Call Kohl's Customer Service to request cancellation
The fastest way to cancel your Kohl's credit card is to call Kohl's Customer Service directly. The number is on the back of your card. Have your card number ready when you call. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're canceling (though you don't have to give a reason), and process the cancellation on the spot.
The call usually takes five to ten minutes. The representative will confirm that your account is closed and may offer you a discount or incentive to keep the card open — you can accept or decline. After the call ends, your card is closed and you cannot make new charges, though you may still owe a balance if you had one.
If you prefer not to call, you can also cancel by mail. Write a letter to Kohl's requesting cancellation, include your card number and signature, and mail it to the address on your statement. This method is slower — it can take two to four weeks for the cancellation to process — so call if you need it done quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Kohl's card to cancel; the process takes about five to ten minutes and closes your account when ready.
- You can cancel by mail if you prefer, but it takes two to four weeks to process.
- A closed card still shows on your credit report and does not hurt your credit score, though keeping old accounts open can help your credit history.
- If you have a balance on the card when you cancel, you still owe that balance and must continue making payments.
- After cancellation, destroy your physical card by cutting it in half to prevent unauthorized use.
What happens to your balance after you cancel
Canceling your card does not erase any balance you owe. If you have an outstanding balance, you are still responsible for paying it in full. The card issuer will continue to charge interest on that balance at your regular rate until it is paid off.
You can continue making payments on a closed card through the same methods you used before — online through Kohl's website, by phone, or by mail. The payment address stays the same. Some people choose to pay off the balance before canceling to avoid interest charges, but you can cancel first and pay afterward if you prefer.
Destroy your card after cancellation
Once your cancellation is confirmed, cut your physical Kohl's card in half and throw it away. This prevents anyone who finds the card from using the number. Even though the account is closed, the card number itself could theoretically be used for fraud if someone has it.
You do not need to wait for a confirmation letter to destroy the card — you can do it right after you hang up from the cancellation call. If you have multiple cards (for example, an authorized user card), cut up all of them.
How cancellation affects your credit report
Closing a credit card does not damage your credit score, but it can have a small effect over time. When you close an account, your total available credit decreases, which can slightly raise your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit that you are using. If your utilization goes up, your score may dip a few points.
The closed account will remain on your credit report for seven to ten years, depending on whether it was in good standing when you closed it. During that time, it shows that you had an account and managed it responsibly, which can actually help your credit history. Older accounts with good payment history are valuable to keep on your report.
What to do if you want to keep the card but stop using it
If you are not sure whether you want to cancel permanently, you can straightforward stop using the card instead. Closing an account is final, but an unused card can always be canceled later. Keeping the account open costs nothing if you have no balance and are not charged an annual fee — Kohl's cards have no annual fee.
An open but unused account actually helps your credit score by keeping your available credit high and your utilization low. If you think you might use the card again for Kohl's purchases or sales events, leaving it open is the safer choice.
Canceling an authorized user card
If you are an authorized user on someone else's Kohl's card and want to remove yourself, you cannot cancel the card directly. The primary cardholder must call Kohl's Customer Service and request that your authorized user status be removed. Once they do, your card will no longer work.
If you are the primary cardholder and want to remove an authorized user, call Kohl's and provide the authorized user's name. The representative will remove them from the account, and their card will stop working. The primary account itself stays open unless you also request cancellation.
What to do if you cannot reach customer service
If you call and wait on hold for an extended time, try calling during off-peak hours — early morning or late evening on a weekday usually has shorter wait times. You can also try canceling by mail if the phone line is consistently busy.
If you have an online account with Kohl's, log in and check whether there is a "manage account" or "account settings" option that lets you request cancellation through the website. Not all card issuers offer this, but some do. If the website does not have a cancellation option, the phone or mail method is your only choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling my Kohl's card hurt my credit score?
Cancellation itself does not hurt your score, but closing the account removes available credit from your profile, which can slightly raise your credit utilization ratio and cause a small dip. The effect is usually temporary and minor. If you are concerned about your credit, keeping the card open costs nothing.
Can I reopen my Kohl's card after I cancel it?
Once you cancel, the account is closed permanently. You cannot reopen the same account. If you want a Kohl's card again later, you would have to explore for a new one, which involves a hard inquiry on your credit report. If you are unsure, it is better to leave the card open unused.
Do I have to pay off my balance before canceling?
No. You can cancel with an outstanding balance and continue paying it off afterward. However, paying the balance first means you avoid interest charges and have a cleaner break from the card. The choice depends on your situation.
How long does it take for my Kohl's card to be canceled?
If you call, cancellation is when ready — your account closes when the representative processes it. If you cancel by mail, it takes two to four weeks for the request to reach Kohl's and be processed. Call if you need it done quickly.
What if I have a pending charge on my card when I cancel?
Pending charges that have not yet posted will still go through even after you cancel. The card closure does not stop transactions that are already in process. Once the pending charge posts, you will owe it and must pay it like any other balance.