How to Write a Credit Card Cancellation Letter (with Sample)
Use this sample credit card cancellation letter as a template for your formal cancellation letter.
Last updated on November 23, 2023
Anyone who has had experience with the financial industry knows how exasperating it can be to get something done. The same can be said of trying to close a credit account. No matter how many times we call to close down the account, those monthly statements keep coming.
In most cases, these statements end up with some kind of service charge for account inactivity or fees for the privilege of having the card. Fortunately, there is a way to ensure these accounts are closed properly; written documentation.
The main reason why most credit card companies will not shut down an account via telephone is a lack of written documentation. Simply put, the companies can keep your account open if you do not have written confirmation.
They can deny the telephone conversation ever existed. My favorite answer is, “We do not show any notes in your account.” So, the best solution is a credit card cancellation letter.
In most cases, these statements end up with some kind of service charge for account inactivity or fees for the privilege of having the card. Fortunately, there is a way to ensure these accounts are closed properly; written documentation.
The main reason why most credit card companies will not shut down an account via telephone is a lack of written documentation. Simply put, the companies can keep your account open if you do not have written confirmation.
They can deny the telephone conversation ever existed. My favorite answer is, “We do not show any notes in your account.” So, the best solution is a credit card cancellation letter.
Blank Templates
Many credit card companies have blank templates for such correspondence. However, they do an amazing job of making them difficult to find. Nonetheless, writing an effective letter is not challenging.
Although, there are a few things which are required to be on the letter. These requirements will ensure the company cannot claim any confusion about your intentions to close the account.
Obviously, the first requirement is the date. This date signifies how long they have to close your account; as most credit card companies have a grace period for internal actions.
The next piece of information is the title of the department which the letter needs to be delivered. If the incorrect department is listed, then your letter may get “lost in the shuffle.” The credit card company name and address falls below the department name.
Many credit card companies have blank templates for such correspondence. However, they do an amazing job of making them difficult to find. Nonetheless, writing an effective letter is not challenging.
Although, there are a few things which are required to be on the letter. These requirements will ensure the company cannot claim any confusion about your intentions to close the account.
Obviously, the first requirement is the date. This date signifies how long they have to close your account; as most credit card companies have a grace period for internal actions.
The next piece of information is the title of the department which the letter needs to be delivered. If the incorrect department is listed, then your letter may get “lost in the shuffle.” The credit card company name and address falls below the department name.
Include Your Account Number in The Body
After that the body must be written in a certain verbiage which is both easy to understand and professional. Also, make sure you include your account number in the body. It is a good idea to reference your last purchase; it will show how long the card has been dormant. Another thing, make sure you are specific about when you want the account closed.
If not, that is just another way the company can attempt to keep the account open. The last part of the body should require them to provide you with confirmation. That is best way to ensure the account was closed properly.
Plus, if happen to receive a statement with charges, you can dispute them if you have a confirmation! Lastly, ensure you sign, type out your name, and provide some contact information. Without the signature, the letter means nothing!
Follow These Simple Tips
In closing, as long as you follow these simple tips, you should have no issues closing that credit card account. A credit card cancellation letter will let the company know you mean business and to stop those senseless charges. Listed below is a sample letter you can use. It contains all of the necessary information to close your account. Good Luck!
After that the body must be written in a certain verbiage which is both easy to understand and professional. Also, make sure you include your account number in the body. It is a good idea to reference your last purchase; it will show how long the card has been dormant. Another thing, make sure you are specific about when you want the account closed.
If not, that is just another way the company can attempt to keep the account open. The last part of the body should require them to provide you with confirmation. That is best way to ensure the account was closed properly.
Plus, if happen to receive a statement with charges, you can dispute them if you have a confirmation! Lastly, ensure you sign, type out your name, and provide some contact information. Without the signature, the letter means nothing!
Follow These Simple Tips
In closing, as long as you follow these simple tips, you should have no issues closing that credit card account. A credit card cancellation letter will let the company know you mean business and to stop those senseless charges. Listed below is a sample letter you can use. It contains all of the necessary information to close your account. Good Luck!
Credit Card Cancellation Letter Sample
Cardholder’s Name
Cardholder’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Customer Service
Card Company Name
Company's Address
City, State and ZIP Code
RE: Cancellation of my credit card - NUMBER
Dear Sir or Madam:
The purpose of this letter is to serve as a written notice I am terminating my credit card account effective immediately.
Please close the following account:
Account Number: _________________
The last charge I made or authorized on this account was at (name of retailer) on (date) in the amount of $______.
Furthermore, send me a written confirmation letter that my account has been closed.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature)
(Your Typed Name)
(Your Address)
(Your Phone Number/Email Address)
By Andre Bradley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a credit card cancellation request letter?
Answer: A credit card cancellation request letter is a written document sent to a credit card issuer or bank, requesting the cancellation or closure of a credit card account. It serves as a formal request to terminate the cardholder's association with the credit card and outlines the reasons for the cancellation.
Q: Why would someone need to write a credit card cancellation request letter?
Answer: There can be various reasons why someone might need to write a credit card cancellation request letter. Some common reasons include dissatisfaction with the credit card's terms and conditions, high annual fees, poor customer service experiences, excessive interest rates, or simply because the cardholder wants to reduce the number of credit cards they own.
Q: What should be included in a credit card cancellation request letter?
Answer: A credit card cancellation request letter should include essential information such as the cardholder's full name, address, and contact details. It should also clearly state the intent to cancel the credit card and provide the credit card account number for reference.
