-time payments, scores can stabilize.

4. What if I just want to avoid the annual fee?

Ask for a retention offer, or downgrade to a no- or low-fee card within the same family so you keep your history and credit line.

Bottom line: When should I actually cancel a Chase card?

If high fees, overlapping benefits, or lifestyle changes make the card a mismatch—and you’ve already moved points, handled autopays, and considered a downgrade—go ahead and close it. Call 1-800-432-3117 or send a secure message to finish it in minutes. Follow the checklist above, and you’ll know exactly how to cancel Chase credit card without unnecessary fees, lost rewards, or avoidable credit damage.