So, you're considering cancelling your American Express card in the UK? Perhaps you've found a better offer, are looking to simplify your finances, or no longer need the benefits it provides. Whatever your reason, it's a decision that requires a bit of thought and a structured approach to ensure a smooth transition. Don't worry, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, helping you navigate the process with confidence!
How to Cancel Your American Express Card UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cancelling a credit card, especially one with the perks and history of an Amex, isn't just about making a phone call. There are several crucial considerations and actions to take before and during the cancellation process to protect your finances and credit score.
Step 1: Engage and Evaluate - Why Are You Really Cancelling?
Before you even think about picking up the phone or logging online, let's take a moment to reflect. Are you absolutely certain you want to cancel? Sometimes, a quick chat with Amex customer service might reveal alternatives you hadn't considered, like a product change to a card with a lower (or no) annual fee, or a retention offer that makes keeping the card worthwhile.
Consider these questions:
Is it the annual fee? Amex might offer a fee waiver or a downgrade option.
Are you not using the benefits? Perhaps another Amex card better suits your spending habits.
Are you consolidating debt? Cancelling might not be the best first step.
Are you simply decluttering your wallet? A product change could maintain your credit history.
Understanding your "why" will help you determine if cancellation is truly the best path or if other options might serve you better in the long run.
Step 2: Clear Your Balance and Redeem Your Rewards
This is a critical pre-cancellation step. You cannot cancel a card with an outstanding balance. Ensure all your transactions have cleared and pay off your entire balance, including any pending charges.
Sub-heading: Settle Your Outstanding Balance
Check your latest statement: Make sure you account for all recent purchases.
Pay off the full amount: Transfer funds to cover your entire balance. You don't want any surprises after you've cancelled!
Consider an overpayment: Some people choose to overpay slightly to ensure all minor charges are covered, and any small credit balance will be refunded later.
Sub-heading: Maximise Your Membership Rewards Points
American Express Membership Rewards points are valuable! If you cancel your card without another Amex card that earns Membership Rewards, you risk losing all your accumulated points.
Redeem your points: Transfer them to an airline or hotel partner (like Avios, Virgin Points, Marriott Bonvoy), redeem for statement credit, gift cards, or use them through Amex Travel.
Consider a no-annual-fee Amex card: If you want to keep your Membership Rewards points active for future use without paying an annual fee on your current card, consider applying for the American Express Rewards Credit Card (ARCC). This card has no annual fee and allows you to retain your Membership Rewards balance. Once activated, you can then cancel your higher-fee card. This is a highly recommended strategy for point hoarders!
Step 3: Disconnect Recurring Payments
Many people link their credit cards to subscriptions, online shopping accounts, or utility bills. Forgetting these can lead to failed payments and a headache down the line.
Review your statements: Go back through several months of statements to identify any recurring charges linked to your Amex card.
Update payment details: Change the payment method for all identified recurring payments to another card or bank account before you cancel.
Don't rely on Amex to notify merchants: While some merchants might receive an update, it's your responsibility to ensure your payment details are current everywhere.
Step 4: Choose Your Cancellation Method
American Express offers a few ways to cancel your card in the UK. The most common and often recommended method is by phone.
Sub-heading: Calling American Express Customer Service (Recommended)
This is generally the most efficient method as you can speak directly with a representative, confirm the cancellation, and address any last-minute questions.
Find your card-specific number: The best number to call is usually on the back of your Amex card.
General customer service numbers: If you can't find your specific card number, you can try:
Platinum Card: 0800 917 8054
Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card: 0800 917 8050
British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card: 0800 917 8020
Other Personal Cards (general customer services): 0800 032 7216
For overseas numbers, consult the "Contact Us" section on the Amex UK website or refer to your card agreement.
Be prepared for questions: The representative will likely ask for your account number, personal details for verification, and the reason you're cancelling. This is where they might offer retention incentives. Be polite but firm if you've made up your mind.
Request confirmation: Ask for an email or written confirmation of the account closure.
Sub-heading: Using Online Chat (If Available)
Some users report success with cancelling via the online chat function after logging into their American Express account.
Log in to your online account: Look for a "chat" button, usually in the bottom right-hand corner.
State your intention: Inform the representative you wish to close your account.
Be ready for verification: Similar to phone calls, they will need to verify your identity.
Save the chat transcript: It's good practice to save a copy of the conversation for your records.
Sub-heading: Sending a Letter by Mail (Least Recommended)
While an option, this is the slowest and least interactive method.
