Seeing “Kohls/Capone” on your credit report can be confusing—especially if you didn’t expect it. Here’s what it means, how it got there, and what to do if you want it removed.
What Is Kohls/Capone on a Credit Report?
Kohls/Capone is the label used when Capital One performs a credit check for a Kohl’s credit card application. Kohl’s partners with Capital One to issue its store-branded credit cards, and any application triggers a hard inquiry from Capital One.
So if you recently applied for a Kohl’s credit card—or even considered it during checkout—it likely led to this entry showing up on your credit report.
Why Kohls/Capone Appears on Your Credit Report
When you apply for a Kohl’s credit card, Capital One pulls your credit report to assess your creditworthiness. This is a hard inquiry, which is standard any time you apply for a new line of credit.
Hard inquiries show lenders that you’re actively seeking credit. One or two inquiries aren’t a big deal—but too many in a short time can raise red flags.
How Kohls/Capone Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score
A hard inquiry from Kohls/Capone can slightly lower your credit score—usually by just a few points. The drop is temporary, but if you’ve had several recent inquiries, they can start to add up and affect your chances of getting approved for new credit.
The impact is generally small, but still worth monitoring if you’re applying for a mortgage, auto loan, or any other major credit product.
How Long Kohls/Capone Inquiries Stay on Your Credit Report
Like all hard inquiries, the one from Kohls/Capone will stay on your credit report for up to two years. It will be recorded by all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
The impact on your credit score fades over time, but the inquiry stays visible to lenders for the full 24 months.
How to Handle Unauthorized Kohls/Capone Inquiries
If you don’t remember applying for a Kohl’s credit card, or you think someone else applied using your information, take action right away:
- Contact Capital One – Ask them to verify the inquiry and confirm whether an application was submitted in your name.
- Dispute the Inquiry With the Credit Bureaus – If it turns out the inquiry was unauthorized, file a dispute with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to have it removed.
- Monitor Your Credit Reports – Keep checking for any other unfamiliar activity that could signal identity theft.
Need Help Removing Kohls/Capone From Your Credit Report?
Disputing unauthorized hard inquiries can be time-consuming, and the process isn’t always straightforward. That’s why many people turn to credit repair companies like Credit Saint for help.
They specialize in challenging inaccurate items on your credit report—including hard inquiries, collections, late payments, charge-offs, repossessions, and even bankruptcies.
Get a Free Credit Consultation
If negative items like Kohls/Capone are dragging down your credit score, expert help could make all the difference. Credit Saint offers a free consultation to help you understand what’s hurting your credit and what can be done to fix it.
They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with their service. To find out how they can help you clean up your credit, visit their website and get started today.
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