How to Cancel a Chase Credit Card (2026 Guide)

Updated February 2026 · Downgrade to avoid the annual fee instead

Better Option: Product Change (Downgrade)

Common downgrades:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95/yr) → Chase Freedom Unlimited (no fee, 1.5% back)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550/yr) → Chase Freedom Flex (no fee, rotating 5% categories)
• United Explorer ($95/yr) → United Gateway (no fee)
• Southwest Priority ($149/yr) → Southwest Plus ($69/yr) or cancel

Call the number on the back of your card and say "I'd like to product change my card to [no-fee version]." Takes 5 minutes.

If You Want to Close: Pre-Cancellation Checklist

• Redeem all points: Transfer to travel partners, cash out, or use in the portal. Points are forfeited at closure.
• Pay off the balance: Account must be at $0 (or you must pay upon closing)
• Move autopay: Update any subscriptions billing to this card
• Use remaining credits: If you have a Sapphire Reserve, use your $300 travel credit and Priority Pass before closing
• Check the annual fee date: If your fee just posted, you have 30-41 days to get it refunded upon closure

How to Close Your Chase Card

1. Call the number on the back of your card (or use numbers above)
2. Say "close my account" to the automated system
3. The agent will likely offer a retention deal — annual fee waiver, bonus points, or spending credit
4. If you still want to close, confirm: "Please close my account effective immediately"
5. Ask for written confirmation by mail
6. Check your credit report in 30-60 days to verify it shows "Closed by consumer"

Can You Cancel Online?

Chase now offers Secure Messaging for some account closure requests:

1. Log in to chase.com
2. Go to the Secure Message Center
3. Send a message requesting account closure
4. Include: card ending in XXXX, request to close, and that you want written confirmation

Not all closure requests are processed via message — they may ask you to call instead.

Credit Score Impact

• Utilization spike: If this card has a high limit, closing it reduces your total available credit — potentially increasing your utilization ratio significantly
• History length: The closed account stays on your report for 10 years, but eventually drops off
• Mitigation: Before closing, ask Chase to transfer the credit limit to another Chase card you're keeping

Chase 5/24 Rule — Why Timing Matters

Chase denies new card applications if you've opened 5+ credit cards (any issuer) in the past 24 months. Closing a card does NOT remove it from your 5/24 count — it stays for 24 months from when you opened it. Plan accordingly if you want future Chase cards.