Include essential information: Your full name, address, card number, and a clear statement that you wish to cancel your card.
Send to the correct address: American Express PO Box 981535 El Paso, TX 79998 (This is a general Amex address, but it's always best to confirm the most current address on the Amex UK website or by calling).
Use tracked mail: For your peace of mind, send it via recorded delivery.
Expect delays: This method will take significantly longer to process.
Step 5: Post-Cancellation Actions and Monitoring
Once you've officially cancelled, your work isn't entirely done.
Destroy your card: Cut up your card horizontally and vertically, ensuring the chip and magnetic stripe are destroyed.
Monitor your credit report: Check your credit file a few weeks to a month later to ensure the account is reported as closed with a zero balance. This is important for your credit score.
Final statement: You'll receive a final statement. Double-check it for accuracy. If there was a credit balance, Amex should refund it to your linked bank account.
Pro-rata annual fee refund: American Express historically provided pro-rata refunds for annual fees if you cancelled mid-year. However, Amex has indicated plans to eventually stop this for some cards. As of the current information, they have postponed this change, so you may still be eligible for a pro-rata refund depending on your card and when the fee was charged. It's best to confirm this directly with Amex during your cancellation call.
Step 6: Understand the Potential Impact on Your Credit Score
Cancelling a credit card, especially an older one or one with a high credit limit, can impact your credit score.
Sub-heading: Credit Utilisation Ratio
What it means: This is the amount of credit you're using compared to your total available credit.
The impact: When you close a card, your total available credit decreases, which can increase your credit utilisation ratio. A higher ratio can negatively affect your score.
Mitigation: Keep balances low on your remaining cards.
Sub-heading: Length of Credit History
What it means: Lenders like to see a long history of responsible credit use.
The impact: If the Amex card you're cancelling is one of your oldest accounts, closing it can shorten your average account age, potentially lowering your score.
Mitigation: Keep your oldest accounts open if possible, especially if they have no annual fee.
Sub-heading: Credit Mix
What it means: Having a diverse range of credit accounts (credit cards, loans, mortgages) is generally seen positively.
The impact: Closing a card might slightly reduce your credit mix diversity, though this is usually less impactful than utilisation or history length.
In summary, while there might be a temporary dip in your credit score, responsible financial habits (paying bills on time, keeping other credit utilisation low) will help it recover over time.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my American Express card balance online in the UK?
You can easily check your American Express card balance by logging into your online account on the Amex UK website or via the American Express mobile app.
How to find my American Express account number for cancellation?
Your American Express account number can be found on your monthly statements, or by logging into your online account. You will also need the 4-digit security code on the front of your card when speaking to a representative.
How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards points before cancelling?
Log in to your Membership Rewards account online. You can choose to transfer points to partner airlines/hotels, redeem for statement credit, gift cards, or shop with points through various merchants. Ensure all points are redeemed or transferred before finalising cancellation.
How to avoid losing American Express Membership Rewards points when cancelling?
To avoid losing points, either redeem them all before cancelling, or apply for a no-annual-fee American Express Rewards Credit Card (ARCC) and transfer your points to that card before cancelling your existing Amex card.
How to get a pro-rata refund of my American Express annual fee in the UK?
Historically, Amex UK offered pro-rata refunds on annual fees. While there have been discussions about changing this policy, as of now, you should still be eligible. Confirm this with the Amex representative when you call to cancel your card.
How to confirm my American Express card has been successfully cancelled?
After requesting cancellation, ask the representative for a confirmation email or letter. You should also check your online account in a few days to see if the card status has changed to "closed" and monitor your credit report to ensure it's accurately reflected.
How to handle recurring payments linked to my American Express card before cancellation?
Before cancelling, go through your recent statements to identify all recurring payments (subscriptions, bills). Update your payment details with each merchant to another card or bank account to avoid service disruptions.
How to cancel an additional card on my American Express account in the UK?
To cancel an additional card, the primary cardmember typically needs to contact American Express customer service. They can remove the supplementary card without affecting the main account.
How to check the impact of cancelling my Amex card on my credit score in the UK?
You can monitor your credit score through credit reference agencies like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. After cancellation, observe how your credit utilisation ratio and average age of accounts might change, which are key factors influencing your score.
How to reopen a cancelled American Express card in the UK?
While it's sometimes possible to reactivate a recently cancelled card, especially if done within a short timeframe (e.g., 30-60 days), it's entirely at American Express's discretion. You would need to contact them directly to inquire about this possibility.
