How to Close or Cancel Your UnionBank Credit Card (Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Users)
Canceling your credit card can feel intimidating — especially if it’s your first time managing one. Maybe you’re trying to reduce expenses, simplify your finances, or switch to a different card that offers better rewards. Whatever your reason, closing your UnionBank Credit Card properly is important to avoid penalties or future issues.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to cancel your UnionBank credit card step-by-step, explain what happens after you close it, and share tips to protect your credit record before and after cancellation.
Why People Cancel Their Credit Cards
Before you rush to close your account, it’s good to understand your reason — and whether canceling is really the best option. Here are some of the most common reasons Filipinos choose to cancel their credit card:
High annual fees that no longer feel worth it.
Too many active cards making it hard to track spending.
High interest rates or unpaid balances.
Fraud or security concerns.
Switching to another UnionBank card with better cashback or rewards.
If any of these sound familiar, that’s totally valid. But before you close your card, let’s make sure you do it the right way.
What You Need to Know Before Canceling Your UnionBank Credit Card
Before calling customer service or visiting a branch, take note of these important reminders:
1. Settle All Outstanding Balances
You must pay off your total remaining balance, including any interest, annual fees, or pending transactions. UnionBank will not close your card until your account balance is ₱0.00.
💡 Pro Tip: To check how much you still owe, review your latest credit card statement or use UnionBank Online > “Credit Card” section > “View Balance.”
2. Redeem or Use Your Reward Points
If your card earns UnionBank Rewards Points, Cashback, or Miles, use them before requesting cancellation. Once your account is closed, all remaining points are forfeited — and cannot be transferred to another card.
3. Cancel Auto-Payments or Subscriptions
If you’ve linked your card to Netflix, Spotify, Grab, GCash, or bills, make sure to update your payment method. Forgetting this step can lead to failed payments and late fees.
4. Get a Final Statement
After full payment, request a Final Billing Statement from UnionBank. This document confirms that your balance is cleared and no further interest will accrue.
Step-by-Step Process to Cancel Your UnionBank Credit Card
Here’s the simple step-by-step process to properly close your card:
Step 1: Pay Off All Balances
Pay your full outstanding balance through UnionBank Online, over-the-counter, or through your mobile wallet. Once done, wait for it to reflect in your next billing cycle or call customer service to confirm the updated balance.
Step 2: Call UnionBank Customer Service
You cannot close your credit card directly in the app — you must contact UnionBank’s Customer Service Hotline:
📞 UnionBank Credit Card Hotline: (02) 8841-8600 🕘 Available Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tell them you want to cancel or close your credit card account. They will verify your identity and confirm your balance status.
Step 3: Confirm Final Billing and Settlement
If there’s any small residual balance (like a finance charge or foreign transaction adjustment), UnionBank will inform you. Pay this final amount to proceed with account closure.
Step 4: Request Written Confirmation of Closure
Ask for written proof or email confirmation that your card has been successfully canceled. This protects you if future charges mistakenly appear on your closed account.
Step 5: Cut or Destroy Your Credit Card
Once UnionBank confirms your account is closed, cut the card into several pieces — especially through the chip and magnetic strip — to prevent misuse.
What Happens After You Close Your Card
Here’s what to expect after your credit card cancellation is approved:
Timeline
What Happens
1–2 business days
UnionBank processes your closure request.
Up to 7 business days
You receive email or written confirmation.
Next billing cycle
Any overpayment is refunded to your deposit account.
After closure
Your online access to the card may be removed.
If you had a supplementary cardholder, their card will automatically be deactivated as well.
How Closing a Credit Card Affects Your Credit Score
Closing a credit card might seem harmless — but it can affect your credit score, especially if it’s your oldest card or has a large credit limit.
Here’s how:
Reduced Credit Limit – lowers your available credit, which can increase your credit utilization ratio.
Shorter Credit History – if it’s your oldest account, it can shorten your credit history and slightly lower your score.
Missed Payments Before Closure – if you forget any pending dues, this can reflect negatively on your credit report.
However, if you close it responsibly (with zero balance and proof of closure), the impact is minimal — and your score can recover over time.
When It’s Better to Keep the Card Instead
Sometimes, keeping your UnionBank credit card might be a smarter move than canceling it right away. You can consider:
Requesting a fee waiver: UnionBank often waives annual fees for loyal or active customers.
Downgrading to a no-annual-fee card: Ask customer service about converting to a lower-tier card instead of full cancellation.
Keeping it for credit history: Even if you don’t use it often, keeping an old account open helps maintain your credit age.
Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator Before Canceling
Before you decide to cancel, it’s smart to check how much your card is really costing you — or how much you could save by switching.
You can use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to estimate your monthly interest, annual fees, and total repayment cost.
This tool helps you see the full picture — perfect for first-time users who want to compare if keeping or closing a card is the better move financially.
Common Issues When Canceling Your UnionBank Credit Card
Here are some typical issues and what you can do:
Issue
Possible Cause
Solution
Still getting billed after canceling
There were pending transactions before closure
Request a final statement and dispute unauthorized charges
Points or cashback disappeared
You canceled before redeeming rewards
Redeem points before calling for cancellation
Account still active online
Closure not yet finalized
Wait for email confirmation or call customer service
Cannot pay last remaining balance
Payment cutoff or small residual interest
Request final amount through UnionBank hotline
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Pay off your total balance before canceling.
Redeem all rewards or cashback first.
Cancel all automatic payments linked to the card.
Call UnionBank at (02) 8841-8600 to request closure.
1. Can I cancel my UnionBank credit card anytime? Yes. As long as your balance is fully paid, you can request cancellation anytime through the UnionBank Credit Card hotline.
2. What happens to my reward points after I cancel? All unredeemed points or cashback will be forfeited. Make sure to redeem them before you close your account.
3. Can I reopen my UnionBank credit card after canceling it? No, once it’s canceled, it cannot be reopened. You must apply again as a new cardholder.
4. Will canceling affect my credit score? Slightly — especially if it’s your oldest or highest-limit card. But the effect is minor if you have other active credit lines and always pay on time.
5. Can I transfer my balance to another UnionBank card before closing? Yes. You can request a balance transfer to another UnionBank credit card with a lower interest rate before cancellation.
6. How long does it take to fully close a UnionBank credit card? Usually 5–7 business days after full payment and confirmation, depending on pending transactions.
Final Thoughts
Closing a credit card is a big step in your financial journey. But when done properly, it can help you regain control of your budget and simplify your finances.
Before canceling, always check the fees, rewards, and interest you’re giving up — and use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to decide wisely.
If you’re sure it’s time to say goodbye, follow the steps above carefully — and you’ll close your UnionBank credit card smoothly, safely, and with confidence.
