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Can you close a credit card with a balance?

Yes, some creditors will let you but you’re still on the hook for repayment.

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By

Steven Dashiell

&

Jaclyn Hurst

Updated

Fact checked

Is it possible to close a credit card with a balance?

Yes. Some creditors require you to pay off your balance before closing your account but generally you can close your credit card at any time, even if you still have a balance. Closing your card doesn’t make your balance disappear. You’re still liable for the outstanding balance and you’ll receive a notification from your bank requesting payment.

Your leftover balance will still accrue interest based on your card terms. You’ll want to pay this off as soon as possible – ideally before you close the card in the first place.

See if your bank allows closures despite a balance

Here are the phone numbers of the Big 5 Banks you can call to close your account and verify you can do so with a remaining balance.

IssuerContact number to close your card
TD Bank1 (800) 983-8472
CIBC1 (800) 465-4653
RBC1 (800) 769-2512
Scotiabank1 (800) 387-6466
BMO1 (800) 263-2263

How to close a credit card with a balance

Closing a card with a balance isn’t terribly different from closing a card without a balance. This process may slightly vary from provider to provider, but here’s how to close your card:

  1. Call the number on the back of your credit card.
  2. Speak with a representative and let them know you want to close your card account.
  3. Confirm your personal information, including your name, phone number and address.
  4. The representative should guide you through the rest of the process. It’s here that you’ll likely discuss the matter of payment.
  5. Make sure you cancel any pre-authorized payments linked to the card
  6. Check your final credit card statement to verify there are no additional charges
  7. Check your credit report after 30 days to verify that your account has been closed

Will closing a credit card impact my credit score?

Yes, you can expect your credit score to take a small hit after closing your account. This is because closing a card account negatively impacts your credit utilization ratio and your credit history — two factors used to calculate your credit score. There longer you hold an open account in good standing, the better it is for your credit score. That’s why it’s often more beneficial to simply leave a card account open, even if you’re not using it.

If you don’t want to risk using or losing the card, or if the card has an annual fee, you might consider closing it.

Compare balance transfer cards

If you want to close your credit card account but you still have a balance, consider applying for a balance transfer card. A balance transfer card can let you move your old debt onto a new account with an interest-free period. This will let you repay your debt over time without worrying about interest.

Name Product Balance Transfer Rate Balance Transfer Fee Purchase Interest Rate Annual Fee Min. Credit Score Description
BMO CashBack Mastercard
BMO CashBack Mastercard
0.99% for the first 9 months (then 22.99%)
2%
20.99%
$0
Apply now
More Info
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get 5% cash back on all eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership (up to max. spend of $2,500). Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
Tangerine World Mastercard
Tangerine World Mastercard
1.95% for the first 6 months (then 19.95%)
3%
19.95%
$0
Apply now
More Info
Min. recommended credit score: 600
Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until July 5, 2023. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
1.95% for the first 6 months (then 19.95%)
3%
19.95%
$0
Apply now
More Info
Min. recommended credit score: 600
Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until July 5, 2023. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard
BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard
0.99% for the first 9 months (then 15.99%)
2%
13.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($29 thereafter)
Apply now
More Info
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee. Plus, get the $29 annual fee waived in the first year.
BMO Rewards Mastercard
BMO Rewards Mastercard
0.99% for the first 9 months (then 22.99%)
2%
20.99%
$0
Apply now
Min. recommended credit score: 725
Get a bonus of 10,000 BMO Rewards points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
BMO Cashback Business Mastercard
BMO Cashback Business Mastercard
0% for the first 9 months (then 22.99%)
3%
19.99%
$0
Apply now
More Info
Min. recommended credit score: 650
Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies, cell phone bills and internet bills for 3 months. Plus, get a 0.00% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee. Valid until November 30, 2023.
BMO AIR MILES Mastercard
BMO AIR MILES Mastercard
0.99% for the first 9 months (then 22.99%)
2%
20.99%
$0
Apply now
More Info
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles (enough for $80 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash). Get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
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Is it better to close a credit card with zero balance?

You can expect a similar impact on your credit score when you close your credit card with or without a balance.
Consider closing the card early if you’re worried that you might keep using the credit card when you’re trying to pay off the balance. On the other hand, closing the card after you’re down to zero balance ensures you never have to think about that card account again.

Bottom line

You’re free to close your credit card, even when it has an outstanding balance. Just make sure you have a plan to repay that balance. Consider looking at balance transfer credit cards to pay off that balance interest-free while you close your old card account.

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