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How to cancel a credit card

You can cancel your credit card at any time in just 5 steps. Here's how – plus details for major lenders including ANZ, CommBank, NAB and Westpac.

Updated

Aug 3, 2023

Fact checked

When you don't want to use a credit card any more, you can close the account. It's usually simple to do this online or over the phone, but there are a few details you need to check before you can completely cancel a card. So, let's take a look at how it works for credit cards in Australia.

5 steps to properly cancel your credit card

Follow these steps to cancel a credit card successfully:

Pay or transfer the outstanding balance. Make sure the balance on the card is $0 so that you can completely close the account.
Use any reward points. Redeem your points for rewards or transfer them to another loyalty program so that you still get value from them.
Cancel direct debits. Avoid penalty charges and other issues by transferring or cancelling direct debits.
Cancel the card. Depending on the provider, you could cancel your credit card over the phone, online or in writing. Make sure you keep a record of the request by taking a screenshot, reference number or copy of the documents.
Destroy the credit card. Once your credit card provider has confirmed the cancellation, cut the card into pieces (for security) and throw it in the bin.

Keep in mind that the actual time it takes to cancel a credit card can vary depending on how long your provider takes to process it.

So if you haven't received any notice of the account closure within 1–2 weeks, follow up with them. Or, if you still bank with them, log into your account to see if the card has been cancelled.

What number do I call when I want to cancel my credit card?

Many credit cards include a phone number on the back that you can call for account enquiries and cancellations. Otherwise, here are details for contacting the major card companies to cancel your card:

Search by provider

Provider	Contact information	Availability	Other ways to cancel your credit card
American Express	1300 132 639	6:00 am - 12:00 midnight (AEST), 7 days a week	Online: Log in to your account. Go to Account Management > Card Management > Cancel Card Account. Request a cancellation using the online chat. Phone: Call the number on the back of your Amex credit card or the general contact number.
ANZ	13 22 73	24 hours, 7 days a week	Online via ANZ Internet Banking: Log on to your account. Select Contact > Card enquiries > General card enquiries. Online: Using the Decrease credit card limit or close credit card account request online form. Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 3 9683 9999. In person: Visit your nearest branch.
Bank of Melbourne	13 22 66	24 hours, 7 days a week	Mobile app: Log in to your account. Click on the card you want to close, then select Services > Close account and follow the prompts. Online: Select My Accounts > Card Services > Manage My Accounts. Click on the card you want to close and follow the prompts. Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 3 8536 7870. In person: Visit your nearest branch.
BankSA	13 13 76	24 hours, 7 days a week	Mobile app: Log in to the app if prompted. Click on the card you want to close, then select Services > Close account and follow the prompts. Online: Log in to your account. Select My Accounts > Card Services > Manage My Accounts. Click on the card you want to close and follow the prompts. Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 9155 7850 In person: Visit your nearest branch.
Bankwest	13 17 19	24 hours, 7 days a week	Mobile app: Click on the card you want to close, then select Manage > Close account. Online: Log in to your account. Click on the card you want to close, then select See more account details > Close account. In person: Visit your nearest branch.
Citi	13 24 84	24 hours, 7 days a week	Online: Log in to your account. Go to Credit card services > Manage my account > Account closure request and follow the prompts. Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 8225 0615.
Coles	1300 306 397	24 hours, 7 days a week	Online: Log in to your account. Go to Manage My Card > Account closure request and follow the prompts.
Commonwealth Bank	13 22 21	24 hours, 7 days a week	CommBank App: Log on to your account Select "Accounts" then choose your credit card. Tap "Manage Account" then "Close credit card account". To know whether you’re eligible, read the “Things to know about closing your credit card account” Click on “Continue” at the bottom then “Close account”. Online via Netbank: Log on to your account. Select “View accounts” then choose your credit card using the drop-down menu. Click the “Account settings” drop-down. Choose “Close my credit card account”. To know whether you’re eligible, read the “Things to know about closing your credit card account” Click on “Continue” at the bottom then “Close account”. Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 9999 3283. In person: Visit your nearest branch.
HSBC	132 152	24 hours, 7 days a week	Online: Log in to your account. Go to Credit Cards Online > Manage your Account > My Cards > Close my Credit Card Account. Follow the prompts to complete the cancellation process. Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +612 9005 8511. For HSBC Premier customers: Call the HSBC Premier Centre on 1300 301 168. If calling from overseas, dial +612 9005 8192.
Latitude Financial Services	1300 552 079	Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 8pm (AEST) Saturday: 9:00am - 6:00pm	Mobile app: Open the app and tap on the card you want to close. Go to the Menu and select Manage account > Close account request. Follow the prompts to complete the cancellation. Online: Fill in the request form found on the Latitude Financial Services website. Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 287 478 178.
NAB	13 22 65	Monday to Friday: 8:00am - 7:00pm, or Sunday to Sunday: 9:00am - 6:00pm	Online: Log in to your account. Go to Cards and click on the card you want to close. Select Manage your card > How to close your account and follow the prompts using NAB's secure chat service. Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 3 8641 9083. In person: Visit your nearest branch.
Qantas Money	1300 992 700	24 hours, 7 days a week	Online: Log in to your account. Click on the card, then select "Close account" and follow the prompts. Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 8222 2569.
St.George	13 33 30	24 hours, 7 days a week	Mobile app: Log in to your account. Tap the card you want to cancel, then click on Services > Close account and follow the prompts. Online: Log in to your account. Select My Accounts > Card Services > Manage My Accounts. Click on the card you want to close and follow the prompts. Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 9155 7800. In person: Visit your nearest branch.
Virgin Money	13 37 39	24 hours, 7 days a week	Online: Log in to your account and select Services from the top menu bar. Select Card Services > Manage my Account > Account Closure Request and follow the prompts. Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 8288 2222
Westpac	132 032	Monday to Friday: 8:00am - 8:00pm	New Westpac app: Tap the card you want to close. Tap the Information icon > Close account. Classic Westpac app: Tap the card you want to close. Tap Services > Close credit card account and follow the prompts. Online: Go to Service > Services > Account Services. Select Close an account, click on the card you want to close and follow the prompts. Phone: If calling from overseas, dial +61 2 9155 7700. In person: Visit your nearest branch.

