How to Close an ICICI Credit Card – Easy Closure Guide

Ritesh Mehra, a 32-year-old software engineer from Pune, held three different credit cards, one of which was the ICICI Coral Credit Card. After evaluating his financial goals and monthly expenses, he realised he was not using one of the cards frequently.

With an outstanding balance of ₹24,700, he promptly cleared all dues, redeemed his accumulated reward points worth ₹700, and initiated the closure process via the ICICI Bank website. Within eight working days, he received an email confirmation that his credit card was officially closed.

Why People Close Credit Cards?

Credit cards can be beneficial when used wisely, but for many individuals, there comes a time when closing a credit card becomes the smarter financial decision. The most common reasons include high annual charges, minimal usage, or switching to a better financial product.

Some cardholders also close credit cards to avoid the temptation of overspending or to maintain a healthy credit utilisation ratio. Others close cards when they have too many and want to streamline their credit portfolio.

According to a recent consumer finance survey:

• 35% of cardholders closed a card due to high annual or renewal fees
• 25% of closed cards that remained unused for months
• 20% aimed to reduce the number of cards to simplify personal finance

Things to Check Before Closing the ICICI Credit Card

Before initiating the closure process, there are several steps you must take to ensure a smooth and error-free experience:

1. Clear Outstanding Dues: You must ensure that your credit card has a zero balance. Even a minor due can delay the closure process.
   
   
2. Redeem Reward Points: ICICI reward points are forfeited once the card is cancelled. Hence, use your points for vouchers, merchandise, or statement credits.
   
   
3. Cancel Linked EMIs or Auto-Debits: If any auto-debits or EMI facilities are linked to the card, these should be cancelled prior to initiating the closure.
   
   
4. Check Your Credit Score Impact: Closing a credit card can impact your credit score, especially if it's one of your older cards or carries a high credit limit.
   
   
5. Download Statements: Save the last 6-12 months of statements for future reference.

Example:

Shweta Singh, a digital marketing manager in Noida, had 2,800 reward points worth ₹700 on her ICICI Rubyx Credit Card. Before placing her closure request, she logged into the ICICI Rewards portal and redeemed her points for a Flipkart gift voucher. She also cancelled her auto-debit instructions for utility bills to prevent failed transactions. This preparation ensured a hassle-free closure experience.

Methods to Close an ICICI Credit Card

ICICI Bank offers several ways to close your credit card, ensuring flexibility and convenience for cardholders. Each method has specific steps, timelines, and documentation requirements.

Read More: How to Close Your ICICI Bank Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

A. Online Closure via Internet Banking

1. Visit https://www.icicibank.com and log in using your credentials.
2. Navigate to "Credit Cards" > "Service Requests" > "Close Credit Card".
3. Select the card you wish to close and submit your request.
4. A confirmation message and reference number will be generated.

B. Customer Care Request

1. Dial the 24x7 ICICI Credit Card helpline: 1860 120 7777.
2. Authenticate your identity using your registered mobile number or card details.
3. Request for credit card closure.
4. Note down the service request number provided by the representative.

C. Email Request

1. Compose an email to customer.care@icicibank.com 
2. Include your full name, registered mobile number, last 4 digits of your card, and reason for closure.
3. ICICI may respond with further instructions or initiate the closure process.

D. Visit a Branch

1. Locate your nearest ICICI Bank branch.
2. Carry an identity proof and a written application mentioning your request to cancel the credit card.
3. Submit the application and obtain an acknowledgement.

Example:

Rohit Tiwari from Ahmedabad preferred visiting the local ICICI branch for closure. He wrote an application and enclosed a copy of his Aadhaar card. Within two days, he received a call from the ICICI back-office team confirming his closure request. The card was officially cancelled within the next five working days.

What Happens After Closure?

Once your ICICI credit card closure request is processed successfully, several actions follow:

1. Confirmation Message: You will receive an official confirmation via SMS or email. This includes details such as the date of closure and the final balance.
   
   
2. Update on Credit Report: The closure will be reflected on your CIBIL or credit report within 7 to 10 working days.
   
   
3. Credit Limit Reduction: Your overall credit limit will reduce if you hold multiple cards, potentially affecting your credit utilisation ratio.
   
   
4. Reward Points Nullified: Any unused reward points that were not redeemed before closure are forfeited.
   
   
5. No Further Charges: You will no longer incur any annual fee, interest, or penalty charges related to that card.

Example:

Aditya Rao, a resident of Hyderabad, closed his ICICI Platinum Card in February. 7 days after closure, he checked his credit report and found that the card was marked as "Closed at Customer's Request". 

He observed a minor drop of 6 points in his CIBIL score due to the reduced total credit limit. However, he was relieved to know that no annual charges were applied post-closure.

ICICI Credit Card Closure Form

The ICICI Credit Card Closure Form is one of the most formal methods for permanently closing your credit card account with ICICI Bank. This process is especially recommended if you prefer written documentation and a secure, traceable method.

Where to Download the Form?

The form can be downloaded directly from the official ICICI Bank website.

Look for the section titled “Credit Card Cancellation Request Form”. It is typically a one-page PDF document that you must fill out manually.

How to Fill the Closure Form

You must fill in the following details:

• Cardholder’s Full Name: As printed on the card.
  
  
• Credit Card Number (Last 4 Digits): For security purposes, do not write the full card number.
  
  
• Registered Mobile Number: This ensures the bank can reach you if clarification is needed.
  
  
• Reason for Closure: Whether due to high fees, no longer needed, or other personal preferences.
  
  
• Signature: This should match your original bank records.
  
  

After completing the form, you can either submit it in person at the nearest ICICI Bank branch or post it to their official address.

