Call Lowe's customer service to cancel, or request cancellation in writing
The fastest way to cancel a Lowe's credit card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card number ready. Tell them you want to close the account. They will ask why, but you do not have to give a detailed reason — "I'm not using it anymore" is enough.
If you prefer not to call, you can send a written request to Lowe's by mail. Write a letter stating your name, account number, and that you want the account closed. Send it to the address listed on your statement. Keep a copy for your records. Written requests take longer — usually two to four weeks — but create a paper trail.
Do not straightforward stop using the card and assume the account closes on its own. Unused accounts stay open and can still charge annual fees (though Lowe's cards typically do not have them). An open account also takes up space on your credit report.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on your Lowe's card to cancel over the phone, which takes minutes and is the fastest method.
- Pay off any remaining balance before you call, or at least know what you owe, so the account can close cleanly.
- Your credit score may dip slightly after closing because your available credit decreases, but the effect is usually temporary.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation by mail or email so you have proof the account is closed.
- Check your credit report two to three months later to confirm the account shows as closed, not just inactive.
Pay off your balance first
Before you call to cancel, pay off whatever you owe on the card. If you have a balance, Lowe's will not close the account until it is paid. You can still use the card to make payments after you request cancellation, but it is cleaner to start with a zero balance.
If you cannot pay the full balance right away, call anyway and ask what happens next. Some cardholders set up a payment plan and then request cancellation once the balance is gone. The account will stay open during that time, but you will have a clear end date in mind.
Understand what happens to your credit score
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score slightly, usually by 5 to 10 points, because it reduces your total available credit. If you have other cards with higher balances, the impact is smaller. If this is your only card or your only card with a high limit, the dip may be more noticeable.
The score drop is temporary. After six months to a year of on-time payments on your other accounts, the effect fades. If you are planning to explore for a mortgage or car loan soon, consider waiting to cancel until after you have been approved.
The closed account will stay on your credit report for seven to ten years, which is normal. It does not hurt your score just by being there — it actually shows you managed the account and closed it responsibly.
Request written confirmation
After you cancel by phone, ask the representative to email or mail you a confirmation letter stating the account is closed and the date it closed. Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date and time of the call. This protects you if there is a dispute later.
If you cancel by mail, include a request for written confirmation in your letter. Lowe's should send you a reply confirming the closure. If you do not hear back within four weeks, call to verify the account is actually closed.
Check your credit report after closing
Two to three months after cancellation, pull your credit report from one of the three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. You can get a free report once per year at annualcreditreport.com. Look for the Lowe's account and confirm it shows as "closed by consumer" or "account closed."
If the account still shows as open or active, call Lowe's again and ask why. Sometimes there is a delay in reporting to the credit bureaus. If more than three months have passed and it still shows open, request that they file a correction with the bureaus.
What to do if you want to keep the card but stop using it
You do not have to cancel if you straightforward want to stop using the card. Many people keep old cards open to maintain available credit and credit history length, both of which help your credit score. If you choose this route, put the card somewhere safe and check on it once or twice a year to make sure there is no fraud.
If you are worried about accidental charges, call and ask Lowe's to freeze the account so no new purchases can be made. Some cardholders do this instead of canceling. The account stays open and active on your credit report, but it cannot be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling hurt my credit score?
Your score may drop 5 to 10 points because closing the account reduces your available credit. The effect is temporary and usually recovers within six to twelve months. If you have other cards or a short credit history, the impact may be larger.
Can I reopen the account after I cancel it?
Lowe's may reopen a recently closed account if you call within a short window, usually 30 to 60 days. After that, you would need to open a new account, which counts as a new process and triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report.
What if I have a pending return or reward points on the card?
Process any returns before you cancel so the refund goes back to the card while it is still open. For reward points, check your balance and redeem them before closing. Once the account is closed, you may lose access to unused points.
Do I need to cut up the card after canceling?
Yes, cut or shred the card after the account is closed. This prevents someone from finding it and attempting to use it. Even though the account is closed, a physical card with your number on it is still a security risk.
How long does it take for the account to show as closed on my credit report?
Lowe's typically reports the closure to the credit bureaus within 30 to 60 days. It may take another 30 days for it to appear on your report. Check after three months to confirm it shows as closed.