Considering cancelling your American Express card in the UK? Whether you're looking to simplify your finances, reduce annual fees, or switch to a different card, the process is straightforward but requires a few careful steps to ensure a smooth transition. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cancel your Amex card effectively, from preparing your account to confirming the closure.
Step 1: Are You Sure About This? Consider Your Reasons Before You Act!
Before you pick up the phone or log in to your account, take a moment to reflect on why you're considering cancelling your American Express card. Is it the annual fee? Are you not using the benefits? Do you have another card that better suits your needs?
It's important to understand your motivations because American Express might try to retain you as a customer, sometimes offering incentives like a waived annual fee, a better interest rate, or bonus points. If your primary reason for cancelling is a specific concern, they might be able to address it.
Ask yourself:
Am I willing to consider alternatives, such as switching to a different Amex card with lower fees or different benefits?
Have I maximised all the benefits and rewards associated with my current card?
Step 2: Prepare Your Account for Cancellation
Preparation is key to a hassle-free cancellation process. This involves taking care of your outstanding balance, redeeming rewards, and updating any linked payments.
Sub-heading: Clear Your Outstanding Balance in Full
This is perhaps the most crucial step. You must clear any outstanding balance on your American Express card before you can close the account. Failing to do so can have significant negative consequences for your credit score, potentially leading to a default listing.
Check your latest statement: Ensure you know the exact amount you owe.
Make the payment: Pay the full amount via your usual method (bank transfer, direct debit, etc.).
Allow time for processing: Payments can take a few business days to clear. It's wise to wait until your online account shows a £0 balance before proceeding with the cancellation.
Sub-heading: Redeem Your Membership Rewards Points
If your American Express card participates in the Membership Rewards program, now is the time to redeem any accumulated points! Once your account is closed, you might forfeit any unredeemed points.
Log in to your Amex online account: Navigate to the Membership Rewards section.
Explore redemption options: You can typically redeem points for statement credit, gift cards, travel, or transfer them to airline or hotel loyalty programs. Choose the option that provides the most value to you.
Confirm redemption: Ensure your points are redeemed or transferred before you initiate the cancellation.
Sub-heading: Cancel or Update Recurring Payments
Many people link their credit cards to automated payments for subscriptions, bills, or services. Don't forget to update these!
Review your recent statements: Identify any recurring payments charged to your American Express card.
Update payment details: Contact each service provider directly and switch your payment method to another card or bank account.
Verify the change: Double-check with the service providers that the payment details have been successfully updated to avoid service interruptions or missed payments.
Sub-heading: Cut Up Supplementary Cards ✂️
If you have issued any supplementary cards to family members or others, ensure they are aware of the impending cancellation. Collect these cards and cut them up along with your primary card once the account is officially closed. The primary cardmember is liable for all spend on supplementary cards.
Step 3: Contact American Express UK to Initiate Cancellation
Once your account is prepared, you're ready to contact American Express to formally request the closure of your card. There are a few ways to do this in the UK:
Sub-heading: The Recommended Method: Phone Call ☎️
American Express generally prefers that you call to cancel your card. This allows them an opportunity to discuss your reasons for cancelling and potentially offer you incentives to stay.
Have your details ready: Keep your American Express card number, account details, and a form of identification handy.
Call the customer service number: The general customer service number for American Express UK is 0800 917 8047. This line is typically available 24/7. If you're calling from abroad, use +44 (0)1273 696 933.
State your intention clearly: When you connect with a representative, clearly state that you wish to cancel your American Express card.
Be prepared for retention offers: The representative might ask about your reasons for cancelling and could offer various incentives. Be firm if you're set on cancelling, but polite and open if you're willing to consider their offers.
Request confirmation: Crucially, ask the representative for confirmation that your account will be closed and request a confirmation letter or email. Make a note of the date, time of the call, and the name/ID of the representative you spoke with. This information can be invaluable if any issues arise later.
Sub-heading: Online Chat Option
While calling is often preferred for cancellation, some sources suggest you might be able to initiate the process via online chat if you have an online account.
Log in to your American Express online account.
Look for the "Live Chat" or "Help & Support" section.
Initiate a chat with a customer service representative and clearly state your intention to cancel your card.
Be sure to get a transcript of the chat or save a screenshot of the conversation as proof of your request. Again, ask for confirmation of account closure.
Sub-heading: By Mail (Less Common and Slower) ✉️
While possible, cancelling by mail is the slowest and least recommended method, as it lacks the immediate confirmation and opportunity for discussion that a phone call or chat provides.
Draft a formal letter: Include your full name, address, American Express card number, and a clear statement requesting the closure of your account.
