Personal Finance Bank accounts

How to close an American Express (AMEX) account in the UK?

Gert Svaiko

03.05.24

Read time 2 minutes

If you have an American Express (AMEX) credit card but no longer use it, you’ll need to know how to cancel it and close your account.

Whether you’ve finally paid off the balance for a large one-time purchase, or have simply seen a better deal elsewhere, read on.

We’ve put together a helpful guide on how to close an American Express credit card account in the UK. This includes step-by-step instructions, plus info on fees and charges if any apply.

And when you’re ready for a new spending solution, make sure to check out the Wise card from the money services provider Wise. It’s not a credit card, but it is an international debit card you can use for low-fee spending in 150+ countries.

Learn more about Wise card 💳

But for now, let’s focus on getting your AMEX account closed.

Things to know before closing your American Express account

Before closing any credit card account, there are a few things you should do and check first. This includes:

Making sure that you definitely want to go ahead before starting the cancellation process, as it’s usually irreversible. This means you won’t be able to use the card anymore, or reopen the account.
Clearing any remaining balance on the credit card. If you still have a balance remaining on your account, you’ll need to continue making payments until it is down to zero.
Cancelling any automatic or regular payments due to come out, as your card will become inactive right away.

How to close an American Express credit card account online - step-by-step

There’s only one way to close your American Express credit card account, and that is to call up customer services. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like you can do it online - even though that would be more convenient for many customers.

Here’s what you need to do:¹

Make sure you’ve cancelled any upcoming scheduled payments and cleared any remaining balance on the card
Call American Express on 0800 917 8047
Tell the customer service representative that you’d like to close your account. You may be offered the chance to move to a different credit card if you wish.
If you want to cancel altogether, the representative will walk you through the process over the phone.
Your card will be made inactive immediately and your account closed.

What happens when my AMEX account is closed?

When cancelled, AMEX cards become inactive with immediate effect. If there’s still a remaining balance on the card, you’ll need to continue making repayments. You’ll also be liable for any outstanding charges (i.e. late or penalty fees).¹

Some American Express cards come with an annual fee. If you’ve already paid this for the year ahead, you’ll get a refund when you close your account. It’s important to note though that this will be a pro-rata refund, so you won’t get the whole fee back - only the unused portion of the year.¹

Are there any fees to close an American Express account?

There are no fees or charges relating to closing an American Express credit card account.

However, if you still have a balance remaining, interest and late payment penalties may still apply.

Wise – Money for here, there and everywhere

Ready for a new account or card? It could be worth taking a look at Wise, especially if you’re a regular traveller or need to manage your money in multiple currencies.

You can open a Wise account online and start managing your money in 40+ currencies, including GBP. You can also send payments worldwide for low fees and mid-market exchange rates, and receive it for free in some major currencies. It’s not a bank account but offers many similar features.

There’s even a Wise card available for a one-time fee of just £7. You can use this international card for spending in 150+ countries (including the UK), where your pounds are automatically converted to the local currency at a great rate.

There are no foreign transaction fees to worry about, only a small conversion fee - or it’s fee-free if you already have the foreign currency in your Wise account.

And there you have it - a quick guide to closing your American Express credit card account.

All you need to do is call up and your card will be cancelled, or you can move to a different card if it suits you better (and if you meet the eligibility criteria).

Sources used:

American Express - How do I close my Card Account?

Sources last checked on date: 23-Apr-2024

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.