Many shoppers open a Kohl’s credit card at checkout for an instant discount. Because the card often gets little use, it’s easy to forget about payment due dates.
If a payment is more than 30 days late, Kohl’s may report it to the three major credit bureaus. That late mark can hurt your credit score and stay on your credit report for years.
The best way forward is to take specific steps to address the issue and protect your credit going forward.
How a Kohl’s Late Payment Affects Your Credit Score
Kohl’s does not usually report payments that are only a few days past due. Once a payment is more than 30 days late, however, it may appear on your credit report. From there, it will be listed as 30, 60, 90, or more days late. In serious cases, the account could eventually be charged off as bad debt.
Even one late payment can cause damage. A missed payment can lower your credit score, and derogatory marks on your credit report may remain for up to seven years.
The exact impact depends on several factors:
- Timing: More recent late payments carry more weight.
- Severity: Payments 90 days late are worse than those 30 days late.
- Balance size: Larger balances can have a stronger effect.
- Pattern: A history of late payments looks worse than a single oversight.
Since payment history makes up 35% of your FICO score, missed payments are one of the most damaging items. FICO data shows that even a single 30-day late payment can lower your score by 60 to 110 points.
See also: How Long Do Late Payments Stay on a Credit Report?
How to Remove Kohl’s Late Payments From Your Credit Report
Late payments can weigh down your credit score and make it harder to qualify for loans, credit cards, or even housing. While it isn’t always easy, there are several strategies you can use to try to get Kohl’s late payments removed from your credit report.
1. Review Your Credit Report
Knowing your credit score is useful, but it doesn’t show the details that matter most. That’s why you should check your credit report from all three major credit bureaus:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Each credit bureau may report information slightly differently, so it’s important to review all three. Look for any late payments listed under your MyKohl’s Charge Card account. Note the date reported and how many days past due it shows.
If you see errors, you can file a dispute directly with the credit bureau. If the late payment is correct, the credit bureau will not remove it, which means your next step is to contact Kohl’s.
2. Send Kohl’s a Goodwill Letter
If you normally pay on time and this was an isolated mistake, you may have success with a goodwill letter. This is a written request asking Kohl’s to remove the late payment as a courtesy.
Kohl’s is not required to grant your request, but they may agree to a goodwill adjustment if you explain your situation clearly. Reasons such as medical emergencies, job loss, or a technical error can strengthen your case. Always provide supporting documents when possible and mention that the account is now paid.
Keep your tone respectful and professional. Follow up within 30 days if you do not hear back, since letters can get overlooked.
3. Request Pay-for-Delete
If your Kohl’s account has already been sent to collections, you can try a pay-for-delete agreement. This is when you offer to pay the account in full in exchange for having the negative entry removed from your credit report.
Not every creditor or collection agency will accept this arrangement, but some may. If you pursue this option, make sure you get the agreement in writing before making payment. Keep a copy for your records in case the deletion does not happen automatically.
4. Work With a Professional
Contacting Kohl’s and collection agencies on your own can be stressful and time-consuming. If your efforts don’t work, a professional credit repair company may be able to help.
These companies know how to dispute errors, request goodwill adjustments, and negotiate with creditors. Just be sure to choose a reputable company with proven experience helping clients remove negative marks from their credit reports.
Ready to Clean Up Your Credit Report?
Learn how credit repair professionals can assist you in disputing inaccuracies on your credit report.
How to Request Kohl’s to Remove Late Fees
Late fees are separate from late payments on your credit report, but they can still add up quickly. Kohl’s charges up to $38 for each missed payment, and multiple fees can make it even harder to get caught up.
If you’ve already brought your account current, it’s worth asking Kohl’s to waive some or all of the late fees. You can call customer service or send a written request. Your chances improve if:
- You are a long-time customer.
- You normally pay on time.
- This was an isolated mistake.
When you speak with Kohl’s, be polite and explain why the payment was missed. If you had an emergency or a temporary hardship, mention it. Even if they don’t remove all the fees, they may be willing to reverse one or two as a courtesy.
To prevent late fees in the future, consider setting up autopay for at least the minimum payment or paying off the card entirely if you don’t use it often.
Kohl’s Contact Information
- Customer Service Phone: 1-855-564-5748
- Mailing Address: Kohl’s, P.O. Box 3115, Milwaukee, WI 53201-3115
Final Thoughts
Late payments on your Kohl’s credit card can hurt your credit report for years, but you do have options to lessen the damage. Whether it’s reviewing your credit report, sending a goodwill letter, negotiating a pay-for-delete, or working with a professional, each step can move you closer to a stronger credit profile.
Late fees are frustrating too, but Kohl’s may be willing to remove them if you ask. Going forward, the most effective way to protect your credit is to pay on time, set up autopay, or limit how often you use the card. Small changes like these can keep your credit healthy and prevent future setbacks.
