Call the card issuer's customer service line to request cancellation
Victoria's Secret credit cards are issued by Synchrony Bank, not by Victoria's Secret itself. To cancel, you call Synchrony's customer service number, which appears on the back of your card or on your monthly statement. Have your card number ready when you call.
The representative will confirm your identity, review your account balance, and process the cancellation. If you have a balance, you'll need to pay it off — either when ready over the phone or on a schedule they arrange. The card will be closed after the balance reaches zero.
Cancellation is free. Synchrony will not charge you a fee to close the account, and there is no penalty for closing before a certain date.
Key Takeaways
- Victoria's Secret credit cards are issued by Synchrony Bank, so you contact Synchrony customer service to cancel, not Victoria's Secret.
- You will need to pay any remaining balance on the card before or as part of the cancellation process.
- Call the number on the back of your card or your statement; cancellation happens over the phone and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
- After cancellation, the account will still appear on your credit report for seven years, but it will show as closed.
What happens to your balance when you cancel
If your card has a balance, you cannot straightforward close the account and walk away. Synchrony will require you to settle what you owe before the account closes. During the call, ask whether you can pay the full balance when ready by phone or whether you need to mail a check or pay online.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, Synchrony may allow you to set up a payment plan. The card will remain open until the balance is paid in full, at which point the account officially closes. Interest will continue to accrue on the unpaid balance at your current rate until it reaches zero.
How cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score in the short term, mainly because it reduces your total available credit. If you have other cards with balances, your credit utilization ratio — the amount you owe divided by your total credit limit — will increase, which can hurt your score.
The closed account will remain on your credit report for seven years. During that time, it will show as closed but will still count toward your credit history. After seven years, it will fall off your report entirely. Closing the card does not erase the account from your history.
Canceling online or by mail instead of phone
Synchrony does not offer cancellation through their website or mobile app. You must call customer service to close the account. This is standard for most credit card issuers — they require a phone call to prevent accidental closures and to confirm your identity.
If you cannot reach customer service by phone, you can send a written request by mail. Include your full name, card number, and a clear statement that you want to close the account. Send it to the address listed on your statement under "Customer Service." Mail takes longer — typically two to four weeks — so phone is faster if you can manage it.
What to do before you cancel
Before calling Synchrony, review your account for any pending charges or subscriptions tied to the card. If you have recurring charges set to this card — such as a subscription service or automatic bill payment — update those to a different payment method first. Otherwise, those charges will fail after the card closes.
If you have rewards points or cash back pending on the card, check your account balance online or ask the representative during your call. Synchrony will typically pay out any rewards you've earned, though the timing and method depend on your specific card terms. Ask about this before you hang up.
Keeping the account open versus closing it
If your only concern is that you don't use the card, you can straightforward stop using it without closing it. An unused card does not hurt your credit score as long as you have no balance and no annual fee. Victoria's Secret credit cards have no annual fee, so there is no cost to keeping the account open.
An open account with a zero balance actually helps your credit score by lowering your utilization ratio. If you think you might use the card again in the future, leaving it open is often the better choice. You can always close it later if your situation changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Synchrony let me cancel over the phone if I still have a balance?
Yes. You can cancel over the phone even with a balance, but you will need to arrange payment before the account fully closes. Synchrony will work with you on a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount when ready. Interest continues to accrue until the balance reaches zero.
Can I reopen the card after I cancel it?
Reopening a closed credit card is difficult and not may provide. You would need to contact Synchrony and request reinstatement, which they may or may not approve. It is usually easier to open a new account if you change your mind. Closing should be a decision you are confident about.
What is the phone number for Synchrony customer service?
The number is on the back of your card and on your monthly statement. Synchrony's general customer service line is also available through their website. Have your card number ready when you call, and expect to wait on hold during busy times.
Do I need to cut up my card after cancellation?
It is a good idea to cut up or shred the card after the account closes to prevent someone from finding it and attempting to use it. The card will no longer work for purchases after cancellation, but destroying it removes any risk.
How long does it take for the cancellation to show on my credit report?
The closed account typically appears on your credit report within one to two billing cycles after cancellation. You can check your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com to confirm the status. The account will show as closed but will remain on your report for seven years.