Where to pay your Sears credit card bill
Sears credit cards are issued by Citibank, so you pay through Citi's payment system, not through Sears directly. You can pay online at the Citi website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Sears store that still operates in your area. The online method is fastest — payments post the same business day if you submit before the cutoff time, which is usually 8 p.m. Eastern.
If you have a Sears MasterCard or Sears Visa, both route through Citi. The payment address and phone number appear on your monthly statement. If you cannot find your statement, call the number on the back of your card.
Key Takeaways
- Sears credit cards are serviced by Citibank, so you pay through Citi's website or by calling the number on your card, not through Sears.
- Online payments post the same business day if submitted before the evening cutoff, making it the fastest way to avoid late fees.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to be safe.
- Your monthly statement shows the exact mailing address and phone number for payments, along with your current balance and due date.
- Late fees begin accruing the day after your due date, even if your payment is in the mail.
Paying online through the Citi website
Go to citibank.com and log in with your username and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your card number and other identifying information. Once logged in, select "Make a Payment" or "Pay My Bill" — the exact wording varies depending on your card type.
You will see your current balance, minimum payment, and due date. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose the date you want it to post. If you choose today, it posts the same business day. If you choose a future date, Citi will process it on that date. You can pay from a checking or savings account linked to your Citi profile, or use a debit card.
After you submit, you will see a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Keep this number until the payment appears on your account, which usually happens within 24 hours for same-day submissions.
Paying by phone
Call the number on the back of your Sears credit card. A representative will ask for your card number, the amount you want to pay, and the account you want to pay from. You can pay from a checking or savings account. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Ask the representative for a confirmation number before you hang up. Phone payments typically post within one business day. If you are calling close to your due date, confirm the exact time the payment will post — if it posts after midnight on the due date, you may still be charged a late fee.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to Citibank. Do not make it payable to Sears. Include your account number on the check itself. Mail it to the address shown on your statement under "Payment Address" or "Make Payments To."
Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, and Citi processes them the day they receive them. If your due date is in 10 days, your payment will likely arrive after the due date passes, triggering a late fee. To be safe, mail payments at least two weeks before your due date. If you are paying close to the important date, use online or phone payment instead.
Keep a copy of the check or a photo of the money order receipt. If the payment does not appear on your account within two weeks, you will have proof you sent it.
What happens if you miss a payment
Late fees begin the day after your due date. A typical late fee ranges from $25 to $40, depending on your credit limit and account history. Your interest rate may also increase if you are 30 or more days late. After 60 days, the late payment appears on your credit report and stays there for seven years.
If you know you will miss a payment, call Citi before the due date. Some accounts have hardship programs that pause interest or waive a single late fee. You have to ask — Citi will not offer it automatically. Even if you cannot pay the full balance, making any payment before the due date stops the late fee from starting.
Automatic payments and payment plans
You can set up automatic payments through the Citi website so that a fixed amount or your full balance is paid on the same date each month. This prevents accidental late payments and removes the need to remember your due date. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account.
If you are carrying a large balance and want to pay it down over time, Citi offers balance transfer options and promotional rates on some accounts. These are not automatic — you have to request them. Call the number on your card to ask whether your account qualifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do online payments post?
Same-day online payments post by the end of the business day if submitted before the cutoff, usually 8 p.m. Eastern. Payments submitted after the cutoff post the next business day. Weekends and holidays are not business days, so a payment submitted on Friday evening may not post until Monday.
Can I pay my Sears card at a Sears store?
Some Sears locations still accept in-person payments, but most have closed. Call the store directly to ask before you go. In-person payments post the same day if made before closing time. Online or phone payment is more reliable since you do not have to find an open store.
What if I pay more than I owe?
The overpayment sits as a credit on your account and reduces your next bill. You can also request a refund check from Citi, though this takes several weeks. Most people leave small overpayments on the account to cover the next month's interest.
Do I have to pay the full balance or just the minimum?
You only have to pay the minimum to avoid a late fee, but paying more reduces your interest charges. The minimum is shown on your statement. Paying the full balance stops all interest from accruing on that month's purchases.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Log into your Citi account online and check your recent transactions. You should see the payment listed within 24 hours. You can also call the number on your card and ask a representative to confirm the payment was received.