Can one person cancel a joint credit card?
William Jenkins
Updated on February 09, 2026
Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to close a joint credit card, as long as both parties agree to terminating the account. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow. Pay off the balance. If you have a balance on your joint credit card, your card issuer will likely require you to pay it off before you close the account.
Can my wife cancel my credit card?
Generally, either party can unilaterally close the account by contacting the card issuer over the phone or in writing. Once closed, the cards of both joint account holders and any authorized cardholders will be deactivated, and any future attempt to make purchases will be declined.
How do I get taken off a joint credit card?
Options for Removing Yourself as a Credit Card Co-Signer
- Ask the card issuer directly. The first option you should try is simply asking the issuer of the credit card to remove you as a co-signer.
- Ask the cardholder to transfer the balance.
- Ask the cardholder to refinance the debt.
- Pay off the card yourself.
Can my husband cancel my credit card during divorce?
Yes he can. Since nothing has been filed with the court, he can do what he wants. You should take any steps you can to protect yourself.
What happens if I open a joint credit card with my spouse?
You can continue to use the card if you keep the account open. It’s still yours — the company won’t issue a new card or open a new account in your sole name. But make sure it really is a joint account and that your spouse didn’t just add you to his card as an authorized user.
How do you close a joint credit card account?
If your credit card issuer requires you to pay off the balance before you can close it, ask the credit card issuer to remove the ability to make new purchases. That way, neither of you can rack up purchases that the other person has to pay for. You can be rid of the balance and the joint debt obligation much sooner.
What happens to my credit card if my spouse dies?
If it was a joint credit card account, explain to the credit card issuer that one of the account holders is deceased. The credit card company will typically give you the option to keep the account open in your name, but may ask you to fill out a new credit application and agree to new credit terms.
Can you remove one name from a joint credit card account?
Unlike a credit card with an authorized user, you generally cannot remove one name from a joint credit card. An authorized user account is under the name of one person and allows other, authorized persons, to make charges onto the account. The owner of the card can call the credit card issuer to have authorized users removed.