Can you reopen a closed credit card?

Yes, you can reopen a credit card account that has been closed, in some cases, depending on the issuer, how long it’s been since the account was closed, and why it was closed. You can call the issuer’s customer service line to find out whether you can reopen your card, but you typically only have about a month to act.

How to Reopen a Closed Credit Card

1. Figure out why the account was closed.

Your card’s issuer might have closed your account due to missed payments, account inactivity, a breach of your credit card agreement, or bankruptcy. Knowing the reason can help you figure out how realistic reopening really is and whether it’s worth trying, as well as make it easier to explain the situation and negotiate with a representative. If you closed the account yourself, you can simply proceed to the next step.

2. Call customer service.

If you still have your card, the customer service number is on the back. If not, you can find it on the issuer’s website. Once you get connected, follow the prompts to speak with a representative.

3. Provide your personal info.

The issuer will need to find your old account in its records, so you’ll need to give them information such as your name, Social Security number, and address.

4. Explain your situation.

Tell the representative why your account was closed and why you’d like to reopen it. Also, give any information they ask for about your financial situation, such as your updated income.

5. Authorize a credit pull, if necessary.

The issuer may need to do a hard pull of your credit before it can approve reopening your account. This could lead to a temporary dip in your credit score. Keep in mind that your score may have already dropped recently due to your account closing.

Credit Card Issuers’ Account Reopening Policies

Different credit card issuers have different policies about whether you can reopen a closed credit card account. You can see how some of the biggest credit card companies handle things below.

American Express: You cannot reopen an account once it’s been closed. You will need to submit a new application for that same card.

Bank of America: Once your account is closed, it is considered final, and the only option is to apply for a new card, if you are eligible.

Barclays: Contact customer service to see if your account can be reopened. If you voluntarily closed the account, you could reopen it without a hard pull if you ask within 15 days.

Capital One: Reopening a closed account is rare, regardless of the reason it was closed. The best alternative is to apply for a new credit card, though there’s no guarantee you’ll be approved.

Chase: If you voluntarily closed an account, but it was active in the last three months, it may be reopened without an application or hard inquiry if you ask within 30 days. If Chase closed the account, the account was inactive at the time it was closed, or has been inactive for more than 30 days, you will have to re-apply for the card.

Citi: Contact customer service within 30 days of closing the account and request a review. If after the review you are unable to reopen your account, you will have to apply for a new card.

U.S. Bank: You can reopen an account without having to reapply if you make the request within 30 days of closing the account. After that, you will need to submit another application.

Wells Fargo: If you want to reopen a closed account, you must submit a new application for the card.

Does a Closed Credit Card Hurt Your Credit?

Closing a credit card could hurt your credit score, as it may raise your credit utilization and reduce the length of your credit history, both of which can negatively affect your credit score. You’ll also have one fewer source adding positive information to your credit reports each month, assuming the account was in good standing. If you’re concerned about your credit score, you can use WalletHub’s free credit score simulator to see what impact closing a credit card may have.

On the flipside, reopening a closed credit card may help your credit score long-term. It can potentially raise your total available credit and lower your credit utilization, as well as contribute new positive info to your report each month if you continue to use your account responsibly.

How to Prevent Your Credit Card From Being Closed

To avoid having your credit card closed by the issuer, use the card occasionally and make your payments on time. Credit card issuers may close an account after extended periods of inactivity or irresponsible account use such as missed payments or maxing out your card’s credit limit.

You should also think twice about closing a credit card on your own, unless it’s a card with expensive fees that you no longer want to pay, as keeping your account open will help you build a longer credit history.

Should You Reopen a Closed Credit Card?

You should consider reopening a closed credit card because maintaining an older, established account can boost the average age of your accounts and lower your credit utilization ratio. Reopening a closed account is not guaranteed to work, though.

Calling customer service definitely is a wise move if your account was closed due to inactivity (i.e., you didn’t use your card for a long time). You may have luck if you say you’ll resume using the card again if the account is reopened. And if you voluntarily closed your own account and then changed your mind, you might be able to get it reopened, too.

But if your card was closed because you committed fraud or other illicit activities, you obviously won’t be allowed to reopen it. Basically, anything that violates the card’s terms and conditions results in permanent closing.

Alternatives to Reopening a Closed Credit Card

If you can’t reopen a closed credit card, you may be able to simply reapply for the same card you had. If you’re approved, this will appear on your credit report as a completely new account, and it may have a completely different APR and credit limit from your old account.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to undergo a new hard pull when you reapply, which will likely drop your credit score by around 5 points. In addition, some issuers might have a waiting period before you can apply again for a card you’ve owned recently.

The other alternative is to apply for a completely different credit card. Make sure to check your credit score to get a better idea of what cards you can qualify for. Then, check out WalletHub’s picks for the best credit cards to start your search.

If you act fast, and call their help line, some issuers will. In most cases, though, they'll tell you to re-apply.

That depends on each issuer's terms. But I think you'll have to open a new card for most of them.

You can open a new Atlas account (with a different email address) should you change your mind. However, once closed you cannot reopen the same account.