Example:

Siddharth Jain, a marketing executive from Jaipur, wanted to close his ICICI Platinum Credit Card due to limited usage. He downloaded the form from the official site, filled in his details (including the last four digits: 3564), and sent the form by speed post with a signature. 

Within 10 working days, he received a confirmation message on his registered mobile confirming successful closure.

How Long Does It Take to Close an ICICI Credit Card? 

The time required to close your ICICI credit card depends largely on the method you choose and the completeness of your request.

Learn More: Looking for a New Card? Compare the ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card

Standard Timeframes by Closure Method:

• Online via NetBanking: 3 to 7 working days
• Customer Care Call: 5 to 7 working days
• Email to Customer Care: 7 to 10 working days
• Closure Form by Post: 7 to 12 working days
• Branch Visit (Manual): Same day, provided all dues are cleared

Important Considerations:

• If there is any outstanding amount, the closure request will not proceed until the dues are cleared.
  
  
• If the credit card has ongoing EMI plans, those must be paid off or transferred before closure.
  
  
• The card account will remain active until the bank sends you a formal closure confirmation.
  
  
• After your card is closed, it may take 7 to 14 days for the update to reflect on your CIBIL credit report.

Example:

Poonam Desai, a graphic designer from Ahmedabad, opted to close her ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card by submitting a closure request via NetBanking. She received an automated service reference ID and was informed the request would be completed within 5 working days. 

True to the timeline, she received a final confirmation email on the sixth day and noted that her credit card statement reflected "account closed" by the following billing cycle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Closing ICICI Credit Cards:

While the process of closing an ICICI credit card is relatively simple, there are several common mistakes that people make which can cause unnecessary delays or issues.

1. Not Clearing All Outstanding Dues

Your closure request will be rejected if even ₹1 is pending on your card. Always ensure that your total outstanding, including EMIs, annual fees, and pending transactions, is paid in full before submitting a closure request.

2. Forgetting to Redeem Reward Points

ICICI reward points get forfeited once the card is closed. Redeem them via the ICICI Rewards portal or NetBanking before initiating the closure request.

3. Assuming Email or SMS Is Enough

Simply writing an email or sending a message saying “Please cancel my card” is not sufficient. You need to follow the bank’s defined procedure, either via form, phone, NetBanking or by visiting the branch.

4. Using Third-Party Agents

Never rely on unauthorised agents to close your card. Always use official ICICI communication channels.

5. Closing Oldest Card First

Sometimes, customers close their oldest credit card, which can reduce their credit history length and negatively impact their CIBIL score.

Example:

Neeraj Arora from Delhi closed his ICICI Coral Card without redeeming his 3,100 reward points, which were worth ₹775. By the time he realised, the account had already been closed and the points were no longer recoverable. 

He hadn’t paid his ₹500 renewal fee, which delayed his closure by 4 working days.

What If My Closure Request Is Rejected?

Rejections typically happen when the closure request does not meet the basic eligibility criteria.

Reasons for Closure Request Rejection:

• Outstanding balance on the card
• EMI or loan linked to the credit card is still active
• Incomplete form submission or missing documents
• Use of unauthorised email IDs or methods
• Mismatch in details like mobile number, signature, or card number

What to Do If Your Request Is Rejected?

1. Verify Outstanding: Log into NetBanking and confirm whether any amount is pending.
   
   
2. Contact ICICI Customer Care: Call 1860 120 7777 to understand the reason for rejection.
   
   
3. Raise a Formal Grievance: If you're not satisfied with the resolution, file a complaint at: https://www.icicibank.com/complaints
   
   
4. Use the Banking Ombudsman: If no action is taken within 30 days, escalate the matter to the RBI’s Ombudsman.

Example:

Ravi Krishnan from Kochi tried closing his ICICI card through an old email ID not registered with his ICICI account. The request was 

rejected due to verification failure. When he resubmitted the request using the registered email and included all the required 

information, the bank processed it within 7 working days.

Pro Tips for Smooth Closure:

• Always use the official ICICI Bank channels for submitting closure requests
  
  
• Avoid third-party agents who are not authorised by the bank
  
  
• Redeem your reward points before you raise the request
  
  
• Keep digital and printed copies of all communication and closure receipts
  
  
• Apply for closure at least 10–15 days before your billing cycle ends
  
  
• Use express or fast-track services wisely, only when necessary
  
  Explore More: A Complete Guide to Applying for a New Credit Card

Example:

Devika Sharma from Lucknow had her ICICI card linked to Netflix auto-debit. She forgot to unlink it, which caused a ₹499 charge post-closure request. 

The bank held her request due to the pending charge. After resolving it and resubmitting her request via NetBanking, her card was successfully closed in just 5 days.

Conclusion:

Closing your ICICI credit card is a responsible financial decision when executed properly. However, it requires planning, verification, and careful attention to detail. Follow the official process, keep a copy of all communication, and always double-check for any pending dues or active services linked to your card.

FAQs:

1. Can I close my ICICI credit card online?
   Yes, you can close it using ICICI NetBanking or the iMobile Pay app.
   
   
2. Will closing my credit card affect my CIBIL score?
   Yes, especially if it’s your oldest card or if it impacts your credit utilisation ratio.
   
   
3. Can I reopen a closed ICICI credit card?
   No, once permanently closed, it cannot be reopened. You’ll need to reapply.
   
   
4. Do I need to return the physical card after closure?
   It’s advisable to cut the card diagonally and dispose of it securely.
   
   
5. How do I confirm my card has been closed?
   You’ll receive a confirmation SMS or email once the process is complete.
   
   

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