Question about canceling a credit card

I want to cancel a few credit cards that I don't use. But I remember someone saying or I read somewhere, that you need to make sure the credit card gets closed a certain way so it doesn't affect your credit.

Anyone know about this?

I just made sure there was a $0 balance on all ym cards then I canceled them.
If there is a 'special' way I'd like to know about it!

a bank can close the account under there terms, it looks bad... (its like sombody taken the card away from you)...

vs

i want to cancel this card because i dont use it anymore. ensure that they send a confirmation letter of the transaction confirming that You (the cardholder) requested this account closed..

also, dont give them a reason why you want to close the card else they will try to counter it (this 'could' work in your favor) to drop the rates)