如何 cancel credit card

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There's more to cancelling a credit card than cutting it up.

You may want to cancel your card to cut back on spending. Or you may have lost it or decided you're not getting enough value from it.

These steps guide you through the process of cancelling your card.

1. Pay off your credit card in full

Your balance must be $0 before you can cancel your credit card. So the first step is to pay off your credit card in full, including any interest or fees.

If you can pay your card off straight away

Talk to your bank or credit provider. See if you can pay off and cancel the card immediately online, over the phone or at a branch.

If you're finding it hard to pay off your card

Contact your bank or credit provider straight away. Or talk to a free financial counsellor. Taking action early stops a small money problem from getting bigger.

If you're transferring your balance to another card

Consider the pros and cons to make sure a credit card balance transfer is the right move for you. If you've transferred your balance before, doing this again may affect your credit score.

If your card is in more than one name

If your card is in joint names, both cardholders are responsible. Both must agree to pay off the credit card before cancelling it.

If you're the primary cardholder, with someone else as a secondary cardholder, you are responsible for paying the card off before cancelling it.

2. Cancel direct debits

If you have direct debits or regular payments, cancel them online or ask your credit provider to do it. Check your credit card account to make sure those payments have stopped.

If you've signed up for a deal or contract

Check your agreement or talk to the service provider before changing your payments.

If you want your payments to continue

Don't forget to set up new payments from another account so you don't get behind.

3. Cancel your card and get confirmation

Cancel online

Log in to your account and follow the instructions.

Cancel over the phone

Call the credit provider and say you want to cancel your credit card.

They'll ask to verify your identity, as only the primary cardholder can close the account.

Make sure you:

  • Make a note of the date and time you called, and the name of the person you spoke to.
  • Follow up with a letter or email confirming your request. Include your account details and who and when you called.

Once your card has been cancelled, your credit card account will be closed. Your credit provider will send you confirmation and a final statement. If you don't get this within a couple of weeks, follow up with them.

4. Ask for a refund if in credit

If you have a credit balance when you close the account, it means the credit provider owes you money. Contact them and ask for a refund. The easiest way is to have that balance transferred to another account.

5. Cut up your card

The last thing to do is to destroy your credit card. Cut it up or shred it so it can't be used by anyone again.

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When you don't want to use a credit card any more, you can close the account. It's usually simple to do this online or over the phone, but there are a few details you need to check before you can completely cancel a card. So, let's take a look at how it works for credit cards in Australia.

5 steps to properly cancel your credit card

Follow these steps to cancel a credit card successfully:

  1. Pay or transfer the outstanding balance. Make sure the balance on the card is $0 so that you can completely close the account.
  2. Use any reward points. Redeem your points for rewards or transfer them to another loyalty program so that you still get value from them.
  3. Cancel direct debits. Avoid penalty charges and other issues by transferring or cancelling direct debits.
  4. Cancel the card. Depending on the provider, you could cancel your credit card over the phone, online or in writing. Make sure you keep a record of the request by taking a screenshot, reference number or copy of the documents.
  5. Destroy the credit card. Once your credit card provider has confirmed the cancellation, cut the card into pieces (for security) and throw it in the bin.

Keep in mind that the actual time it takes to cancel a credit card can vary depending on how long your provider takes to process it.

So if you haven't received any notice of the account closure within 1–2 weeks, follow up with them. Or, if you still bank with them, log into your account to see if the card has been cancelled.

What number do I call when I want to cancel my credit card?

Many credit cards include a phone number on the back that you can call for account enquiries and cancellations. Otherwise, here are details for contacting the major card companies to cancel your card:

ProviderContact informationAvailabilityOther ways to cancel your credit card
American Express 1300 132 639 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Online:
    • Log in to your account.
    • Go to Account Management > Card Management > Cancel Card Account.
  • Request a cancellation using the online chat.
  • Phone: Call the number on the back of your Amex credit card or the general contact number.
ANZ 13 22 73 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Online via ANZ Internet Banking:
    • Log on to your account.
    • Select Contact > Card enquiries > General card enquiries.
  • Online: Using the Decrease credit card limit or close credit card account request online form.
  • Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 3 9683 9999.
  • In person: Visit your nearest branch.
Bank of Melbourne 13 22 66 Monday to Friday:

9:00 am - 8:00 pm

  • Mobile app:
    • Log in to your account.
    • Click on the card you want to close, then select Services > Close account and follow the prompts.
  • Online:
    • Select My Accounts > Card Services > Manage My Accounts.
    • Click on the card you want to close and follow the prompts.
  • Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 3 8536 7870.
  • In person: Visit your nearest branch.
BankSA 13 13 76 Monday to Friday:

