Closing a Discover account requires you to contact Discover directly by phone or through your online banking portal

Discover does not let you close an account through their website or mobile app. You must call their customer service line at 1-800-347-2000 to request closure. Have your account number ready when you call. The process takes a few minutes, but Discover will ask you why you're closing the account — this is standard practice and does not affect your ability to close it.

If you have an outstanding balance on a credit card, you can still close the account, but you'll remain responsible for paying what you owe. Discover will continue to charge interest on the balance until it's paid in full. If you have a Discover Bank savings or checking account with a positive balance, that money stays yours — Discover will not keep it.

Before you call, make sure you've paid any outstanding balances or arranged a payment plan. Closing an account with an unpaid balance can damage your credit score and may result in collection action.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Discover at 1-800-347-2000 to close any Discover account — phone is the only method they accept.
  • Outstanding balances remain your responsibility after closure, and interest continues to accrue until paid.
  • Closing a credit card account may lower your credit score because it reduces your total available credit.
  • If you have a positive balance in a savings or checking account, request a check or transfer before closing.
  • After closure, your account becomes inactive within one to two business days, though records remain on file.

What happens to your balance and money after closure

If you're closing a Discover credit card with a balance, that debt does not disappear. You'll receive a final statement showing what you owe, and Discover will continue to charge interest each month until the balance reaches zero. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using the payment instructions on your statement.

If you're closing a Discover Bank savings or checking account, your money is not at risk. Contact Discover before closing to arrange how you want the funds transferred. You can request a check mailed to your address, a transfer to another bank account, or a wire transfer. Processing times vary — a check typically arrives within five to seven business days, while transfers to another bank account take one to three business days.

If you have pending transactions or scheduled payments set to post after you close the account, contact Discover to cancel or redirect them. Transactions that were already authorized before closure may still process.

How closing affects your credit score

Closing a Discover credit card can lower your credit score, usually by 10 to 50 points, depending on your overall credit profile. This happens because closing an account reduces your total available credit, which increases your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit that you're using across all accounts. A higher utilization ratio signals higher risk to lenders.

The impact is temporary. Your score typically recovers within three to six months as long as you pay other accounts on time. The account itself remains on your credit report for seven years after closure, which means it continues to show your payment history during that period.

If you're concerned about the score impact, consider keeping the account open but unused instead. This preserves your available credit and keeps the account active on your report. You can set up a small recurring charge (like a streaming service) and pay it off monthly to keep the account in good standing.

Steps to take before calling to close

Review your account for any pending transactions or automatic payments. Log into your Discover account online or through the mobile app and check for scheduled bill payments, recurring charges, or transfers. Cancel anything you don't want to process after closure. This prevents charges from posting to a closed account, which can create confusion and delays.

Gather your account information. Have your account number, the phone number associated with the account, and your Social Security number ready. Discover will verify your identity before processing the closure request. If you're calling on behalf of someone else, you'll need power of attorney or written authorization.

Decide what to do with any rewards points or cash back. If you have a Discover credit card with rewards, check your balance before closing. Some rewards expire after account closure, though Discover typically allows 30 to 90 days to redeem them. You can usually convert points to a statement credit or cash back before the account closes.

What to expect during and after the closure call

When you call 1-800-347-2000, a representative will verify your identity and ask for your account number. They'll confirm that you want to close the account and may ask why. You don't have to provide a detailed reason — "I'm closing the account" is sufficient. The representative will then process the closure request.

The account becomes inactive when ready, but it takes one to two business days for the closure to fully process in Discover's system. You won't be able to make new charges or transfers during this time. Your final statement will arrive by mail within 30 days and will show any remaining balance or credit.

Keep a record of the closure. Write down the date you called, the representative's name if they provided it, and the confirmation number if one was given. This protects you if there's a dispute later about whether the account was actually closed.

If you want to reopen the account later

Discover may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain timeframe, usually 30 to 60 days. Contact customer service to ask if your specific account is may be able to access. If you reopen within this window, your credit history on that account resumes, and you don't have to go through a new process process.

After the reopen window closes, you cannot restore the original account. You would have to explore for a new Discover account, which means a new process, a new credit inquiry, and a new account number. Your old account remains on your credit report for seven years, but it's separate from any new account you open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Discover account online?

No. Discover requires you to close accounts by phone at 1-800-347-2000. You cannot close through the website, mobile app, or email. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized closures.

What if I have a balance when I close?

You remain responsible for paying the balance. Interest continues to accrue monthly until the balance is zero. You can pay by mail, phone, or online using the payment instructions on your final statement.

Will closing my account hurt my credit?

Closing a credit card account may lower your score by 10 to 50 points because it reduces your available credit. The impact is temporary and usually recovers within three to six months if you pay other accounts on time.

How long does it take to close an account?

The call takes a few minutes, but the account becomes fully inactive within one to two business days. Your final statement arrives by mail within 30 days.

Can I reopen my account after I close it?

Discover may allow reopening within 30 to 60 days of closure. After that window, you would need to explore for a new account. Contact Discover to ask if your account is may be able to access for reopening.