What else should I think about before cancelling my credit card?

If you're getting ready to close your credit card account, keep the following details in mind to make the process as smooth as possible.

Annual fees. If your credit card has an annual fee, check when it is due to be charged so you can avoid paying it before you close your account. You can do this by looking at your account history or asking the credit card company.
Applying for a new credit card. If your plan is to cancel one card and apply for another one, think about how long it's been since you last applied for a credit card. If it's been less than 12 months, keep in mind that applying for a few cards in a short amount can have a negative impact on your credit history.
Bad credit. Poor creditworthiness is bound to affect your ability to get a credit card in the future. So if you already have a lot of debt, you may want to hold off on cancelling your card while you focus on paying down your debts. This strategy can help improve your chances of approval for a new card down the track.

Compare new credit card offers

If you're not happy with your current card but still want one on hand, you could find a better option by comparing some of the latest credit card offers here.

Name	Purchase rate p.a.	Bonus points	Points per $ spent	Interest-free period	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee
Kogan Money Card – Exclusive Offer ExclusiveKogan Rewards Program	Purchase rate p.a. 20.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent 1	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 18 months with 1% balance transfer fee, then 21.74%	Annual fee $0	Go to site More Info Compare	0% Balance Transfer Offer Get 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 18 months with a 1% balance transfer fee. Plus an ongoing $0 annual fee. Ends 30 November 2023.
Bankwest Breeze Classic Mastercard	Purchase rate p.a. 0% for 12 months, then 12.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 12.99%	Annual fee $49	Go to site More Info Compare	0% Interest Offers Save with 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months (with a 2% BT fee).
Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard Flybuys	Purchase rate p.a. 0% for 6 months, then 19.99%	Bonus points 20,000	Points per $ spent 0.5	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 19.99%	Annual fee $0	Go to site More Info Compare	20,000 Bonus Flybuys Points Get 20,000 bonus Flybuys points (worth $100 Flybuys Dollars) and 0% interest on purchases for the first 6 months.
Westpac Low Rate Card	Purchase rate p.a. 13.74%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 28 months, then 21.49%	Annual fee $59	Go to site More Info Compare	0% Balance Transfer Offer Save with a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 28 months. Plus, a low 13.74% p.a. purchase interest rate.
Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard	Purchase rate p.a. 0% for 12 months, then 12.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 12.99%	Annual fee $69	Go to site More Info Compare	0% Interest Offers Get 0% p.a. interest on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months (with a 2% BT fee). Plus 0% foreign fees and complimentary overseas travel insurance.
Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard	Purchase rate p.a. 26.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent N/A	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee $0	Go to site More Info Compare	0% Foreign Currency Conversion Fees Save with 0% international transaction fees on purchases. Plus, complimentary Flight Delay Pass and global data roaming.
American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card Qantas Business Rewards	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	Bonus points 100,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	Interest-free period Up to 51 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee $450	Go to site More Info Compare	100,000 Bonus Qantas Points Offer ABN holders w/ $75k revenue. Earn 100,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 2 months.
Qantas Premier Platinum Qantas Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 19.99%	Bonus points 80,000	Points per $ spent 1	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a. 0% for 12 months, then 21.99%	Annual fee $349 first year ($399 after)	Go to site More Info Compare	Up to 80,000 Bonus Points Earn up to 80,000 bonus Qantas Points. Plus, save with a reduced first-year annual fee and 0% p.a. for 12 months on balance transfers.
American Express Velocity Business Card Velocity Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	Bonus points 100,000	Points per $ spent 1	Interest-free period Up to 51 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee $249	Go to site More Info Compare	100,000 bonus Velocity Points ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue. Get 100,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 2 months.
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card Qantas Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Bonus points 60,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee $450	Go to site More Info Compare	60,000 bonus Qantas Points Get 60,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, a yearly $450 Travel Credit.
American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Membership Rewards Gateway	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Bonus points 75,000	Points per $ spent 2	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee $149	Go to site More Info Compare	75,000 Bonus Points Offer ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue. Get 75,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months.
American Express Explorer Credit Card Membership Rewards	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Bonus points 50,000	Points per $ spent 2	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee $395	Go to site More Info Compare	50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points Get 50,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.
American Express Platinum Business Card Membership Rewards Ascent Premium	Purchase rate p.a. 0%	Bonus points 200,000	Points per $ spent 2.25	Interest-free period Up to 55 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee $1,750	Go to site More Info Compare	200,000 Bonus Points ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue. Get 200,000 bonus Membership Rewards points when you spend $8,000 in the first 3 months.
Qantas American Express Discovery Card Qantas Frequent Flyer	Purchase rate p.a. 23.99%	Bonus points N/A	Points per $ spent 0.75	Interest-free period Up to 44 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee $0	Go to site More Info Compare	$0 annual fee Earn uncapped Qantas Points for every $1 dollar spent, plus an ongoing $0 annual fee.
Westpac Altitude Black Westpac Altitude Rewards	Purchase rate p.a. 19.99%	Bonus points 150,000	Points per $ spent 1.25	Interest-free period Up to 45 days on purchases	Balance transfer rate p.a.	Annual fee $150 first year ($295 after)	Go to site More Info Compare	Up to 150,000 Bonus Points Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Rewards Points (100k when you spend $6,000 in the first 120 days and 50k in year 2).

