Cameron DiGiovanni, Writer
@cdigiovanni20
To cancel a Visa credit card, call the card issuer’s customer service number and ask a representative to cancel the account. Some card issuers, such as Chase, also allow cardholders to cancel a credit card through a secure messaging portal on their website or mobile app. You cannot cancel a credit card directly through Visa, as it is a card network, not a card issuer.
How to Cancel a Visa Card in 4 Steps
- Redeem rewards: Redeem any points, miles, or cashback you've accumulated before canceling, as you may lose them once the account is closed. If there are any supplemental benefits you want to take advantage of, do that as well.
- Pay off the balance: Ensure your credit card balance is paid in full. If this isn't possible, transfer the balance to another card first to avoid fees and interest after cancellation.
- Contact customer service: Call the card issuer’s customer service line and ask to cancel your card or send a cancellation request through the issuer’s secure messaging portal, if available. In most cases, calling the card’s issuer is the best way to cancel a credit card. Decline any retention offers (unless one appeals to you) and confirm cancellation.
- Get confirmation: Ask for written confirmation of the account closure. This is helpful if there’s ever a dispute about whether the account was closed.
Once you’ve confirmed the closure, shred or cut up your card (or return it to the issuer if it’s a metal card) to prevent any potential misuse.
Does Canceling a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?
Canceling a credit card may hurt your credit score a bit, especially if it's an older card. You can use WalletHub’s credit score simulator to see what would happen if you close your account.
If maintaining your score is a priority, you might consider keeping the account open or switching to a no annual fee card instead.
Canceling a Lost or Stolen Visa Card Without Closing Your Account
If your credit card gets lost or stolen, you’ll want to report it right away so the issuer can “cancel” your current physical card and send you a new one. This won’t close your account, but it will provide you with a new card number, expiration date and security code to make sure fraudsters can’t use your old card.
You can call your credit card company’s customer service number and follow the prompts to report your card as lost or stolen. Alternatively, you can call Visa directly at 1-800-847-2911 or use the live chat on their website, and one of their representatives will help you through the process.
You can learn more about how to cancel a credit card and how to report a lost or stolen credit card here on WalletHub.
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You can cancel a credit card before the annual fee is charged if you do it right before the account’s anniversary. The annual fee is charged when the account is opened and on each anniversary. If you want to cancel the card before the first annual fee is charged, you should call customer service before activating the credit card.
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