Call Kohl's Customer Service to Request Cancellation
The fastest way to cancel a Kohl's credit card is to call Kohl's Customer Service at the number on the back of your card. Have your card number and account information ready. The representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're closing the account, and process the cancellation on the call. The card is typically closed within minutes, though it may take a few business days for the closure to show on your credit report.
If you prefer not to call, you can also cancel by mail. Send a written request to the address listed on your statement, including your name, account number, and a statement that you want to close the account. Keep a copy for your records. Mail cancellation takes longer — usually one to two weeks — because the company must receive and process your letter.
Do not simply stop using the card and assume it will close on its own. Inactive accounts sometimes remain open, which can affect your credit utilization ratio and leave an open line of liability if the card number is compromised.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Kohl's card to cancel; the process takes minutes and closes the account immediately.
- Pay off any remaining balance before or during the cancellation call to avoid future bills or interest charges.
- Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it with your records in case disputes arise later.
- Check your credit report two to three months after cancellation to confirm the account shows as closed.
- Canceling a card with a long history may lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your total available credit.
Pay Off Your Balance Before You Cancel
If you have an outstanding balance on the card, pay it in full before calling to cancel. You can make a payment online through your Kohl's account, by phone during the cancellation call, or by mail. Paying first prevents the company from charging interest on the remaining balance after closure.
If you cannot pay the full balance immediately, you can still cancel the account, but the company will continue to bill you for the remaining amount. Interest will accrue on unpaid balances even after the card is closed, so this option costs more over time. Ask the representative about your payment options during the call.
What Happens to Rewards Points When You Cancel
Kohl's Cash rewards and points in your account do not automatically disappear when you close the card, but the timeline depends on the program's terms. Some rewards expire within a set period after account closure; others may remain available for a limited time. Before you cancel, check your account balance and use any rewards you have accumulated.
If you have Kohl's Cash that is set to expire soon, redeem it on a purchase before closing the account. Once the card is closed, you will no longer earn new rewards, but existing rewards may still be usable for a period — contact Kohl's Customer Service to confirm the exact policy for your account.
Request Written Confirmation of Cancellation
After the representative confirms the cancellation, ask them to send you written confirmation by mail or email. This confirmation should include the date of closure, your account number, and a statement that the account is closed at your request. Save this document with your financial records.
Written confirmation protects you if a charge appears on the account after closure or if a dispute arises about when the account was closed. If the company later claims the account was still active, you have proof of the closure date. If you do not receive confirmation within one week, call back and request it again.
Monitor Your Credit Report After Cancellation
Check your credit report two to three months after cancellation to confirm the account shows as closed. You can view your report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is run by the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). The account should appear with a status of "closed" or "closed by consumer request."
If the account still shows as open after three months, contact Kohl's Customer Service again with your confirmation letter. Errors on your credit report can affect your credit score and your ability to borrow in the future, so it is worth verifying the closure was recorded correctly.
Understand the Credit Score Impact
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score in the short term, usually by 5 to 10 points, because it reduces your total available credit. If the Kohl's card was one of your oldest accounts, the impact may be slightly larger because closing it shortens your average account age. However, this effect is temporary and typically recovers within a few months as the account ages in your credit history.
If you are planning to apply for a loan or mortgage soon, consider waiting to cancel until after the application is approved. If you have already canceled and your score dropped, the impact will fade over time as long as you pay other accounts on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Kohl's credit card after I cancel it?
Yes, you can reopen a closed Kohl's card or open a new one, but the company may review your account history and credit score. If you closed the account in good standing with no missed payments, reopening is usually straightforward. Contact Kohl's Customer Service or visit a store to inquire about your options.
What if I have pending charges on the card when I cancel?
Pending charges will still post to the account after closure. The account will remain open long enough for all pending transactions to clear, then close. You will receive a final bill for any remaining balance. Pay this bill on time to avoid late fees or damage to your credit.
Do I need to cut up or destroy the card after cancellation?
Yes, cut the card in half or shred it to prevent someone from using the number if it is lost or stolen. Even though the account is closed, the card number could still be used fraudulently. Destroying the physical card removes this risk.
Will canceling affect my Kohl's shopping experience?
You can still shop at Kohl's and use other payment methods after canceling the credit card. You will no longer earn Kohl's Cash on purchases, but you can still use a debit card, another credit card, or cash. Your Kohl's customer account and any loyalty program membership remain separate from the credit card.