*The credit card offers on this page are chosen from a range of credit cards available to us and are not representative of all the products available in the market. The use of the terms "best" and "top" are not product ratings and are subject to our disclaimer. There is no perfect order or perfect ranking system for the products we list on our Site, so we provide you with the functionality to self-select, re-order and compare products. The initial display order is influenced by a range of factors including conversion rates, product costs and commercial arrangements, so please don't interpret the listing order as an endorsement or recommendation from us. We're happy to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions, but we'd like you to make your own decisions and compare and assess products based on your own preferences, circumstances and needs.

Frequently asked questions

Why would I cancel my credit card?

There are many different reasons people cancel a credit card. Some of the most common reasons you might want to cancel your card include:

If you have an introductory credit card offer or $0 annual fee offer that is about to end.
If you want to cut down on your interest charges.
If you're not using the benefits of the card (rewards, complimentary insurance etc) and are paying a high annual fee.
If you have lost your card or suspect it’s been stolen.
If you don't want to be tempted to spend more than you can afford.

Whatever the reason, it is important that you cancel your card properly to avoid more fees and hassles down the track.

I want to cancel two credit cards. Will this have a negative effect on my creditworthiness?

Each time you apply for credit or close a credit account, the details are reflected on your credit file. While lenders might view too many listings as a risk, closing two accounts to minimise available credit is unlikely to hurt your credit score in the long run. Just remember to close the accounts properly so that there are no outstanding debts or defaults for either of the cards.

I cut my credit card up but did not cancel it. Can I get a replacement card?

If you haven't gone through the steps of actually closing your account, you can get a replacement card by calling your credit card provider. Keep in mind that just cutting up a card won't change the fact that your account is active, so fees and charges may still apply even if you don't have a physical card to use for payments.

How will I know when my account has been closed?

The provider will send you confirmation of the account's closure once the process is complete. Save these details in case there is ever any question in the future about the account.

Will I be charged an annual fee when I cancel a credit card?

If you cancel a credit card before the date that your annual fee is charged, you will not have to pay a new annual fee. If you are not sure when the annual fee is charged, contact your provider to find out. You should also make sure that there is no balance on the card.

If you cancel the account online, take a screenshot to confirm the process is complete (or get a reference if you do it over the phone). That way you'll have proof the request was received before the annual fee was charged.

What happens if I don't cancel the card but just never use it?

If you don't use the card but have a balance – including from an annual fee – you will need to make minimum payments by the due date on each statement. Otherwise you could be charged late payment fees, which will add to the account balance.

If the account has no annual fee and no balance, keeping it open won't usually cost you anything. But you should still regularly check the account details to help protect yourself against fraud.

I am getting ready to buy a home, but have been advised to close any credit card accounts that I don't need or use often, why?

One of the items that lenders look into is your available credit, which is usually in the form of personal loans, other mortgages and credit card accounts. Too much credit is considered a risk and can factor into a bank's decision on how much they will lend you for a home loan.

You can use a borrowing power calculator to see how your credit limits will affect the amount of money you can potentially borrow for a home loan.

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Amy Bradney-George

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Amy Bradney-George is the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 14 years’ experience as a journalist, with a particular focus on personal finance, and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald.

How old do you have to be to get a credit card? How long does it take to get a credit card?

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