Call Macy's customer service to cancel, and ask them to confirm the cancellation in writing
The fastest way to cancel a Macy's credit card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative will walk you through the cancellation, answer questions about your account, and process the request on the spot. The call usually takes five to ten minutes.
After you hang up, the card is closed. However, you should ask the representative to send you written confirmation of the cancellation — either by email or mail. This confirmation protects you if a charge appears on the account later or if a dispute arises about when the card was closed. Keep that confirmation in your records.
If you do not have your card handy, you can also cancel online through your Macy's account at macys.com, though calling is more reliable because you get immediate confirmation and can ask questions in real time.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Macy's card to cancel; a representative will close the account immediately over the phone.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation by email or mail so you have proof the account was closed.
- Pay off any remaining balance before canceling, or your bill will continue to arrive until the balance reaches zero.
- Canceling a card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit, but the impact usually fades within a few months.
- Check your credit report a few weeks after cancellation to confirm the card shows as closed on your record.
What happens to your balance when you cancel
If you have an unpaid balance on your Macy's card when you cancel, the account does not disappear. Instead, the card is closed to new charges, but you still owe the money. Macy's will continue to send you bills each month until the balance is paid in full.
For this reason, most people pay off the balance before calling to cancel. If you cannot pay it all at once, you can cancel the card and then make monthly payments on the closed account — but you will not be able to use the card for new purchases. Interest will continue to accrue on the unpaid balance at your card's regular rate unless you have a promotional rate that is still active.
How cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card typically lowers your credit score in the short term, usually by 5 to 15 points, though the exact impact depends on your individual credit profile. The drop happens because closing an account reduces your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit that you are using across all cards.
This impact is usually temporary. Most people see their score recover within three to six months as long as they continue to pay other bills on time and keep their other credit card balances low. The closed account will remain on your credit report for up to seven years, but it will not hurt your score indefinitely.
If you are planning to apply for a loan or mortgage soon, you may want to wait a few months after canceling before you apply, to give your score time to recover.
Canceling online versus calling
You can cancel your Macy's card through your online account at macys.com by logging in, navigating to your card settings, and selecting the option to close the account. This method is convenient if you prefer not to call, and it is available 24 hours a day.
However, calling is generally the better choice because you can speak directly with a representative who can answer questions, confirm the cancellation immediately, and send you written proof. If you cancel online, take a screenshot of the confirmation page and save it as your proof, since online confirmations can sometimes be hard to retrieve later.
If you run into trouble canceling online — for example, if the option does not appear in your account settings — calling is your backup plan. Customer service can always cancel over the phone.
What to do before you cancel
Before you call to cancel, review your account to make sure there are no pending charges or subscriptions linked to the card. Some people forget that they have set up automatic payments for a service using their Macy's card, and those payments will fail once the card is closed.
Check your recent statements to see if there are any recurring charges — things like store loyalty program fees, protection plans, or other services. If you find any, update those payment methods to a different card or bank account before you cancel.
You should also verify that you do not have any Macy's rewards points that you want to redeem. Once the card is closed, you may lose access to unused rewards, depending on Macy's policy. Check your rewards balance in your online account and redeem any points before you cancel.
After your card is canceled: what to monitor
After you cancel, keep an eye on your credit report to confirm that the card shows as closed. You can check your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official government site. The card should appear with a status of "closed" or "account closed by consumer."
If the card does not show as closed after two to three weeks, or if it shows as closed by the creditor rather than by you, contact Macy's customer service again to verify. This distinction can matter if you are disputing something later.
Also watch for any unexpected charges or bills from Macy's after the cancellation date. If a charge appears after you canceled, contact customer service immediately with your cancellation confirmation. Fraudulent charges on closed accounts are rare, but they do happen, and your written confirmation is your proof that the account was closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling hurt my credit score permanently?
No. Your score will dip temporarily — usually by 5 to 15 points — but it typically recovers within three to six months as long as you pay your other bills on time and keep your other credit card balances low. The closed account stays on your credit report for up to seven years, but it stops hurting your score after the first few months.
Can I reopen my Macy's card after I cancel it?
Macy's does not always reopen closed accounts. If you change your mind shortly after canceling, call customer service and ask if they can reopen it. If they refuse, you can apply for a new Macy's card, but you will go through the full application process again and may not receive the same terms or rewards.
What if I still owe money on the card?
You can still cancel the card. The account will close to new charges, but you will continue to receive bills for the balance you owe. Make monthly payments until the balance reaches zero. Interest will continue to accrue unless you have a promotional rate still active.
Do I need to cut up my card after I cancel?
Yes, you should destroy the physical card by cutting it up or shredding it so it cannot be used. Even though the account is closed, someone could theoretically attempt to use the card number if they find it. Destroying the card eliminates that risk.
How long does it take for the cancellation to show on my credit report?
The closed account usually appears on your credit report within two to four weeks. You can check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com to confirm. If it does not show as closed after a month, contact Macy's to verify the cancellation went through.