Call Ulta's card issuer to cancel — not Ulta itself
The Ulta Credit Card is issued by Synchrony Bank, not by Ulta Beauty. That means you cancel it by calling Synchrony, not by going to an Ulta store or calling Ulta customer service. Synchrony's number is on the back of your card. Have your card in front of you when you call.
When you reach Synchrony, tell them you want to close the account. They will ask why, but you do not have to give a detailed reason. "I no longer want to use this card" is enough. The representative will confirm your identity, pull up your account, and process the cancellation on the call.
The card will be closed when ready, but the account itself may take a few days to fully close in their system. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within one to two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Call Synchrony Bank (the number is on your card) to cancel, not Ulta Beauty or an Ulta store.
- Pay off any remaining balance before you call, or ask Synchrony what your final payment amount is during the call.
- Canceling the card does not erase your credit history with it — the account will stay on your credit report for up to seven years.
- If you have an Ulta loyalty account (Points), that remains separate and active even after the card is closed.
Pay your balance before or during the call
If you have a balance on the card, you have two choices: pay it off before you call Synchrony, or ask the representative during the cancellation call what you owe and arrange payment then. Either way, the balance does not disappear when you close the card — you still owe it.
If you pay before calling, you can close the account with a zero balance, which is cleaner. If you pay after, Synchrony will send you a final bill and you can pay by mail, phone, or online through their website. Most people pay online or by phone during the call itself.
Do not close the card and ignore a remaining balance. Synchrony will report the unpaid debt to credit bureaus, and it will damage your credit score.
Understand what happens to your credit after cancellation
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score slightly, usually by a few points. This happens because closing an account reduces your total available credit, which changes your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit you are using across all cards.
The bigger impact is time-based. The Ulta card account will stay on your credit report for seven years after you close it. During that time, it shows as a closed account, which is normal and expected. After seven years, it falls off your report entirely.
If you have other credit cards or loans in good standing, the temporary dip from closing this card usually recovers within a few months. If this is your only credit account or you have other recent negative marks, the impact may be more noticeable.
What to do with the physical card after cancellation
After Synchrony confirms the account is closed, cut up the physical card or shred it. Do not throw it in the trash whole — someone could find it and attempt to use the number. Cutting it in half is sufficient.
You do not need to return it to Synchrony or Ulta. Once the account is closed in their system, the card number is inactive and cannot be used, even if someone finds the physical card.
Your Ulta Points account stays active
If you have an Ulta Beauty Rewards account (the loyalty program where you earn points on purchases), closing the credit card does not close your rewards account. Your points balance remains, and you can still use your rewards account number to earn points on future purchases, even if you pay with a different card or cash.
You can log into your Ulta account online or in the Ulta app to check your points balance at any time. The rewards account is separate from the credit card account.
If you cannot reach Synchrony or have a dispute
Synchrony's customer service line is available seven days a week. If you call and cannot reach anyone, try calling back during business hours — wait times are usually shorter in the morning.
If you have a dispute about your account — for example, you believe there is a fraudulent charge or an error — tell the representative during your cancellation call. They can note it on your account and may issue a temporary credit while they investigate. You can also file a dispute after the account is closed by calling back and speaking to the disputes department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling the card hurt my credit score?
It may lower your score by a few points in the short term because it reduces your available credit. The impact is usually temporary and recovers within a few months if you have other accounts in good standing. The closed account stays on your credit report for seven years but does not continue to hurt your score after the initial dip.
Can I cancel the card online or through the Ulta app?
No. You must call Synchrony Bank directly. The Ulta app and website do not have a cancellation option because Ulta does not issue the card — Synchrony does. Calling is the only way to close the account.
What if I have a pending return or reward redemption?
Complete any returns or redeem any rewards before you close the card. Once the account is closed, Synchrony may not process returns or credits to that card. If you have a pending return after cancellation, contact Synchrony to see if they can still process it or redirect the credit elsewhere.
Do I need to close my Ulta loyalty account too?
No. Your Ulta Beauty Rewards account is separate from the credit card. You can keep your rewards account open and continue earning points on future purchases, even after the card is closed. You do not have to do anything with your rewards account unless you want to.
How long does it take for the card to be fully closed?
The account closes when ready when you call Synchrony, but it may take three to five business days for the closure to appear in their system and for the card number to be fully deactivated. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within one to two weeks.