Request a confirmation letter: Explicitly ask American Express to send you a written confirmation of your account closure.
Send it to: American Express 1 John Street Brighton East Sussex BN88 1NH
Keep a copy: Make a copy of the letter before you send it. Consider sending it via recorded delivery for proof of postage and receipt.
Step 4: Follow Up and Confirm Account Closure ✅
Your work isn't done just yet! It's vital to follow up to ensure your card account has been successfully closed.
Sub-heading: Monitor Your Account and Statements
Check your online account: Periodically log in to your American Express online account to confirm that the card is no longer active and shows a £0 balance.
Look for a final statement: You should receive a final statement confirming the account closure. Review it carefully for any unexpected charges.
Sub-heading: Confirm in Writing ✍️
Even if you received verbal confirmation or a chat transcript, it's always a good idea to receive written confirmation from American Express that your account has been closed. This serves as important documentation in case of any future discrepancies.
If you didn't explicitly request a confirmation letter during your initial contact, consider following up with a quick phone call or chat to request one.
Sub-heading: Securely Dispose of Your Card
Once you have confirmed the account is closed, it's crucial to securely dispose of your physical card.
Shred it: Use a cross-cut shredder if available.
Cut it into small pieces: If you don't have a shredder, cut through the magnetic strip, chip, and card number in multiple places.
Dispose of pieces separately: Scatter the pieces across different rubbish bins to prevent anyone from reconstructing the card.
Step 5: Understand the Potential Impact on Your Credit Score
Cancelling a credit card can sometimes have a minor, temporary impact on your credit score, but it's not always a major concern, especially if you have a good credit history otherwise.
Credit Utilisation Ratio: Closing a card reduces your overall available credit. If you have balances on other cards, your credit utilisation ratio (the amount of credit you're using compared to your total available credit) might increase. A higher utilisation ratio can negatively affect your score.
Length of Credit History: The average age of your credit accounts is a factor in your credit score. Closing an older card might slightly shorten your average credit history, which could have a small negative effect.
Credit Mix: Having a variety of credit types (credit cards, loans, mortgages) can be positive for your score. Closing a card might slightly alter your credit mix.
Generally, if you have a strong credit history, a low credit utilisation on your other cards, and other active credit accounts, the impact of cancelling one card is likely to be minimal and short-lived. If you're concerned, consider opening a new credit card before cancelling your Amex to maintain your available credit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Check My American Express Balance Before Cancelling?
You can check your American Express balance by logging into your online account on the American Express UK website or via the Amex mobile app. Your current balance will be prominently displayed.
How to Redeem American Express Membership Rewards Points?
Log in to your American Express online account and navigate to the "Membership Rewards" section. From there, you'll see various options to redeem your points, such as for statement credit, gift cards, travel, or transfers to partner loyalty programs.
How to Cancel a Direct Debit for My American Express Card?
You can cancel a Direct Debit by contacting your bank or building society directly, either through their online banking portal, mobile app, or by phone. It's also advisable to inform American Express that you're cancelling the Direct Debit. Ensure you do this at least one full business day before the payment is due.
How to Find My American Express Customer Service Number in the UK?
The general customer service number for American Express in the UK is 0800 917 8047. This number is also typically found on the back of your physical American Express card.
How to Get a Refund on My American Express Annual Fee After Cancellation?
American Express typically offers a pro-rata refund of your annual fee if you cancel your card partway through your membership year. This means you'll receive a refund for the unused portion of the year for which you've already paid.
How to Cancel a Supplementary American Express Card?
The primary cardholder can cancel supplementary cards by contacting American Express customer service by phone or potentially via online chat. You will need to provide the details of the supplementary card you wish to cancel.
How to Confirm My American Express Card is Fully Closed?
After initiating cancellation, monitor your online account to see if it shows as closed and has a zero balance. Crucially, request a written confirmation letter or email from American Express during your cancellation call or chat, and keep this for your records.
How to Prevent My Credit Score from Being Affected by Card Cancellation?
To minimise impact, pay off your balance in full before cancelling. If possible, consider opening a new credit card before cancelling your Amex to maintain your overall available credit. Also, ensure you have a strong credit history with other accounts.
How to Dispose of My Cancelled American Express Card Safely?
Once your account is confirmed closed, cut the card into multiple small pieces, ensuring the magnetic strip, chip, and card number are completely destroyed. If possible, use a cross-cut shredder. Dispose of the pieces in different waste bins.
How to Reinstate a Cancelled American Express Card?
Once a cancellation has been submitted, it cannot typically be reversed directly. If you inadvertently cancelled your card and wish to reinstate it, you would need to contact American Express customer service immediately to discuss your options, which might involve applying for a new card.
