Call Discover's customer service number on the back of your card
The fastest way to cancel a Discover card is to call the phone number printed on the back of your card. A representative will walk you through the cancellation process and answer questions about your account. Have your card number ready when you call.
Discover's customer service team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The call typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. The representative may ask why you're canceling — this is optional information, and you don't have to explain your reason.
Before you call, make a note of your account number, any outstanding balance, and the date you want the account closed. Having this information ready will speed up the process and reduce the chance of miscommunication.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Discover card to speak with a representative who can cancel your account when ready.
- Pay off any remaining balance before or during the cancellation call, as closing the card does not erase what you owe.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation by mail or email so you have a record of the closure date.
- Check your credit report a few weeks after cancellation to confirm the card shows as closed.
Pay off your balance before you call
If your card has an outstanding balance, you'll need to settle it. You can pay the balance before calling to cancel, or you can arrange a payment plan during the cancellation call. Discover will not close your account with an unpaid balance, though they may close it after you've set up a payment arrangement.
If you have a zero balance, the cancellation process moves forward without this step. Either way, canceling the card does not forgive any debt — you remain responsible for paying what you owe.
Log into your Discover account online or call customer service to check your current balance before you initiate cancellation. This prevents surprises during the call and lets you decide whether to pay in full or set up a payment schedule.
Ask for written confirmation of the cancellation
After the representative confirms your cancellation, ask them to send you written confirmation by mail or email. This confirmation should include the date the account was closed and your final account status. Having this document protects you if a question arises later about whether the card was actually canceled.
Write down the representative's name, the date and time of your call, and any confirmation number they provide. Keep these notes with your written confirmation.
What happens to your credit after cancellation
Closing a credit card can affect your credit score because it reduces your total available credit. The impact is usually temporary. Your credit report will show the card as "closed by consumer" rather than active, but the account history remains on your report for up to 10 years.
Check your credit report a few weeks after cancellation to confirm the card shows as closed. You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official government site for this service.
The score impact depends on how much credit you have available elsewhere and how long you've held other accounts. If this is your oldest card or your only card, the impact may be larger than if you have multiple open accounts with good payment history.
Cancel online or through the Discover app if you prefer
Some Discover cardholders can cancel through the Discover website or mobile app under account settings. Log in to your account and look for a "close account" or "cancel card" option. Not all account types offer this option online, so you may still need to call if you don't see it.
Online cancellation typically generates an when ready confirmation that you can save or print. However, calling remains the most reliable method because a representative can answer questions and confirm the cancellation in real time.
What to do with the physical card after cancellation
After your account is closed, cut up the physical card or shred it to prevent accidental use or fraud. You don't need to return it to Discover. Some people prefer to keep one card intact for their records until they receive written confirmation, then destroy it.
If the card is lost or stolen, mention this during your cancellation call so Discover can flag the account accordingly. This adds an extra layer of protection in case someone finds the card after closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Discover card after I cancel it?
Discover may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain timeframe, but this depends on your account history and how long ago it was closed. Call Discover to ask whether your specific account can be reopened. If too much time has passed, you can always open a new Discover card instead.
Will canceling hurt my credit score?
Closing a card typically lowers your score temporarily because it reduces your available credit. The impact is usually small and fades over time, especially if you have other open accounts and a good payment history. Your score will recover within a few months in most cases.
What if I have pending charges on the card?
Pending charges will still post to your account after cancellation. Make sure all transactions have fully posted before you cancel, or wait until they do. You'll remain responsible for paying any charges that post after closure.
Do I need to cancel my rewards account separately?
No. When you cancel the card, your rewards account closes as well. Any rewards points you've earned will be forfeited unless you redeem them before cancellation. Check your rewards balance and redeem any points before you call to cancel.
How long does it take for the cancellation to show on my credit report?
The cancellation typically appears on your credit report within 30 to 60 days. Check your report a few weeks after cancellation to confirm the card shows as closed. If it still shows as open after two months, contact Discover to verify the closure was processed.