Where to send your Sears credit card payment
Sears credit cards are now issued by Citi, so payments go to Citibank, not to Sears itself. You can pay online through Citi's website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Sears store if one is still operating in your area. The fastest and most direct route is the Citi payment portal, where you can set up a one-time payment or recurring automatic payments.
If you have an older Sears card issued before the Citi partnership, the issuer may differ depending on when the card was created. Check the back of your card or your most recent statement to confirm which bank handles your account. The statement will list the payment address and phone number specific to your card.
Key Takeaways
- Sears credit cards issued by Citi can be paid online at Citi's website, by calling the number on your card, or by mailing a check to the address on your statement.
- Online payment through Citi's portal typically posts within one business day, while mailed payments take seven to ten business days to reach the bank.
- Setting up automatic payments from your bank account ensures you never miss a due date and can help you avoid late fees and interest charges.
- If your card was issued before Citi took over Sears credit cards, contact the issuer listed on your statement to confirm the correct payment method and address.
Paying online through Citi's website or app
Log in to your Citi account at citi.com or use the Citi Mobile app. Enter your username and password, then select your Sears card from your account list. Click "Make a Payment" and choose whether you want to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a custom amount. You can schedule the payment to go out when ready or on a specific future date.
Online payments typically post to your account within one business day. If you pay before your statement due date, the payment counts toward that month's balance. Citi does not charge a fee for online payments made through their website or app.
Paying by phone
Call the number on the back of your Sears credit card to reach Citi's payment line. A representative will ask for your card number, the amount you want to pay, and your bank account information or debit card details. Phone payments are processed the same day you call, though they may take one to two business days to post to your account.
Citi does not charge a fee for phone payments. Have your statement or card handy so you know your current balance and due date before you call.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to Citibank and mail it to the address listed on your statement. Include your account number on the check so the payment is applied to the correct card. Mail payments typically take seven to ten business days to arrive and post, so send your payment at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late payment.
Keep a copy of the check or a photo of the front and back for your records. If your payment does not post within ten business days, contact Citi to confirm it was received.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of missing a due date. Log into your Citi account online, go to the payment settings, and select "Automatic Payments." Choose the amount (minimum payment, full balance, or a fixed dollar amount), the frequency (monthly, for example), and the date you want the payment to come out of your bank account each month.
You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account. If you set up automatic payments for the full balance, your card will report a zero balance to credit bureaus each month, which can help your credit score over time.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you will miss your due date, contact Citi before the date arrives. Explain your situation and ask whether they offer hardship programs, payment plans, or a temporary reduction in your interest rate. Some cardholders can negotiate a lower rate or a grace period, though this depends on your account history and the reason for the hardship.
A late payment will be reported to credit bureaus and will damage your credit score. Late fees typically range from $25 to $35 for the first late payment and higher for subsequent ones. Interest charges also continue to accrue on any unpaid balance, so the longer you wait, the more you owe.
Confirming your payment was received
After you make a payment, log back into your Citi account within one to two business days to confirm the payment posted. Your statement should show the payment under "Recent Transactions" and your available credit should increase. If you paid by mail and the payment does not appear after ten business days, call Citi to ask whether they received it.
Keep records of all payments for at least one year. If a dispute arises about whether a payment was made, you will have proof of the transaction date and amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Sears credit card at a Sears store?
Some Sears locations still accept in-person credit card payments, but this varies by store and is becoming less common as Sears locations close. Call your local store to ask whether they accept payments before you visit. Online or phone payment through Citi is more reliable.
What happens if I pay less than the minimum?
Paying less than the minimum is treated as a late payment and will be reported to credit bureaus. Your credit score will drop, and you will owe late fees plus interest on the unpaid balance. Always pay at least the minimum amount shown on your statement by the due date.
Can I pay with a debit card or another credit card?
Yes, you can pay by debit card or another credit card through Citi's website or by phone. However, paying a credit card with another credit card may trigger a cash advance fee or higher interest rate, so check with your other card's issuer first.
How do I know my payment due date?
Your due date appears on your monthly statement, usually near the top or in the account summary section. You can also log into your Citi account online to see your due date. Payments must arrive by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date to avoid a late fee.
What if my Sears card was issued before Citi took over?
Older Sears cards may have been issued by a different bank. Check your statement or the back of your card to see which issuer handles your account. Call the number listed on your card to confirm the correct payment address and method for your specific card.