Additionally, the letter should mention the reasons for the cancellation and any outstanding balances that need to be settled. It's advisable to request a written confirmation of the cancellation as well.
Q: How should a credit card cancellation request letter be formatted?
Answer: A credit card cancellation request letter should follow a professional and formal format. It should be written in a business letter format, with the sender's name and address at the top, followed by the date and the recipient's details. The letter should have a concise and clear opening paragraph stating the intention to cancel the credit card.
The body of the letter should explain the reasons for the cancellation and any necessary details related to the account. Finally, the letter should end with a polite closing and the sender's signature.
Q: Can you provide a sample credit card cancellation request letter?
Answer: Certainly! Here's a sample credit card cancellation request letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Credit Card Issuer/Bank Name]
[Credit Card Issuer/Bank Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Subject: Credit Card Cancellation Request
Dear [Credit Card Issuer/Bank Name],
I am writing to formally request the cancellation of my credit card with [Credit Card Issuer/Bank Name]. The details of my account are as follows:
Cardholder Name: [Your Full Name]
Credit Card Account Number: [Your Account Number]
I have thoroughly considered my financial circumstances and have decided that it is in my best interest to close this credit card account. The reasons for my decision include [briefly explain your reasons, such as high annual fees, unsatisfactory customer service, or excessive interest rates].
I kindly request that you confirm the cancellation in writing and provide instructions on any remaining balances or outstanding payments, if applicable. I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.
Thank you for your assistance in this regard. If you require any further information or documentation, please do not hesitate to contact me at the provided phone number or email address.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Q: Is it necessary to send the credit card cancellation request letter via certified mail?
Answer: While sending the credit card cancellation request letter via certified mail is not mandatory, it is recommended for several reasons. Using certified mail provides proof of sending and delivery, which can be useful in case of any disputes or issues that may arise in the future.
It also ensures that the letter reaches the intended recipient and can serve as evidence if the cancellation request is not processed as requested. Additionally, sending the letter via certified mail demonstrates your seriousness and commitment to the cancellation process.
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Cardholder’s Name
Cardholder’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Customer Service
Card Company Name
Company's Address
City, State and ZIP Code
RE: Cancellation of my credit card - NUMBER
Dear Sir or Madam:
The purpose of this letter is to serve as a written notice I am terminating my credit card account effective immediately.
Please close the following account:
Account Number: _________________
The last charge I made or authorized on this account was at (name of retailer) on (date) in the amount of $______.
Furthermore, send me a written confirmation letter that my account has been closed.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature)
(Your Typed Name)
(Your Address)
(Your Phone Number/Email Address)
By Andre Bradley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a credit card cancellation request letter?
Answer: A credit card cancellation request letter is a written document sent to a credit card issuer or bank, requesting the cancellation or closure of a credit card account. It serves as a formal request to terminate the cardholder's association with the credit card and outlines the reasons for the cancellation.
Q: Why would someone need to write a credit card cancellation request letter?
Answer: There can be various reasons why someone might need to write a credit card cancellation request letter. Some common reasons include dissatisfaction with the credit card's terms and conditions, high annual fees, poor customer service experiences, excessive interest rates, or simply because the cardholder wants to reduce the number of credit cards they own.
Q: What should be included in a credit card cancellation request letter?
Answer: A credit card cancellation request letter should include essential information such as the cardholder's full name, address, and contact details. It should also clearly state the intent to cancel the credit card and provide the credit card account number for reference.
Additionally, the letter should mention the reasons for the cancellation and any outstanding balances that need to be settled. It's advisable to request a written confirmation of the cancellation as well.
Q: How should a credit card cancellation request letter be formatted?
Answer: A credit card cancellation request letter should follow a professional and formal format. It should be written in a business letter format, with the sender's name and address at the top, followed by the date and the recipient's details. The letter should have a concise and clear opening paragraph stating the intention to cancel the credit card.
The body of the letter should explain the reasons for the cancellation and any necessary details related to the account. Finally, the letter should end with a polite closing and the sender's signature.
Q: Can you provide a sample credit card cancellation request letter?
Answer: Certainly! Here's a sample credit card cancellation request letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Credit Card Issuer/Bank Name]
[Credit Card Issuer/Bank Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Subject: Credit Card Cancellation Request
Dear [Credit Card Issuer/Bank Name],
I am writing to formally request the cancellation of my credit card with [Credit Card Issuer/Bank Name]. The details of my account are as follows:
Cardholder Name: [Your Full Name]
Credit Card Account Number: [Your Account Number]
I have thoroughly considered my financial circumstances and have decided that it is in my best interest to close this credit card account. The reasons for my decision include [briefly explain your reasons, such as high annual fees, unsatisfactory customer service, or excessive interest rates].
I kindly request that you confirm the cancellation in writing and provide instructions on any remaining balances or outstanding payments, if applicable. I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.
Thank you for your assistance in this regard. If you require any further information or documentation, please do not hesitate to contact me at the provided phone number or email address.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Q: Is it necessary to send the credit card cancellation request letter via certified mail?
Answer: While sending the credit card cancellation request letter via certified mail is not mandatory, it is recommended for several reasons. Using certified mail provides proof of sending and delivery, which can be useful in case of any disputes or issues that may arise in the future.
It also ensures that the letter reaches the intended recipient and can serve as evidence if the cancellation request is not processed as requested. Additionally, sending the letter via certified mail demonstrates your seriousness and commitment to the cancellation process.
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