Call Kohl's customer service to close your account

The fastest way to cancel your Kohl's Card is to call the number on the back of your card. A representative will confirm your identity, answer questions about why you're closing the account, and process the cancellation on the spot. The account closes when ready, though it may take a few days for the closure to appear on your credit report.

You can also cancel in person at any Kohl's store by speaking with a cashier or customer service desk associate. They can initiate the closure, though you may still need to call the customer service number to complete it. Online cancellation through your Kohl's account is not currently an option — the company requires a phone call or in-store visit.

Before you call, have your card number ready and know your account PIN or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you've moved recently or changed your phone number, update your account information first so the representative can reach you if needed during the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on the back of your Kohl's Card to cancel; the account closes the same day you call.
  • You can also cancel in person at a Kohl's store, though a phone call may still be required to finalize the closure.
  • Pay off any remaining balance before canceling, or your account will remain open until the debt is cleared.
  • Closing the account does not remove it from your credit report, but it will stop accruing interest if you have a balance.
  • Request written confirmation of the cancellation and keep it for your records.

Pay your balance before canceling

If your Kohl's Card has an outstanding balance, you must pay it off before the account can be closed. The customer service representative will tell you the exact amount owed. You can pay over the phone with a debit card or bank account, or you can pay online through your Kohl's account before you call to cancel.

If you attempt to cancel with a balance remaining, the representative will not close the account. Instead, they will keep it open so you can continue making payments. Interest will continue to accrue on any unpaid balance, even if you stop using the card.

Once your balance reaches zero, call back to complete the cancellation. Some representatives may offer to close the account during the same call if you pay the full balance when ready, so ask about this option when you call.

What happens to your credit after cancellation

Closing a credit card account does not remove it from your credit report. The account will remain visible for seven to ten years, showing that it was closed by the cardholder. This is actually better than having an account closed by the creditor, which can signal financial trouble.

Closing the account may lower your credit score in the short term because it reduces your total available credit. If you have balances on other cards, your credit utilization ratio (the amount you owe divided by your total credit limit) will increase, which can temporarily hurt your score. The impact usually fades within a few months as you pay down other balances.

If you're concerned about the score impact, consider keeping the account open but unused instead of closing it. This preserves your available credit and keeps the account history on your report, both of which help your score over time.

Cancel before closing a Kohl's credit account

Do not confuse canceling your Kohl's Card with closing your Kohl's shopping account. You can have a Kohl's shopping account without a Kohl's Card — you'll just pay with a different method at checkout. Canceling the card does not affect your ability to shop at Kohl's or use your Kohl's account online.

If you want to close your entire Kohl's account (both the card and the shopping account), you'll need to take separate steps. Cancel the card first by calling customer service, then contact Kohl's to request closure of your shopping account. This is rarely necessary unless you want to remove all ties to the company.

Request written confirmation

After the representative closes your account, ask for a confirmation number and request that they email or mail you written confirmation of the cancellation. Write down the date, time, and representative's name during the call. This documentation protects you if a charge appears on the account after closure or if the company disputes that you canceled.

Keep the confirmation letter for at least one year. If you see charges on the account after the cancellation date, contact customer service when ready with your confirmation number and the date of the unauthorized charge.

What to do if you can't reach customer service

Kohl's customer service phone lines can have long wait times, especially during holiday shopping seasons. If you're unable to reach a representative by phone, visit a Kohl's store in person and ask a customer service associate to help you cancel. They can initiate the process and provide you with a reference number.

You can also write a certified letter to Kohl's corporate office requesting cancellation of your account. Include your card number, full name, address, and account PIN. Send it to the address listed on your monthly statement or on the Kohl's website. Keep a copy of the letter and the certified mail receipt as proof that you requested cancellation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my Kohl's Card online?

No, Kohl's does not offer online cancellation. You must call the customer service number on the back of your card or visit a store in person to close the account.

Will canceling my Kohl's Card hurt my credit score?

It may lower your score slightly in the short term because closing an account reduces your available credit. The impact typically fades within a few months. If you're concerned, consider keeping the account open but unused instead.

What if I have a balance when I try to cancel?

The account cannot be closed until the balance is paid off. You can pay it when ready over the phone, or pay online before calling. Once the balance reaches zero, call back to complete the cancellation.

How long does it take for the cancellation to show up on my credit report?

The account closes when ready when you call, but it may take five to seven business days for the closure to appear on your credit report. The account will remain on your report for seven to ten years after closure.

Do I need to cut up my Kohl's Card after canceling?

Yes, cut the card in half or shred it to prevent accidental or fraudulent use. The account is closed, so charges cannot be processed, but destroying the physical card removes any risk.