Call Credit One Bank directly to close your account
The fastest way to close a Credit One Bank card is to call their customer service line at 1-866-671-9005. Have your card number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're closing the account, and process the closure on the call. The account closes when ready, though it may take a few days for the closure to show on your credit report.
You can also close the account online through your Credit One Bank portal if you log in and navigate to account settings, though the phone route is more direct because you get confirmation in real time. Some cardholders prefer the phone call to may support there's no confusion about whether the request went through.
Before you call, pay off any remaining balance on the card. Credit One Bank will not close an account with an outstanding balance. If you have a balance, make a payment first, wait for it to post (usually one to two business days), then call to close.
Key Takeaways
- Pay your full balance before closing—Credit One Bank will not close an account with money owed.
- Call 1-866-671-9005 to close the account; the closure takes effect when ready once confirmed.
- The account closure appears on your credit report within a few days, but the card itself stops working right away.
- Closing a credit card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit, so close it only if you have decided you no longer need the card.
What happens to your credit score when you close the card
Closing a credit card typically lowers your credit score in the short term. The main reason is that your credit utilization ratio—the amount of credit you're using compared to the total credit available to you—goes up. If you have other cards with balances, closing this card means your available credit shrinks, which makes those balances look larger by comparison.
The impact is usually temporary. Your score often recovers within a few months as long as you keep other accounts in good standing and pay bills on time. The closure itself stays on your credit report for about ten years, but its effect on your score fades much faster.
If this is your oldest credit card, closing it can also lower your score because it reduces the average age of your accounts. If you're planning to explore for a loan or mortgage soon, closing the card right before that process may work against you.
Steps to take before you close the account
Check your account for any pending transactions or recurring charges. If you have autopay set up for any bills, subscriptions, or other payments, those will fail once the card closes. Log into your Credit One Bank account online or call customer service to review what's charging to this card, then update those payments to a different card or bank account.
Write down your account number, the date you closed it, and the name of the representative who helped you. Keep this information for your records. If a charge appears on the card after closure, you'll need proof that the account was closed on a specific date.
If you have a zero balance and no pending charges, you're ready to call and close. If you're closing because of high fees or poor terms, make sure you're not moving to another card with the same problems—compare rates and fees on any replacement card first.
What happens after you close the account
The card stops working when ready after you close it. Any attempt to use it will be declined. The account shows as "closed" on your credit report, and the closure is visible to any lender who pulls your credit.
If you have a balance that you didn't pay off before closing, Credit One Bank will contact you about payment. You remain responsible for the debt even though the account is closed. Payments can be made by phone, mail, or online through your account portal.
You do not need to physically destroy the card, but many people do for peace of mind. Cutting it up or shredding it prevents accidental use if the card somehow still works, though this is rare.
If you want to keep the card open but stop using it
You don't have to close the account if you're straightforward not using the card. Keeping it open with a zero balance can actually help your credit score because it preserves your available credit and the age of your account. The card won't hurt you if it's sitting unused.
However, Credit One Bank may close inactive accounts on their own after a long period of no activity—typically six months to a year, though the exact timeframe varies. If you want to keep the account open, use the card occasionally (even a small purchase every few months) and pay the bill in full.
If you're keeping the card open mainly to maintain your credit history, make sure there are no annual fees eating into your account. Credit One Bank does charge annual fees on most of their cards, so an unused card still costs money each year.
Disputing charges or fees before you close
If you're closing because of a disputed charge or a fee you believe was applied in error, contact Credit One Bank before closing the account. Disputes are easier to resolve while the account is open. Call customer service or log into your account to file a dispute through their system.
Credit One Bank has 60 days from the date you report a billing error to investigate and respond. If you close the account during this window, the investigation continues, but you lose the ability to see the account online and may have to follow up by phone or mail.
If the dispute is about a fee—such as an annual fee, late fee, or foreign transaction fee—ask if they will waive it as a courtesy. Some representatives have the authority to reverse a single fee, especially if you've been a customer for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Credit One Bank card hurt my credit score?
Yes, usually in the short term. Your credit utilization ratio increases because you have less total credit available, which can lower your score by 10 to 50 points depending on your overall credit profile. The impact fades over a few months as long as you pay other bills on time.
Can I reopen the account after I close it?
Credit One Bank does not reopen closed accounts. If you want a card from them again, you would have to explore for a new one, which triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report. Think carefully before closing if you think you might want the card back.
What if I have a balance when I try to close?
Credit One Bank will not close the account while a balance remains. Pay the full amount owed first, wait for the payment to post, then call to close. If you're having trouble paying the balance, contact them to discuss payment options before attempting to close.
Do I have to destroy the physical card?
No, but many people do for security. Cutting or shredding the card prevents accidental use, though the card won't work anyway once the account is closed. You can also straightforward throw it away.
How long does it take for the closure to show on my credit report?
The account closure typically appears on your credit report within three to seven business days. The card stops working when ready, but the official closure record takes a few days to update across the credit bureaus.