Call Ulta's card issuer to close your account

The Ulta Credit Card is issued by Synchrony Bank, not by Ulta Beauty directly. To cancel the card, you call Synchrony's customer service line at the number on the back of your card. A representative will walk you through closing the account and answer questions about your balance or rewards.

Closing the card takes about 10 minutes. Synchrony will confirm the closure in writing within a few days. You can also request that they send a written confirmation when ready after the call ends.

If you have a balance remaining on the card, you can pay it off before closing, or you can close the account and continue making payments on the closed card. Synchrony will send you monthly statements until the balance reaches zero.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on the back of your Ulta Credit Card to reach Synchrony Bank, the card issuer.
  • You can close the account over the phone in one call without visiting a store or mailing anything.
  • A remaining balance does not prevent you from closing the card — you can pay it off afterward.
  • Ask Synchrony to email or mail a written confirmation of the closure for your records.
  • Closing a credit card may lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your available credit, but the effect usually fades within a few months.

What happens to your Ulta rewards after you close the card

Ulta Points earned on the card do not disappear when you close the account. Points remain in your Ulta account and you can use them in stores or online at Ulta.com for as long as your Ulta loyalty account is active. The card closure and the rewards account are separate.

If you want to spend your points before closing the card, you can do that in the Ulta app, on the website, or in a store. There is no important date to use points after the card closes, but Ulta's rewards program terms state that points may expire if your account shows no activity for 12 months.

Timing: when to cancel before your annual fee hits

The Ulta Credit Card has an annual fee. If you want to avoid paying it, close the account before the fee posts to your statement. The fee typically renews on the anniversary of when you opened the card.

Check your most recent statement or call Synchrony to confirm the exact date your annual fee is due. If the fee has already posted in the current billing cycle, ask Synchrony whether they will refund it if you close the account when ready. Some issuers refund the annual fee if you close within 30 days of it being charged, though Synchrony's policy may vary.

Paying off your balance before closing

You do not have to pay off your balance to close the card, but paying it off first simplifies the process. Once the balance reaches zero, the account is fully closed with no remaining obligations.

If you carry a balance and close the account, Synchrony will continue to charge interest on the remaining amount until you pay it off. The card itself will no longer work for new purchases, but the account stays open for payment purposes. You can make payments online, by phone, or by mail using the account number on your statements.

How closing the card affects your credit

Closing a credit card typically lowers your credit score in the short term because it reduces the total amount of credit available to you. This change is usually small — often 5 to 10 points — and the effect tends to fade within a few months as other factors in your credit history become more prominent.

The longer-term impact depends on your other accounts. If the Ulta card is one of several cards you use, the impact is usually minimal. If it is your only card or one of very few, closing it may have a larger effect. Keeping the account open but unused is one way to preserve available credit, though you would still need to pay the annual fee each year.

Alternatives to cancellation

If you want to stop using the card but are concerned about the credit score impact, you can keep the account open and straightforward not use it. The card will remain active and your available credit stays the same. You would still owe the annual fee each year, so this option only makes sense if you plan to use the card again or want to preserve your credit history.

Another option is to downgrade to a different Ulta card product if Synchrony offers one without an annual fee. Call Synchrony to ask whether a no-fee version exists. If it does, you can request a product change instead of closing the account entirely. This keeps your account history intact and avoids the credit score dip that comes with closure.

What to do if you have trouble reaching Synchrony

Synchrony's customer service number is printed on the back of your card. If you cannot reach them by phone, you can also manage your account online through Synchrony's website or mobile app. Log in with your card number and PIN to access your account, view your balance, and look for a "close account" or "contact us" option.

If you prefer written communication, you can send a certified letter to Synchrony requesting account closure. Include your card number, full name, and account address. Synchrony's mailing address is usually on your monthly statement. A certified letter creates a paper trail and gives you proof of your request, which can be useful if there is a dispute later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my Ulta card hurt my credit score?

Closing a credit card usually lowers your score slightly because it reduces your available credit. The impact is typically 5 to 10 points and fades within a few months. If you have other cards, the effect is usually small. If the Ulta card is your only card, the impact may be larger.

Can I use my Ulta points after I close the card?

Yes. Your Ulta Points stay in your Ulta loyalty account even after the card closes. You can use them in stores or online as long as your Ulta account is active. Points may expire if your account has no activity for 12 months.

What if I have a balance when I close the account?

You can close the card and keep paying the balance afterward. Synchrony will continue to charge interest until you pay it off. The card stops working for new purchases, but the account stays open for payments. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail.

How long does it take to close the account?

The phone call takes about 10 minutes. Synchrony sends written confirmation within a few days. You can ask them to email or mail confirmation when ready after the call so you have proof right away.

Is there a way to close the card without calling?

You can try logging into your Synchrony account online or through the app to look for a closure option. If that is not available, you can send a certified letter to Synchrony requesting closure. Phone is usually the fastest method.