My wife is the main user of a credit card and I asked her to remove me as an authorized user since she has charged the balance up to >50% of her limit. I do not want the minimum payment and balance to show up on my credit report. She called American Express and they "cancelled" my credit card and kept hers open. Is this the same as removing me as authorized user? I don't want to be reponsible for her debt and I don't want it on my credit report anymore. Any ideas?

You should ask them to be sure. I would guess that they simply deactivated your card, but your name is probably still tied to the account. If you really feel that strongly, suggest to her to transfer the balance on that card to another card, preferably one with a 0% introductury rate. I think this is the only way to completely remove yourself from the debt.

If you co own the account you're screwed. You are responsible but can call AMEX to get it closed.

It is on your Credit Report for at least 7 years. You'd have to raise some hell to get it removed.

This will not remove the account from your report.

It will simply show as closed.

The history, balance and limit will still show for 10-years if the account is in good standing and 7-years if it's a bad account.

I was a authorized user on my Mom's account and after she passed away and the account was closed, it still shows on my credit report.

You do not have to worry about being responsible for your Wife's account, authorized users are not responsible for paying accounts, only co-signers and joint signers are.

Unless you live in a community property State like AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA or WI.