How to cancel a Santander credit card

You can easily close your Santander credit card, but you can’t do it without calling. Most credit card issuers like for you to call, because it gives them the chance to offer you better card terms and potentially entice you to stay on as a customer.

Steps to cancel your Santander credit card

1. Pay off your balance. You can’t close your card with a balance. If you’re not in a position to pay it off, consider transferring your balance to another card.
2. Redeem your rewards. If you’ve earned rewards with Santander, you’ll lose them by canceling your card.
3. Contact customer service. When you’re ready to cancel, call 877-768-2265 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.

How to call in to cancel

When you call Santander’s customer support at 877-768-2265, expect to hear new offers like interest-free periods, increased credit lines or other bonuses. If you like what you hear, consider keeping your Santander card and instead canceling another in its place.

If you’re determined to close your account, decline any offers and prepare to:

• Provide your credit card and account information.
• State your reason for canceling the card — any reason will work.
• Write down the representative’s ID and name, which you may need for your confirmation letter.

Will canceling my Santander credit card affect my credit score?

Canceling your Santander credit card might affect your credit score. Before canceling, consider:

• Your overall credit utilization. If you have a low utilization ratio — say, 20% or less — and a solid credit score, closing your card won’t affect your score by much. But closing a card increases your utilization across your cards, which can lower your credit score.
• Solution. Signing up for another card can increase your overall available credit and lower your utilization level. Note that a hard pull on your credit that’s part of taking on a new card can temporarily drop your credit score.
• Your plans to apply for a loan. Canceling a card with a high credit limit could lower your credit score, which might result in a less competitive rates or terms on a loan you’re looking to apply for soon.
• Solution. Signing up for another card can increase your overall available credit and lower your utilization level. Note that a hard pull on your credit that’s part of taking on a new card can temporarily drop your credit score.

After you’ve canceled your Santander credit card

Tie up your cancellation by sending a letter to Santander that confirms:

• Your name and address.
• Your credit card number.
• The date that you called to cancel.
• The name and ID of the representative you talked to.
• Request for an account closure confirmation letter.

Send your letter to Santander’s notice address at:

Credit Card Inquiries
Santander Bank
MA1-MB3 01-09
PO Box 841002
Boston, MA 02284

Now that you’ve closed your Santander card, compare top credit cards to find the best rates, terms and rewards you’re eligible for.

Looking for a new card?

Whether or not you decide to close your Santander credit card, you might want to consider a better one. The right card can help you boost your credit score while better fitting your spending and lifestyle.

Should I get a credit card from my bank or a different one?