9:00 am - 8:00 pm

  • Mobile app:
    • Log in to the app if prompted.
    • Click on the card you want to close, then select Services > Close account and follow the prompts.
  • Online:
    • Log in to your account.
    • Select My Accounts > Card Services > Manage My Accounts.
    • Click on the card you want to close and follow the prompts.
  • Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 9155 7850
  • In person: Visit your nearest branch.
Bankwest 13 17 19 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Mobile app:
    • Click on the card you want to close, then select Manage > Close account.
  • Online:
    • Log in to your account.
    • Click on the card you want to close, then select See more account details > Close account.
  • In person: Visit your nearest branch.
Citi 13 24 84 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Online:
    • Log in to your account.
    • Go to Credit card services > Manage my account > Account closure request and follow the prompts.
  • Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 8225 0615.
Coles 1300 306 397 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Online:
    • Log in to your account.
    • Go to Manage My Card > Account closure request and follow the prompts.
Commonwealth Bank 13 22 21 Monday to Friday:

9:00 am - 5:30 pm

  • CommBank App:
    • Log on to your account
    • Select "Accounts" then choose your credit card.
    • Tap "Manage Account" then "Close credit card account".
    • To know whether you’re eligible, read the “Things to know about closing your credit card account”
    • Click on “Continue” at the bottom then “Close account”.
  • Online via Netbank:
    • Log on to your account.
    • Select “View accounts” then choose your credit card using the drop-down menu.
    • Click the “Account settings” drop-down.
    • Choose “Close my credit card account”.
    • To know whether you’re eligible, read the “Things to know about closing your credit card account”
    • Click on “Continue” at the bottom then “Close account”.
  • Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 9999 3283.
  • In person: Visit your nearest branch.
HSBC 132 152 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Online:
    • Log in to your account.
    • Go to Credit Cards Online > Manage your Account > My Cards > Close my Credit Card Account.
    • Follow the prompts to complete the cancellation process.
  • Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +612 9005 8511.
  • For HSBC Premier customers: Call the HSBC Premier Centre on 1300 301 168. If calling from overseas, dial +612 9005 8192.
Latitude Financial Services 1300 552 079 Monday to Friday:

8:30am - 6pm (AEST)

  • Mobile app:
    • Open the app and tap on the card you want to close.
    • Go to the Menu and select Manage account > Close account request.
    • Follow the prompts to complete the cancellation.
  • Online: Fill in the request form found on the Latitude Financial Services website.
  • Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 287 478 178.
NAB 13 22 65 Monday to Friday:

8:00am - 7:00pm, or

Saturday:

7:00am - 6:00pm, or

Sunday:

9:00am - 6:00pm

  • Online:
    • Log in to your account.
    • Go to Cards and click on the card you want to close.
    • Select Manage your card > How to close your account and follow the prompts using NAB's secure chat service.
  • Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 3 8641 9083.
  • In person: Visit your nearest branch.
Qantas Money 1300 992 700 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Online:
    • Log in to your account.
    • Click on the card, then select "Close account" and follow the prompts.
  • Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 8222 2569.
St.George 13 33 30 Monday to Saturday:

9:00am - 8:00pm

  • Mobile app:
    • Log in to your account.
    • Tap the card you want to cancel, then click on Services > Close account and follow the prompts.
  • Online:
    • Log in to your account.
    • Select My Accounts > Card Services > Manage My Accounts.
    • Click on the card you want to close and follow the prompts.
  • Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 9155 7800.
  • In person: Visit your nearest branch.
Virgin Money 13 37 39 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Online:
    • Log in to your account and select Services from the top menu bar.
    • Select Card Services > Manage my Account > Account Closure Request and follow the prompts.
  • Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 8288 2222
Westpac 132 032 Monday to Sunday:

8:00am - 8:00pm

  • New Westpac app:
    • Tap the card you want to close.
    • Tap the Information icon > Close account.
  • Classic Westpac app:
    • Tap the card you want to close.
    • Tap Services > Close credit card account and follow the prompts.
  • Online:
    • Go to Service > Services > Account Services.
    • Select Close an account, click on the card you want to close and follow the prompts.
  • Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 9155 7700.
  • In person: Visit your nearest branch.
Woolworths 1300 10 1234 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Online:
    • Log in to your account.
    • Click on the credit card, then Account details > Close account and follow the prompts.
  • Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 8276 0144.

What else should I think about before cancelling my credit card?

If you're getting ready to close your credit card account, keep the following details in mind to make the process as smooth as possible.

