The Complete Guide to Cancelling Your Sephora Credit Card in 2024
As a longtime Sephora shopper, I understand the temptation that comes with those enticing rewards offers and discounts. However, losing control of spending can quickly snowball into serious credit card debt. If you‘ve realized it‘s time to break the buy-now-pay-later cycle, this comprehensive guide will walk you through cancelling your Sephora credit card the right way.
Key Reasons to Cancel Your Card
Before diving into the logistics, let‘s first talk through what might motivate someone to cut up that pretty pink card for good.
You‘ve Racked Up Major Credit Card Debt
With the average household owing nearly $6,200 on credit cards alone, it‘s no surprise Sephora purchases can quickly add up. The temptation to "treat yourself" paired with deferred payment makes it all too easy to overspend.
If you find yourself only paying the minimum due each month or relying on credit cards to afford basics, it may be time for an intervention.
You Want More Control Over Spending
Even if you pay off your balance each month, having a designated "fun money" card linked to your hobby can lead to mindless swiping. In a survey by Slickdeals, nearly 40% of women admitted to spending over $100 per month on beauty products. That‘s $1,200-2,400 a year on makeup alone!
Removing the temptation of your Sephora credit card could help restrain the impulse to splurge.
Step-By-Step Guide to Cancellation
If you‘ve weighed the pros and cons and decided it‘s best to close your account, here is the play-by-play for smoothly cancelling your Sephora credit card.
Contact Customer Service
To officially cancel your credit card, you‘ll need to phone Sephora‘s credit card issuer directly:
- Sephora Visa Card: Call 1-866-841-5037
- Sephora Credit Card: Call 1-866-702-9946
Let the representative know you wish to close the account. They will then guide you through any remaining steps.
Key Tip: If calling during popular hours, expect longer wait times. I‘d recommend calling early morning or late evening for faster service.
Remove Your Card From Accounts
The next crucial step is to delete that saved payment method from any linked accounts, like your:
- Sephora.com account
- Sephora mobile app
- Sephora Beauty Insider profile
This protects you from unintended future charges.
Here‘s how to safely remove your credit card from the Sephora app:
- Tap the profile icon
- Select “Payment Options”
- Choose the card and tap "Remove"
- Confirm removal
Pay Remaining Balance
Be sure to pay off any remaining balance according to the terms of your cardholder agreement. This protects your credit score from taking a hit.
Most issuers allow you to setup autopay for your minimum monthly payments even after closing the account.
Submit a Written Cancellation Request (Optional)
For extra assurance, you can submit a cancellation letter to the credit card company via certified mail. Include identifying details like your name, account number, and the effective cancellation date provided by the representative.
Hold onto the mailing receipt showing proof of delivery. This gives you written documentation in case of errors.
Downsides of Closing Your Account
While cancelling your Sephora credit card can feel like a weight off your shoulders, there are a few potential drawbacks too:
- Loss of Special Perks – Kiss those VIB discounts and rewards points goodbye. As soon as you close the account, those special beauty insider benefits disappear.
- Credit Score Hit – Yes, cancelling a credit card can negatively impact your credit score temporarily. The extent depends on your specific credit profile, but keep this in mind.
- Hassle Reapplying Later – Decide you miss your Sephora Card perks? You‘ll have to go through another hard credit check to reopen an account.
Here‘s a quick overview of what you stand to lose:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Discount Off 1st Purchase | Get 15% off your initial purchase when approved (VIB members) |
| Earned Rewards % | 4% back on all Sephora purchases with the credit card |
| Special Sales | Early access and extra discounts for cardmember sales |
| Faster BI Status | Card spending counts toward Beauty Insider tiers |
My take? Consider options to curb spending first before outright closing your account. This allows you to maintain credit history and keep perks you‘ve earned.
Tips to Manage Spending Instead of Cancelling
Here are my top 7 strategies for getting your Sephora splurges under control:
- Go cash-only. Leave cards at home and set a firm beauty budget for each shopping trip.
- Downgrade to a debit card. Linked to your checking account balance instead of a line of credit.
- Avoid paying full price. Shop sales, use discounted gift cards, and leverage BI rewards points.
- Focus on restocking staples. Skip the latest hyped palette drop.
- Implement a "one in, one out" system. Can‘t buy anything new without decluttering first.
- Wait 24 hours before buying. Create an online cart, revisit the next day, and remove unneeded "wish list" items.
- Set savings goals to limit discretionary spending until real financial priorities are met.
Tempting as it may be, you don‘t necessarily have to choose between Sephora and financial wellness. With mindfulness about why, what, and how much we buy, it‘s possible to indulge those makeup addictions in moderation.
Now put down the credit card and go treat yourself to something that doesn‘t cost a thing – a rejuvenating at-home facial perhaps? You deserve it!
