How to cancel your Westpac credit card.

Westpac is Australia’s oldest bank and is one of the major banking organisations in the country.¹ But if you no longer need your Westpac credit card, there are a few steps to take to close your account.

This article is about how to go about closing your Westpac credit card and things to keep in mind before doing so.

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What to do before you close your Westpac credit card

Before you close your Westpac credit card, there are a few steps you can take to make sure the process is smooth and that you don't incur any unexpected fees or charges.²

1. Pay off your balance in full. This is the most important step, otherwise you will have to continue to make payments, with interest, until your balance is paid down.
2. Cancel any recurring payments or direct debits that are linked to your card. This includes things like subscriptions, gym memberships, and utility bills. You can typically do this by contacting the merchant directly. Remember to also unlink any mobile wallets you have attached to the card.
3. Redeem any reward points you have. You won’t be able to use the Rewards Point Portal after your account is closed.
4. Update your contact information with Westpac. This includes your mailing address and phone number if there are any changes. This will ensure that you receive any important notifications about your account closing.
5. Consider the impact on your credit score. Closing a credit card can have a small negative impact on your credit score. However, if you have a good credit history and a low credit utilisation ratio, the impact should be minimal.

Once you are ready, you can contact Westpac to close your account. You can do this online, in the Westpac app, over the phone or at a branch. Remember to destroy the credit card once your account is closed.

How do I close a Westpac credit card account?

The two simplest ways to close your Westpac credit card are online or through the Westpac app.³

Online:

1. Go to Westpac Online Banking and sign in.
2. Click on Service > Services > Account services.
3. Select Close an account.
4. Choose the credit card that you want to close and follow the instructions on screen.

On the Westpac app:

1. Check that you have the latest version of the app.
2. Open the app
3. Choose the account you want to close.
4. Tap the information icon (i) at the top right of the screen.
5. Tap Close account.

If you prefer to speak to someone over the phone, you can call Westpac customer assistance at 132 032 from 8am to 8pm Sydney time, Monday through Friday, to cancel your credit card. ⁴

You can also visit a bank branch in-person to close your account.

How long does it take to cancel a credit card?

The process to close an account can take a few seconds through Online Banking or the app.

Once you have completed your credit card closure request, you will be sent a same-day confirmation email to the email address on file. Otherwise, a closure confirmation letter will be sent to your mailing address, but it can take up to 10 business days.⁵

Is there a fee for closing your credit card with Westpac

There is no fee for closing your Westpac credit card. However, if you have not paid off your balance, you will continue to be charged interest until the balance is zero.⁶

Cancelling any direct debits or recurring payments to the card will also help avoid any charges.

What to know before about closing your Westpac credit card

There are a few things to consider before closing your Westpac credit card:⁷

• Only the primary cardholder can close the credit card account.
• You will have to pay for any transactions and interest that are still processing when you request to cancel your card.
• Your Reward Points will expire 90 days after your closure request.
• If you have any credit on your account, Westpac can either transfer the amount to another one of your accounts at the bank, you can donate the amount to a charity or the bank will contact you to send the money.
• Any additional cards will be closed along with the account. ⁸

Contacting Westpac

Customers can call Westpac domestically at 132 032 from 8am to 8pm Sydney time, 7 days a week, or (+61 2) 9155 7700 if calling from abroad.

If you have a specific question, you can also use the Westpac virtual assistant, Red, through the Online Banking or the Westpac App.

Credit cards that are lost or stolen can be reported by calling 1300 651 089 or through Online Banking.⁹

FAQs

Can you cancel your credit card anytime?

Yes, you can cancel your credit card at any time and it means that you won’t be able to use the physical or digital card anymore. You will still be responsible for any remaining balance and interest charged on the account. ¹⁰

Is it better to cancel a credit card or let it close?

It is generally better to cancel a Westpac credit card yourself than to let it close due to inactivity. This is seen more favourably for your credit score than if your account is closed due to lack of use.

If you are no longer using your Westpac credit card and don’t think you’ll use it again, it is best to cancel it as soon as possible. This will help to protect you from being charged any unnecessary fees or charges.

Does cancelling a card hurt credit?

Cancelling a credit card can hurt your credit because it can reduce the number of credit accounts you have and increase the amount of debt to credit you have.

Does immediately closing a credit card hurt your credit?

Immediately closing a credit card may hurt your credit by reducing the length of your credit history. Applying to multiple credit cards in a short amount of time may also hurt your credit. ¹¹

What to do in case of lost or stolen Westpac credit card

If your card is lost or stolen, make sure to report it to Westpac so you aren’t charged for any transactions you haven’t made. Reporting a lost or stolen card will not close your account, and Westpac will send you a new card. ¹²

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Sources:

1. Westpac company overview
2. Westpac
3. Westpac
4. Westpac customer service number
5. Westpac
6. Westpac
7. Westpac
8. Westpac
9. Contact us
10. Westpac
11. Experian credit score
12. Westpac lost or stolen card

Sources checked on: 21 October 2023