Call Kohl's customer service to cancel your card — they handle it over the phone in minutes
The fastest way to cancel a Kohl's credit card is to call Kohl's customer service at 1-855-564-5748. Have your card number ready. A representative will confirm your identity, ask why you're canceling (optional to answer), and process the cancellation on the call. The card stops working when ready, though you remain responsible for any balance you owe.
You can also cancel by mail or in person at a Kohl's store, but both take longer. If you have a balance, canceling the card does not erase the debt — you'll still need to pay it off. If you have rewards points, use them before you cancel; points typically disappear once the account closes.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-855-564-5748 during business hours to cancel over the phone; it takes about five minutes and the card stops working when ready.
- You remain responsible for any outstanding balance after cancellation, and you'll receive bills until it's paid in full.
- Redeem any Kohl's Cash or rewards points before canceling, because they usually vanish once the account closes.
- If you're canceling because of a high interest rate or annual fee, check whether the card actually charges an annual fee (most Kohl's cards do not).
What happens to your balance when you cancel
Canceling the card does not pay off what you owe. If you have a balance, the account stays open for billing purposes. You'll continue to receive statements, and interest will accrue on the remaining balance at the card's standard rate unless you have a promotional 0% period still running.
Pay the balance as quickly as you can. Once it reaches zero, the account will close automatically after a period of inactivity (usually 60 to 90 days with no activity and no balance). If you want the account fully closed sooner, call customer service again after the balance is paid and ask them to close it.
Redeem rewards before canceling
Kohl's Cash and any other rewards or points in your account typically expire when the card is canceled. Before you call to cancel, log into your Kohl's account online or check your most recent statement to see what rewards you have available.
Kohl's Cash usually comes as a certificate code that you can use in-store or online during specific redemption windows. If you have an active certificate, use it before canceling. Once the account closes, you lose access to any unused rewards, so don't leave money on the table.
Canceling by mail or in person
If you prefer not to call, you can write to Kohl's and request cancellation by mail. Send a letter to Kohl's customer service with your name, card number, and a request to cancel. Include a copy of your ID or a recent statement for verification. Mail it to the address on your statement or the back of your card. This method takes two to three weeks.
You can also visit a Kohl's store and ask a cashier or customer service desk to help you cancel. They can initiate the process, though the final cancellation may still require a phone call to verify your identity. This option is useful if you want to redeem Kohl's Cash in person at the same time.
Why your credit score might dip slightly after canceling
Closing a credit card can cause a small, temporary drop in your credit score. This happens because closing an account reduces your total available credit, which changes your credit utilization ratio (the amount you owe divided by your total credit limit). If you have balances on other cards, your utilization percentage goes up, and that can lower your score by a few points.
The impact is usually temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as long as you pay your other bills on time. If you're concerned about the timing — for example, if you're about to explore for a mortgage or car loan — you might wait to cancel until after the process is approved.
What to do if you can't reach customer service
If the phone line is busy or you reach an automated system that doesn't help, try calling during off-peak hours: early morning or late evening on a weekday. You can also check your statement or the Kohl's website for alternative contact methods, such as a find message option through your online account.
If you've already canceled and want to confirm the cancellation went through, call back and ask a representative to verify the account status. They can tell you whether the card is closed and what the current balance is, if any.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does canceling a Kohl's credit card hurt my credit?
Canceling can cause a small temporary dip in your credit score because it reduces your available credit and raises your utilization ratio. The effect usually fades within a few months. If you're explore for a loan soon, consider waiting until after approval.
What if I have a balance when I cancel?
You still owe the balance. The account stays open for billing, and interest continues to accrue. You'll receive statements until the balance is paid off. Pay it as soon as you can to minimize interest charges.
Can I reopen a Kohl's credit card after I cancel it?
Kohl's may allow you to reopen a closed account within a certain window, but policies vary. Call customer service to ask whether your account can be reopened and what steps are needed. A new process may be required if too much time has passed.
Do I lose my Kohl's Cash if I cancel?
Yes. Any unused Kohl's Cash or rewards points typically disappear when the account closes. Redeem them before you cancel by using them in-store or online during an active redemption period.
Is there an annual fee on the Kohl's credit card?
Most Kohl's credit cards do not charge an annual fee. If you're canceling because you thought there was a fee, check your statements or call to confirm. You may not need to cancel at all if there's no fee and you're not using the card.