Call the customer service number on the back of your card to cancel
The fastest way to cancel your TJ Maxx credit card is to call the number printed on the back of your card. A representative will walk you through the cancellation process, answer questions about your account, and confirm the closure. The call typically takes five to ten minutes.
Have your card number and account information ready when you call. The representative may ask why you're cancelling — this is standard practice and doesn't affect your ability to close the account. If you're concerned about your credit score, this is a good time to ask about the impact before you proceed.
After you cancel, the card issuer (Synchrony Bank, which manages the TJ Maxx credit card) will send you written confirmation by mail within a few days. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your card to cancel; the process takes about five to ten minutes and requires only your card number.
- Closing a credit card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit, even if you pay off the balance first.
- Pay off any remaining balance before or when ready after cancelling to avoid interest charges on a closed account.
- After cancellation, destroy the physical card by cutting it up, and request written confirmation of closure from Synchrony Bank.
What happens to your balance when you cancel
If you have a balance on your TJ Maxx card when you cancel, you will still owe that money. Cancelling the card does not erase the debt. Synchrony Bank will continue to charge interest on the unpaid balance at your current rate until it is paid in full.
The best approach is to pay off the entire balance before you call to cancel. If you cannot pay it all at once, pay as much as you can, then call to cancel. After cancellation, you can still make payments on the closed account online, by phone, or by mail using the account number from your statement.
If you cancel with a balance and then miss a payment, the card issuer can report the late payment to credit bureaus, which will damage your credit score. Set up automatic payments if you're worried about forgetting.
How cancellation affects your credit score
Closing a credit card typically lowers your credit score in the short term, usually by 5 to 15 points, though this varies by person. The main reason is that closing an account reduces your total available credit. If you had a $2,000 limit on the TJ Maxx card and no other cards, closing it shrinks your available credit from $2,000 to zero, which can raise your credit utilization ratio.
The impact is temporary. Your score usually recovers within a few months as long as you continue paying other bills on time and keep other accounts open. The longer-term effect depends on your credit history — if the TJ Maxx card was one of your oldest accounts, closing it may have a slightly larger impact because it reduces the average age of your accounts.
If you want to minimize the hit, pay off the balance first, then wait a month or two before cancelling. This gives your score time to adjust to the paid-off status before the account closes. However, if you're paying interest on the card, the cost of waiting usually outweighs the small credit score benefit.
Steps to take before you call to cancel
Before you pick up the phone, take these steps to make the cancellation smoother. First, review your most recent statement to see if there are any pending charges or disputes you need to address. If you see something wrong, resolve it before cancelling — it's harder to dispute charges on a closed account.
Second, pay off the balance if you can. Even if you can only pay part of it, reducing the balance lowers the interest you'll pay after cancellation. Third, remove the card from any recurring charges or subscriptions. Check your email for receipts from TJ Maxx or other merchants that might be charging this card automatically. Update those accounts to use a different payment method or cancel them.
Finally, make a note of your account number and the customer service number from the back of your card. Write down the date and time you plan to call, and have a pen ready to write down the confirmation number the representative gives you.
What to do with the physical card after cancellation
After you cancel, destroy the physical card so it cannot be used or stolen. The safest way is to cut the card into pieces with scissors, making sure to cut through the chip and magnetic stripe. Do not throw an intact card in the trash where someone could retrieve it.
Some people prefer to shred the card or burn it. Any method that makes the card unreadable and unusable is fine. The important thing is that the card itself is destroyed — the account closure is separate from the physical card destruction.
You do not need to return the card to Synchrony Bank or TJ Maxx. Once the account is closed and the card is destroyed, you're done.
Cancelling online or by mail if you can't call
If you prefer not to call, you have other options, though they take longer. Synchrony Bank does not offer cancellation through its website, but you can send a written request by mail to the address on your statement. Include your full name, account number, and a clear statement that you want to close the account. Send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
You can also visit a TJ Maxx store and ask a customer service representative to help you cancel. They can provide you with contact information or may be able to initiate the process, though the final cancellation still typically goes through Synchrony Bank's customer service line.
Cancelling by mail takes two to four weeks because of mail delivery time and processing delays. If you need the account closed quickly, calling is much faster.
What to expect after cancellation
After you cancel, you will no longer be able to use the card at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, or any other retailer. You can still shop at these stores using a different payment method. You will continue to receive statements in the mail or online if you have a balance, and you can continue making payments until the balance is paid in full.
The closed account will remain on your credit report for seven to ten years, depending on whether the account was in good standing when it closed. This is normal and does not hurt your credit — closed accounts in good standing actually help your credit history by showing you managed credit responsibly.
If you change your mind and want to reopen the account, contact Synchrony Bank within a short window (usually 30 to 60 days). After that, you would need to explore for a new TJ Maxx credit card, which requires a new credit check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will cancelling hurt my credit score permanently?
No. Your score may drop temporarily, usually by 5 to 15 points, but it recovers within a few months if you continue paying other bills on time. The closed account stays on your credit report for years and actually helps your score by showing responsible credit use.
Can I cancel if I still owe money on the card?
Yes, you can cancel with a balance. You will still owe the money and will continue to pay interest until it is paid off. Paying off the balance first is better because it saves you interest and makes the cancellation cleaner.
What if I have rewards points on my TJ Maxx card?
Use your rewards points before you cancel. Once the account closes, you may lose access to unused points. Check your account balance and redeem any points at TJ Maxx before you call to cancel.
How long does it take to cancel?
Calling to cancel takes about five to ten minutes. You will receive written confirmation by mail within a few days. If you cancel by mail, the entire process takes two to four weeks.
Can I cancel over the phone without speaking to a representative?
Most credit card issuers require you to speak with a representative to cancel. Synchrony Bank does not offer automated phone cancellation. You must either call and speak with someone, send a written request by mail, or visit a store.