{"id":742867,"date":"2018-08-01T02:52:04","date_gmt":"2018-08-01T06:52:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/ca\/?p=742867"},"modified":"2026-05-01T16:49:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T20:49:19","slug":"how-to-cancel-a-credit-card","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/ca\/credit-cards\/how-to-cancel-a-credit-card","title":{"rendered":"How to cancel your credit card"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here are the steps you need to take in order to safely close your credit card account and cancel a credit card. Learn more about the process in our guide below.<\/p>

How to cancel a credit card in 7 easy steps<\/h3>
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1. Pay the outstanding balance<\/h4>

Avoid closing a credit card with a balance. If you try to close an account with an outstanding balance, the bank could increase the interest rate or demand full and immediate payment. If you plan on transferring your balance to a new card, wait until the transfer has gone through before your close the card.<\/p>

2. Transfer any reward points<\/h4>

If your card offers rewards, redeem or transfer them to another eligible account before you request to cancel the card. Once you close the account, all unclaimed points are forfeited. Depending on the type of rewards program, you may even be able to use your points to pay off the remaining balance on your card.<\/p>

3. Cancel direct debits<\/h4>

To prevent reactivating your card, cancel all existing direct debits linked to your credit card. Even if you\u2019ve requested for an account to be closed, a direct debit could reactivate a canceled card. You also don\u2019t want to be penalized if an automatic bill payment fails to go through because your card is cancelled.<\/p>

4. Cancel your credit card<\/h4>

Once you\u2019re ready to cancel your card, the provider will likely require you to call them directly. Most providers want to talk to you to offer lower APR or annual fees to get you to stay with them. Once you cancel, make a record of the date, time, and name of the representative you speak with.<\/p>

While becoming less and less common, some providers require that you send a written request to cancel your credit card. Ask for the address over the phone, and include your credit card number and account number in the letter. You should receive a letter confirming the closure of the account.<\/p>

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5. Check for future statements<\/h4>

Try to log into your account or go through your credit card statements following your request to make sure that the card is definitely canceled.<\/p>

6. Confirmation<\/b><\/h4>

You should receive a cancellation confirmation by mail or email. If you don\u2019t, follow up with your lender using details from your first phone call.<\/p>

7. Destroy your credit card<\/h4>

While you may be tempted to cut up your credit card as soon as you get off the phone, it\u2019s best to wait until you\u2019ve received confirmation that your account has been closed, just in case there was an error in the process and you still need to reference the card number.<\/p>

When you are ready to destroy your card, cut the card into tiny pieces to make it impossible for anyone to piece it back together. You can even discard the pieces at different times or places. Remember to destroy not only your card, but also all cards given to any authorized users on your account.<\/p>

Can you cancel a credit card online?<\/h3>

In general, no. In order to cancel your credit card you\u2019ll likely have to talk to a bank representative over the phone at some point in the process. However, you might be able to at least get started online by sending a secured message through your online account login:<\/p>

  1. Log in to your online banking account.<\/li>
  2. Click Send a Secure Message<\/b>. You may find this option in your Message or Notifications centre.<\/li>
  3. Send a message to the customer service department. Include your credit card number and a brief message stating that you want to close your account.<\/li>
  4. A customer service representative will likely contact you by phone to finish the process and close out your account.<\/li><\/ol><\/div><\/article>

    Contact numbers to cancel a credit card over the phone<\/h3>

    You can cancel your credit card by phoning your provider directly. Below we\u2019ve listed the phone numbers of some of the most popular credit card providers in Canada. You can also try calling the number on the back of your credit card.<\/p>
    Credit card provider<\/th>Phone number to cancel credit card<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    American Express<\/td>1-800-528-4800<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    BMO<\/td>1-800-263-2263<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    CIBC<\/td>1-800-465-4653<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    MBNA<\/td>1-888-876-6262<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    RBC<\/td>1-800-769-2512<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Scotiabank<\/td> 1-866-267-4935<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Tangerine<\/td>1-888-826-4374<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    TD<\/td>1-800-983-2582<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    National Bank<\/td>1-888-622-2783<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Capital One<\/td>1-800-481-3239<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    Brim Financial<\/td>1-866-305-2746<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    PC Financial<\/td>1-866-246-7262<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    HBC (Hudson\u2019s Bay card)<\/td>1-800-263-2599<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
    ATB<\/td>1-888-282-5678<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

    What if I get offered a better interest rate, lower fees or other perks?<\/h4>

    If you\u2019re simply interested in a lower APR or annual fee, tell the bank representatives. You may be surprised at what they\u2019ll give you. If the offered perks don\u2019t solve your issues with the card and you still want to cancel, stick to \u201cno.\u201d You may need to assert your decision several times before the bank representative processes your request. Knowing beforehand what your reasons are for closing the account and whether you\u2019re open to changing your mind will help you avoid making a decision you\u2019ll regret later.<\/p><\/div><\/article>

    How to cancel a credit card without calling<\/h3>

    If your credit card provider has physical branch locations, you can visit a branch and attempt to cancel the card in person. Still, some banks may not offer in-person card cancellation services, but will rather direct you to call their credit card department.<\/p>

    Unfortunately, most credit card issuers don\u2019t allow you to cancel a credit card online or through their mobile app.<\/p>

    As a general rule, banks want to talk to you in person so they can try to persuade you to keep your credit card or switch to another one of their products. A representative may attempt to persuade you to stay on by offering you enticing perks. You may even be transferred to the bank\u2019s customer retention division, where yet another representative will try to convince you to keep your credit card account open. So if you\u2019re dead set on canceling the cards, be ready to stand your ground.<\/p>

    Can I cancel my credit card simply by not using it, letting it expire or cutting it up?<\/h4>

    No. According to the Canadian government<\/a>, you\u2019re responsible for any outstanding balance left on the account even if you don\u2019t have access to your card anymore or fail to use it. Beware of any consequences you may face from not using your card such as inactivity fees or automatic account closure. Check your cardholder agreement or phone your card issuer\u2019s customer service to learn which policies may apply to you.<\/p>

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    What to do before you cancel a credit card<\/h3>

    Here are a couple other things to consider before closing your account:<\/p>