Call Kohl's customer service to cancel your card
The fastest way to cancel a Kohl's credit card is to call Kohl's customer service directly. The number is on the back of your card or on your Kohl's account online. 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 detailed reason), and process the cancellation on the spot.
The call typically takes five to ten minutes. The representative will confirm that your account balance is zero before closing it — if you have an outstanding balance, you'll need to pay it first or set up a payment plan. After cancellation, you'll receive written confirmation in the mail within one to two weeks.
Canceling by phone is preferable to other methods because you get when ready confirmation and can ask questions about your account status or rewards balance before the card closes.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Kohl's card or log into your online account to find customer service contact information.
- You must have a zero balance on the card before Kohl's will close the account; any remaining balance must be paid or arranged before cancellation.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation and keep it for your records.
- Canceling a credit card may lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit, but the effect usually fades within a few months.
What happens to your Kohl's Cash and rewards after cancellation
Kohl's Cash and any other rewards balance on your account will be forfeited when you cancel the card. Before you call to cancel, log into your Kohl's account online and check your rewards balance. If you have Kohl's Cash pending, use it in-store or online before you cancel — once the account closes, you cannot redeem it.
If you have a rewards balance that hasn't been converted to Kohl's Cash yet, ask the customer service representative what happens to those points. Some programs allow you to keep points for a limited time after cancellation, but this varies. Getting this answer before you hang up prevents confusion later.
Paying off your balance before you cancel
If your Kohl's card has an outstanding balance, you have two options: pay it in full before calling to cancel, or call first and ask whether you can set up a payment plan while keeping the account open temporarily.
Paying the full balance before cancellation is simpler and faster. You can pay online through your Kohl's account, by phone during the same call where you cancel, or in-store at any Kohl's location. Once the payment clears and your balance shows zero, the cancellation will go through without delay.
If you cannot pay the full balance when ready, tell the representative during your cancellation call. Some accounts can remain open for a short period while you pay down the balance, though this is not may provide. The representative will tell you whether this is an option for your account.
Canceling online or by mail if you cannot call
Kohl's does not offer a straightforward online cancellation form on their website. However, you can attempt to cancel through your online account by looking for account settings or contacting customer service through the website's message system. Response times for online requests are typically three to five business days, which is slower than a phone call.
You can also send a written request to Kohl's by mail, though this method is the slowest. Address a letter to Kohl's customer service requesting cancellation of your card, include your full name, card number, and account number, and mail it to the address on your billing statement. Keep a copy for your records. Kohl's typically processes mail requests within two to three weeks.
Phone cancellation remains the most reliable method because you receive when ready confirmation and can address any issues on the same call.
How cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card typically causes a small, temporary drop in your credit score. This happens because your total available credit decreases — if you had a $2,000 limit on the Kohl's card and no other cards, closing it reduces your available credit by $2,000, which can raise your credit utilization ratio on any remaining cards.
The impact is usually modest and fades within three to six months as long as you continue paying other accounts on time. If you have other credit cards with low balances, the effect is even smaller. The long-term benefit of canceling a card you don't use often outweighs the temporary score dip for most people.
If you're concerned about the score impact and don't have a balance on the card, you could keep the account open and unused instead of canceling. This preserves your available credit and keeps the account history on your credit report. However, if the card has an annual fee or you want to close it for other reasons, the temporary score impact is usually worth it.
What to do after your card is canceled
After your cancellation is confirmed, destroy your physical card by cutting it in half or shredding it. Do not throw it away intact, as the card number could be recovered from trash.
Update any automatic payments or recurring charges that were linked to the Kohl's card. Check your email for any subscriptions or services that charged to this card monthly, and switch them to a different payment method before the card closes. If you miss this step, those charges will fail and may result in service interruptions or late fees.
Keep your written cancellation confirmation for at least one year. If Kohl's later reports activity on the closed account or if you see unexpected charges, you'll have proof of the cancellation date to dispute them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my Kohl's card if I still have a balance?
No. You must pay your balance to zero before Kohl's will close the account. If you have an outstanding balance, pay it first by phone, online, or in-store, then call to cancel. Some representatives may allow you to keep the account open temporarily while you pay down a balance, but this is not may provide.
Will canceling my Kohl's card hurt my credit?
Canceling will cause a small, temporary drop in your credit score because it reduces your total available credit. The effect usually fades within three to six months. If you're worried about the impact, you could keep the card open and unused instead of canceling it.
What happens to my Kohl's Cash when I cancel?
Any Kohl's Cash or rewards balance will be lost when you cancel. Before you call, log into your account and use any pending Kohl's Cash in-store or online. Once the account closes, you cannot redeem it.
How long does it take to cancel a Kohl's credit card?
If you call customer service, cancellation is when ready — the representative will process it during your call and you'll receive written confirmation in one to two weeks. Online or mail cancellations take three to five business days or two to three weeks respectively.
Do I need to cut up my card after cancellation?
Yes. Cut your card in half or shred it to prevent someone from recovering the card number from your trash. Do not throw an intact card away.