Do you have an Academy Sports + Outdoors credit card issued by Comenity Bank and are considering canceling it? Whether you're looking to simplify your finances, reduce the number of open credit lines, or you simply don't shop at Academy Sports + Outdoors as much anymore, canceling a credit card requires a few thoughtful steps to ensure it's done correctly and with minimal impact on your credit score. Let's walk through the process together!
Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation
Before you even think about picking up the phone, it's crucial to take a moment and understand the specifics of your Academy Sports credit card account. This initial assessment will help you avoid potential pitfalls and ensure a smooth cancellation process.
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| How To Cancel Academy Sports Credit Card |
1.1 Check Your Balance
The absolute first thing you need to do is verify your outstanding balance. You cannot close a credit card account with a balance. Make sure all purchases, interest, and fees are paid off in full. Even a small remaining balance can prevent successful closure and lead to unexpected charges or a negative mark on your credit report.
1.2 Redeem Any Rewards or Benefits
The Academy Sports + Outdoors credit card often comes with perks like a 5% everyday discount and free shipping on orders. If you've accumulated any rewards points or unredeemed discounts, use them before you cancel. Once the account is closed, any remaining rewards will likely be forfeited. Don't let your hard-earned benefits go to waste!
1.3 Review Automatic Payments
Do you have any recurring bills or subscriptions linked to your Academy Sports credit card? This could include streaming services, online memberships, or even utility bills. Identify and update these automatic payments to another card or payment method before cancellation. Forgetting this step can lead to missed payments, late fees, and service interruptions.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Information
Once you've assessed your account, gather all the information you'll need for the cancellation call. Having these details ready will make the process much more efficient.
2.1 Your Credit Card Details
Have your Academy Sports + Outdoors credit card number readily available. You'll also need your full name as it appears on the card, your billing address, and potentially your Social Security Number (SSN) for verification purposes.
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2.2 Comenity Bank Contact Information
The Academy Sports + Outdoors credit card is issued by Comenity Bank. You will need to contact Comenity Bank directly to cancel your card. The general customer service number for Comenity Bank credit cards is often found on the back of your card or on your latest billing statement. A commonly cited customer service number for Comenity Bank is 1-877-287-5012 or 1-877-321-8509. It's always best to use the number specifically for Academy Sports + Outdoors credit cards if available, or the general Comenity Bank customer service number for store credit cards.
Step 3: Initiate the Cancellation Call
This is where you'll directly communicate with Comenity Bank to close your account. Be prepared to be patient and firm.
3.1 Call Comenity Bank Customer Service
Dial the Comenity Bank customer service number you've found. Be prepared for automated menus. Navigate through them to speak with a customer service representative or an account specialist.
3.2 State Your Intention Clearly
Once you connect with a representative, clearly state that you wish to cancel your Academy Sports + Outdoors credit card account. You don't necessarily need to provide a lengthy explanation, but be ready for them to ask for a reason. Common reasons include: "I no longer need the card," "I want to simplify my finances," or "I don't use it frequently enough."
3.3 Be Prepared for Retention Offers
It's very common for credit card companies to try and retain customers when they express an intention to cancel. The representative might offer you incentives such as:
Special discounts
Promotional interest rates
Bonus rewards points
Waived annual fees (if applicable)
Politely decline these offers if your decision to cancel is firm. Reiterate your desire to close the account.
3.4 Confirm Zero Balance
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Before the representative proceeds, they will confirm that your account has a zero balance. If there are any pending transactions or fees you weren't aware of, they will inform you. You'll need to pay these off before the account can be officially closed.
3.5 Request Confirmation
Once the cancellation process is initiated, request a confirmation number or a reference number for the cancellation. This is crucial for your records. Additionally, ask for a confirmation of the closure to be sent to you in writing – either via email or postal mail. This written confirmation will serve as proof that your account has been closed.
Step 4: Monitor Your Account and Credit Report
The cancellation isn't truly complete until you've verified it. This final step is vital for your financial health.
4.1 Check Your Final Statement
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After a few weeks, keep an eye out for a final statement from Comenity Bank. This statement should show a zero balance and indicate that the account is closed. If you receive a statement with a balance or activity, contact Comenity Bank immediately.
4.2 Review Your Credit Report
Approximately 30-60 days after cancellation, check your credit report from all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). You can obtain a free copy of your credit report annually from AnnualCreditReport.com. Verify that the Academy Sports + Outdoors credit card account is reported as "closed by grantor" or "closed by customer" with a zero balance.
4.3 Understand the Impact on Your Credit Score
Closing a credit card can sometimes have a minor, temporary impact on your credit score. This is primarily due to:
Reduced overall credit limit: Your credit utilization ratio (how much credit you're using vs. how much you have available) might increase if you close a card and your total available credit decreases.
Shorter average age of accounts: If the Academy Sports card was one of your oldest accounts, closing it could slightly reduce the average age of your credit accounts, which is a factor in your credit score.
Generally, if you have other long-standing accounts and a low credit utilization ratio, the impact will be minimal and temporary.
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Step 5: Shred the Card Safely ✂️
Once you've received written confirmation of closure and verified it on your credit report, it's time for the final, satisfying step.
5.1 Securely Dispose of Your Card
Shred your physical Academy Sports + Outdoors credit card into as many small pieces as possible. Make sure the magnetic strip and the chip are destroyed. This prevents anyone from fraudulently using your card information.
FAQs: How to Cancel Academy Sports Credit Card
How to check my Academy Sports credit card balance?
You can check your Academy Sports credit card balance by logging into your account on the Comenity Bank website (d.comenity.net/academy), or by calling Comenity Bank customer service at 1-877-287-5012 or 1-877-321-8509.
How to find the Comenity Bank customer service number for Academy Sports credit card?
The customer service number is typically printed on the back of your Academy Sports + Outdoors credit card or on your monthly billing statement. You can also find it on the Comenity Bank website associated with your Academy card.
How to ensure all automatic payments are removed from my Academy Sports credit card?
Before canceling, review your recent statements or online account activity to identify any recurring charges. Then, contact each service provider directly to update your payment information to a different card or method.
How to request written confirmation of my Academy Sports credit card cancellation?
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
During your cancellation call with Comenity Bank, explicitly ask the representative to send you a written confirmation of the account closure via email or postal mail. Note down the representative's name and the confirmation number.
How to know if canceling my Academy Sports credit card will hurt my credit score?
Canceling a credit card can have a minor, temporary impact by reducing your total available credit and potentially shortening the average age of your accounts. However, if you have other active cards and a good credit history, the effect is usually minimal.
How to check my credit report after canceling the card?
You can get a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Check it 30-60 days after cancellation to ensure the account is reported as closed.
How to handle retention offers from Comenity Bank when canceling?
Politely decline any retention offers (like special discounts or lower APRs) if you are firm in your decision to cancel. Reiterate that you wish to close the account.
How to pay off a remaining balance on my Academy Sports credit card if I want to cancel?
You can pay off your remaining balance online through the Comenity Bank portal, via phone, or by mailing a check. Ensure the payment clears and your balance is zero before calling to cancel.
How to dispute an incorrect balance or charge when trying to cancel?
If you find an incorrect balance or charge, raise the dispute with Comenity Bank customer service first. You'll need to resolve any disputes and have a zero balance before the account can be closed.
How to safely dispose of my physical Academy Sports credit card?
Once you've confirmed the account is closed, shred the card using a cross-cut shredder to destroy the card number, magnetic strip, and chip. If you don't have a shredder, cut it into many small pieces with scissors, ensuring key information is obliterated.
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