Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

Yes. You have to specifically notify them that you want the account closed. Instructions for how to do that should be in the fine print on your bill. If not, call customer service and ask what they require in order to close an account. You can do that before paying down the balance, by the way. They will then just close the account to new charges and block the card. You may or may not have to pay the annual fee if you don't pay it off by the annual fee renewal, though. Again, check your card company's policies on this. Most will not charge the annual fee if you are closed and paying down balance, but some do.