Call Ulta's card issuer to cancel, not Ulta itself

The Ulta Credit Card is issued by Comenity Bank, not by Ulta Beauty. This matters because you cannot cancel it by calling an Ulta store or Ulta customer service. You must contact Comenity Bank directly at the number on the back of your card or call 1-866-322-8582. Have your card number ready when you call.

The process itself takes about five minutes. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're canceling (they may offer retention offers, but you're not required to accept), and then close the account. Ask them to confirm the cancellation in writing and request a reference number for your records.

After you hang up, your card will no longer work for new purchases. Any pending charges may still post for a few days, and you'll continue to receive statements if you have a balance. The account closure will appear on your credit report within 30 days.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Comenity Bank at 1-866-322-8582 to cancel — not Ulta Beauty directly — because Comenity Bank issued the card.
  • Have your card number and personal identification information ready before you call.
  • Ask for written confirmation and a reference number so you have proof the account was closed.
  • Pay off any remaining balance before canceling, or your account will stay open to collect the debt.
  • The closure will show on your credit report within 30 days and may temporarily lower your credit score if this is one of your older accounts.

What happens to your rewards balance when you cancel

Ulta's rewards program is separate from the credit card account. When you close the card, your rewards points do not disappear — they stay in your Ulta account as long as you have account activity at least once every 12 months. You can still use those points to make purchases at Ulta even after the card is closed.

If your Ulta account becomes inactive for 12 consecutive months with no purchases or rewards activity, Ulta may expire your points. To keep them active, log into your Ulta account online or make a purchase (even a small one) at least once a year.

Paying off your balance before you cancel

If you have a balance on the card when you call to cancel, Comenity Bank will not close the account immediately. Instead, the account will remain open so you can continue making payments. You'll receive monthly statements until the balance reaches zero.

It's better to pay off the balance in full before you call to cancel, so the account closes cleanly. If you can't pay it all at once, you can still cancel the card and make payments afterward — the account just won't be fully closed until the debt is paid.

If you're carrying a balance and want to cancel, ask the representative about your options. Some cardholders transfer the balance to another card with a lower interest rate before closing, which can save money if you need time to pay it off.

How cancellation affects your credit score

Closing a credit card account can lower your credit score, but the impact depends on your overall credit profile. The main reason is that closing an account reduces your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your credit limits you're actually using). If you have other cards with balances, this ratio will look higher to credit scoring models.

The impact is usually temporary and smaller if the Ulta card is one of several cards you own. If it's your only card or one of very few, the score drop may be more noticeable. The effect typically fades over a few months as the account ages on your report.

If you're concerned about the score impact and don't have a strong reason to cancel right away, you can keep the card open and unused. Closed accounts stay on your credit report for up to 10 years, so closing it now versus later won't make a huge difference in the long run.

Canceling online or by mail if you can't call

Comenity Bank does not offer cancellation through their website. You must call to close the account. However, if you cannot call during business hours, you have two alternatives.

First, you can write a letter to Comenity Bank requesting cancellation. Include your full name, card number, date of birth, and a statement that you want to close the account. Mail it to the address on the back of your card or on your statement. Keep a copy for your records. This method is slower — it may take two to three weeks to process — and you won't have immediate confirmation.

Second, some cardholders have reported success using Comenity Bank's online chat feature on their website, though chat representatives may direct you to call. If you try chat, ask explicitly whether they can process a cancellation request, and if they can, request written confirmation by email.

What to do after your card is canceled

Once Comenity Bank confirms the cancellation, destroy the physical card by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not throw it away intact, as the card number could be recovered.

Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after cancellation to confirm the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official government site. The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the report will show which one issued the information.

If the account does not show as closed after 60 days, or if it shows as closed but with an error, contact Comenity Bank again with your reference number from the original cancellation call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will canceling the Ulta Credit Card hurt my credit score?

It may lower your score temporarily because closing an account reduces your available credit. The impact is usually small and temporary, especially if you have other cards. If the Ulta card is your only card or one of very few, the drop may be more noticeable but typically recovers within a few months.

Can I cancel the card if I still have a balance?

Yes, but the account will stay open until you pay off the balance. It's better to pay the balance in full before calling to cancel, so the account closes cleanly. If you can't pay it all at once, you can still cancel and make payments afterward.

What happens to my Ulta rewards points when I cancel the card?

Your rewards points stay in your Ulta account and don't expire as long as you have account activity at least once every 12 months. You can use the points to make purchases at Ulta even after the card is closed.

How long does it take to cancel the Ulta Credit Card?

The phone call takes about five minutes, and the account closes immediately. However, pending charges may still post for a few days, and the closure will show on your credit report within 30 days. If you mail a cancellation letter instead, it may take two to three weeks.

What if I change my mind after canceling?

Once Comenity Bank closes the account, you cannot reopen it. If you want a credit card again, you would need to apply for a new one. Comenity Bank will review your application as they would for any new cardholder.