Call Kohl's customer service to cancel your card
The fastest way to cancel your Kohl's Credit Card is to call Kohl's customer service directly. The phone number is on the back of your card. Tell them you want to close the account, and they will process the cancellation over the phone — you do not need to visit a store or mail anything in.
Before you call, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have a balance, you will need to pay it off first. Kohl's will not cancel an account with an outstanding balance. After you pay, wait a day or two for the payment to post, then call to cancel.
The representative will confirm your identity, ask why you are canceling (though you do not have to give a detailed reason), and then close the account. They will tell you the cancellation is complete. Ask them to confirm the account status in writing — some customers request an email confirmation, though Kohl's may mail a letter instead.
Key Takeaways
- Pay off any remaining balance on your Kohl's Credit Card before calling to cancel, since Kohl's will not close an account with debt.
- Call the number on the back of your card and tell the representative you want to close the account — the process takes a few minutes.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation, either by email or mail, so you have proof the account is closed.
- After cancellation, check your credit report in a few weeks to confirm the account shows as closed, since it can take time to update.
What happens to your credit after you cancel
Closing a credit card account can affect your credit score, but the impact is usually small and temporary. When you close an account, your available credit decreases, which can raise your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit that you are using across all cards. A higher utilization ratio can lower your score slightly.
The Kohl's card will remain on your credit report for several years after you close it, even though it is no longer active. This is normal. The account history stays visible to lenders, which can actually help your score over time if you paid on time. The account will eventually age off your report, usually after seven to ten years.
If you are worried about the score impact, you can cancel after paying down balances on other cards, or you can straightforward leave the account open and unused. Closing it is not urgent unless you have a specific reason — like avoiding an annual fee or reducing the temptation to spend.
Canceling online or by mail if you cannot call
Kohl's does not offer account cancellation through their website or mobile app. You must call to close the account. If you cannot call during business hours, you can try calling early in the morning or late in the evening, when wait times are often shorter.
Some customers ask whether they can cancel by mail. Kohl's does not have a standard mail-in cancellation process. If you send a letter requesting cancellation, it may take weeks to process, and you will have no confirmation that it was received. Calling is always faster and gives you when ready confirmation.
If you have a hearing or speech disability and need an alternative to phone contact, call Kohl's customer service and ask about relay services or other accommodations. They can direct you to the right department.
Dealing with an annual fee before you cancel
The Kohl's Credit Card does not currently charge an annual fee, so you do not need to worry about being charged just before you cancel. However, if Kohl's adds an annual fee in the future, you can cancel before the fee posts to avoid paying it.
If you are canceling specifically because of a fee that Kohl's introduced, call and ask whether they will waive it as a courtesy. Some card issuers will remove a single annual fee if you ask, especially if you have been a long-time customer with a good payment history. It does not hurt to ask, though there is no may provide they will agree.
Removing the card from your wallet and online accounts
After your cancellation is confirmed, remove the Kohl's card from any online shopping accounts where you saved it as a payment method. Log into Kohl's.com, Amazon, or any other retailer where you used this card, and delete it from your payment methods. This prevents you from accidentally trying to use the card after it is closed.
You can physically destroy the card by cutting it up or shredding it. Do not just throw it in the trash — cut through the card number and chip to make it unusable. Some people prefer to keep the card for a few weeks after cancellation in case they need to reference the account number for a dispute or question, then destroy it later.
What to do if you change your mind
If you cancel your Kohl's Credit Card and then decide you want it back, you can reopen the account by calling customer service again. Kohl's may reopen a recently closed account without a new credit check, though this is not may provide. The sooner you call after canceling, the better your chances.
If Kohl's will not reopen the account, you can always explore for a new Kohl's Credit Card. You will go through the full process process again, and Kohl's will run a new credit check. There is no penalty for explore again — you are straightforward treated as a new applicant.
Checking your credit report after cancellation
A few weeks after you cancel, check your credit report to make sure the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report for free once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official government site. The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and your report should show the Kohl's account status as "closed by consumer" or "account closed."
If the account still shows as open after a month, call Kohl's again and ask them to confirm the cancellation was processed. Sometimes there is a delay in the system, but if it has been more than 30 days, you want to make sure the cancellation actually went through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay off my balance before canceling?
Yes. Kohl's will not close an account with an outstanding balance. Pay the full amount owed, wait a day or two for the payment to post, then call to cancel. If you try to cancel with a balance, the representative will tell you to pay first.
Will canceling hurt my credit score?
Canceling may lower your score slightly because it reduces your available credit and can raise your credit utilization ratio. The impact is usually temporary. Your score will recover, especially if you have other accounts in good standing and a history of on-time payments.
Can I cancel my Kohl's card at a store?
No. You must cancel by phone. Store associates cannot close credit card accounts. Call the number on the back of your card and speak with customer service to complete the cancellation.
How long does it take for the cancellation to show up on my credit report?
It usually takes two to four weeks for the account status to update on your credit report. Check back after a month to confirm it shows as closed. If it still shows as open after 30 days, contact Kohl's to verify the cancellation was processed.
What if I forgot my PIN or cannot remember my account number?
When you call customer service, the representative will verify your identity using other information — your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. You do not need to remember your PIN or account number to cancel. They will look up your account in their system.