  • Annual fees. If your credit card has an annual fee, check when it is due to be charged so you can avoid paying it before you close your account. You can do this by looking at your account history or asking the credit card company.
  • Applying for a new credit card. If your plan is to cancel one card and apply for another one, think about how long it's been since you last applied for a credit card. If it's been less than 12 months, keep in mind that applying for a few cards in a short amount can have a negative impact on your credit history.
  • Bad credit. Poor creditworthiness is bound to affect your ability to get a credit card in the future. So if you already have a lot of debt, you may want to hold off on cancelling your card while you focus on paying down your debts. This strategy can help improve your chances of approval for a new card down the track.

Compare new credit card offers

If you're not happy with your current card but still want one on hand, you could find a better option by comparing some of the latest credit card offers here.

*The credit card offers on this page are chosen from a range of credit cards available to us and are not representative of all the products available in the market. The use of the terms "best" and "top" are not product ratings and are subject to our disclaimer. There is no perfect order or perfect ranking system for the products we list on our Site, so we provide you with the functionality to self-select, re-order and compare products. The initial display order is influenced by a range of factors including conversion rates, product costs and commercial arrangements, so please don't interpret the listing order as an endorsement or recommendation from us. We're happy to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions, but we'd like you to make your own decisions and compare and assess products based on your own preferences, circumstances and needs.

Frequently asked questions

Why would I cancel my credit card?

There are many different reasons people cancel a credit card. Some of the most common reasons you might want to cancel your card include:

  • If you have an introductory offer or $0 annual fee offer that is about to end.
  • If you want to cut down on your interest charges.
  • If you're not using the benefits of the card (rewards, complimentary insurance etc) and are paying a high annual fee.
  • If you have lost your card or suspect it’s been stolen.
  • If you don't want to be tempted to spend more than you can afford.

Whatever the reason, it is important that you cancel your card properly to avoid more fees and hassles down the track.

I want to cancel two credit cards. Will this have a negative effect on my creditworthiness?

Each time you apply for credit or close a credit account, the details are reflected on your credit file. While lenders might view too many listings as a risk, closing two accounts to minimise available credit is unlikely to hurt your credit score in the long run. Just remember to close the accounts properly so that there are no outstanding debts or defaults for either of the cards.

I cut my credit card up but did not cancel it. Can I get a replacement card?

If you haven't gone through the steps of actually closing your account, you can get a replacement card by calling your credit card provider. Keep in mind that just cutting up a card won't change the fact that your account is active, so fees and charges may still apply even if you don't have a physical card to use for payments.

How will I know when my account has been closed?

The provider will send you confirmation of the account's closure once the process is complete. Save these details in case there is ever any question in the future about the account.

Will I be charged an annual fee when I cancel a credit card?

If you cancel a credit card before the date that your annual fee is charged, you will not have to pay a new annual fee. If you are not sure when the annual fee is charged, contact your provider to find out. You should also make sure that there is no balance on the card.

If you cancel the account online, take a screenshot to confirm the process is complete (or get a reference if you do it over the phone). That way you'll have proof the request was received before the annual fee was charged.

What happens if I don't cancel the card but just never use it?

If you don't use the card but have a balance – including from an annual fee – you will need to make minimum payments by the due date on each statement. Otherwise you could be charged late payment fees, which will add to the account balance.

If the account has no annual fee and no balance, keeping it open won't usually cost you anything. But you should still regularly check the account details to help protect yourself against fraud.

I am getting ready to buy a home, but have been advised to close any credit card accounts that I don't need or use often, why?

One of the items that lenders look into is your available credit, which is usually in the form of personal loans, other mortgages and credit card accounts. Too much credit is considered a risk and can factor into a bank's decision on how much they will lend you for a home loan.

You can use a borrowing power calculator to see how your credit limits will affect the amount of money you can potentially borrow for a home loan.

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Can I just cancel my credit card?

A credit card can be canceled without harming your credit score⁠. To avoid damage to your credit score, paying down credit card balances first (not just the one you're canceling) is key. Closing a charge card won't affect your credit history (history is a factor in your overall credit score).

Can you cancel a credit card at any time?

If your card has an annual fee, there's generally no reason to cancel early. Instead, wait until the annual fee posts to your card's account or just before. Most banks and credit card companies have a grace period of at least 30 days where you can cancel the card and still get the annual fee refunded.

Is it better to cancel unused credit cards or keep them?

In general, it's best to keep unused credit cards open so that you benefit from a longer average credit history and a larger amount of available credit. Credit scoring models reward you for having long-standing credit accounts, and for using only a small portion of your credit limit.

Can you cancel a credit card without paying it off?

You can close a credit card with a balance, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, by closing the credit card you will no longer be able to use the card to make purchases. Second, you are still responsible for paying off the rest of your balance. Third, the outstanding balance can still accrue interest.