Call Home Depot's card issuer to close your account
The Home Depot credit card is issued by Synchrony Bank, not by Home Depot itself. To cancel the card, you call Synchrony directly at the number on the back of your card — not Home Depot customer service. Synchrony handles all account changes, including closures.
When you call, have your card number ready and be prepared to explain why you want to close the account. You don't have to give a reason, but Synchrony sometimes offers retention deals (like a statement credit or interest rate reduction) if they think you're leaving because of fees or rates. If you're not interested in staying, say so clearly.
The call usually takes five to ten minutes. Synchrony will confirm your identity, process the closure, and tell you what happens next with any remaining balance.
Key Takeaways
- Call Synchrony Bank at the number on your Home Depot card to close the account — do not call Home Depot itself.
- You can close the account over the phone in one call, and the process takes about five to ten minutes.
- Pay off any balance before closing, or your account will remain open until the balance is paid in full.
- Synchrony may offer a retention deal to keep you as a customer, but you can decline and proceed with closure.
- Request written confirmation of the closure by mail or email so you have proof the account is closed.
What to do if you have a balance on the card
If you owe money on the Home Depot card, Synchrony will not close the account until the balance is paid. You have two options: pay the full balance before calling to close, or call Synchrony, close the account, and continue making payments on the closed account until it's paid off.
Many people choose to close first and pay later because they want the account closed when ready. This is fine — a closed account with a balance still reports to your credit report, and you still make regular payments. The account straightforward stops accepting new charges.
If you have a promotional interest rate (like 0% for 12 months), closing the account does not end the promotion. You keep the same rate through the promotional period as long as you make on-time payments.
Timing: when the closure takes effect
Synchrony processes the closure when ready during your call. Your card stops working right away — you won't be able to use it at Home Depot or anywhere else after you hang up.
The closure appears on your credit report within one to two billing cycles. This means the account will show as "closed by consumer" on your credit history. This notation stays on your report for about seven years, but it has minimal impact on your credit score after the first few months.
If you're closing the card because you're worried about fraud or identity theft, ask Synchrony to flag the account as closed due to cardholder request. This creates a record that you initiated the closure, which can help if questions come up later.
Getting written confirmation of the closure
After you close the account by phone, ask Synchrony to send you written confirmation by mail or email. This confirmation should include your account number, the closure date, and a statement that the account is closed.
Keep this confirmation for your records. If you later see charges on the account or if someone disputes the closure, you'll have proof that you closed it on a specific date. Synchrony usually mails confirmation within five to seven business days.
What happens to your credit score
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score slightly in the short term because it reduces your total available credit. If the Home Depot card is one of your oldest accounts, closing it also shortens your average account age, which can have a small negative effect.
The impact is usually temporary — most people see their score recover within a few months. If you're planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other credit soon, consider waiting to close the card until after you've been approved, since lenders look at your credit report during the process process.
If you want to keep the account open but stop using it, you can straightforward cut up the card or set it aside. An unused account doesn't hurt your credit and keeps your available credit high.
Alternatives to closing: downgrading or freezing
Before you close the account, ask Synchrony whether you can downgrade to a different version of the Home Depot card. Some issuers offer a basic card with no annual fee as an alternative to a premium card with an annual fee. Downgrading keeps the account open and preserves your credit history without paying a fee.
If you're not ready to close but want to stop using the card, you can also ask Synchrony to freeze the account temporarily. A frozen account stops accepting new charges but remains open and active on your credit report. This is useful if you think you might use the card again in the future.
Neither of these options is available on every card, so ask when you call. If Synchrony offers either option and you're unsure about closing permanently, it's worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing the Home Depot card hurt my credit score?
Closing a credit card typically lowers your score slightly because it reduces your available credit and may shorten your average account age. The impact is usually small and temporary — most people see recovery within a few months. If you're explore for a loan soon, wait until after approval to close.
Can I close the card online or through the Home Depot website?
No. You must call Synchrony Bank directly at the number on your card. Home Depot's website and stores cannot close your Synchrony account. Phone closure is the only method available.
What if I have a promotional interest rate when I close the card?
Your promotional rate stays in effect after you close the account, as long as you make on-time payments. Closing the account does not end the promotion. You continue paying at the promotional rate through the end of the promotional period.
How long does it take for the closure to show up on my credit report?
The closure typically appears on your credit report within one to two billing cycles — usually two to four weeks. It will show as "closed by consumer" on your credit history. This notation remains for about seven years but has minimal impact after the first few months.
What if I see charges after I close the account?
Contact Synchrony when ready if you see charges after closing. Provide the written confirmation of closure you received from Synchrony. Unauthorized charges after closure are the issuer's responsibility to investigate and reverse.