The Sears Card is no longer available to new customers
Sears stopped issuing new Sears Citigroup credit cards in 2021. If you already hold one, your account remains open and you can continue using it at Sears and Kmart locations, as well as for purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted. However, you cannot open a new Sears card, and Sears itself filed for bankruptcy in 2018, which means the store network has shrunk significantly since the card was first introduced.
The card was managed by Citibank on behalf of Sears Holdings. Even though Sears stores have closed across the country, Citibank still services existing cardholders' accounts. If you have an active Sears card, your monthly statements, payment options, and customer service remain unchanged — you just cannot use the card at locations that no longer exist.
Key Takeaways
- The Sears Citigroup card stopped accepting new customers in 2021 and cannot be opened today.
- If you already own a Sears card, Citibank continues to service your account and you can use it at remaining Sears locations and anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
- Sears store closures mean the card's primary benefit — shopping discounts at Sears — has become less valuable for most cardholders.
- You can keep the card open for its Mastercard features or close it; closing it will not harm your credit if you have other open accounts.
What the Sears card offered when it was available
The Sears Citigroup card came in two versions: a store card that worked only at Sears and Kmart, and a Mastercard version that worked everywhere. Both offered a rewards program that gave points on purchases, with bonus points during promotional periods. Cardholders also received periodic discounts on Sears purchases and sometimes early access to sales.
The store-only version typically had a lower credit requirement than the Mastercard version, which made it accessible to people building credit or recovering from past credit problems. The Mastercard version came with standard benefits like fraud protection and the ability to use the card outside Sears locations.
If you still have a Sears card and want to keep using it
Your account is still active as long as you have not closed it and you are not in default. You can use the card at any remaining Sears location — check Sears.com to find stores still operating in your area, as many have closed. You can also use the Mastercard version anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
To manage your account, log in to Citibank's website using your Sears card account number, or call the customer service number on the back of your card. You can make payments online, by phone, or by mail. Keep making at least your minimum payment on time each month to avoid late fees and damage to your credit report.
The rewards program may still be active on your account, though the value has declined as Sears locations have closed. Check your most recent statement or log into your account to see your current points balance and any active promotions.
If you want to close your Sears card
You can close a Sears card by calling Citibank customer service at the number on your statement. Have your card number ready. Ask the representative to confirm the account is closed and request written confirmation by mail.
Closing the card will not hurt your credit score if you have other credit accounts open and in good standing. However, closing it will reduce your total available credit, which can slightly raise your credit utilization ratio if you carry balances on other cards. If you are working to improve your credit score, keeping the card open and unused may be better than closing it.
If you have an outstanding balance, you must pay it off before closing the account, or the account will remain open until the balance is paid. You can continue making payments after closing if needed.
How the Sears card affects your credit report
An open Sears card account appears on your credit report as an active credit account. It shows your credit limit, current balance, and payment history. On-time payments help your credit score; late payments hurt it.
If you close the account, it will remain on your credit report for up to seven years, but it will show as closed. A closed account in good standing does not harm your score and can actually help by showing a history of responsible credit use.
If your account is in default or has been sent to collections, that negative mark will stay on your report for seven years from the date of first missed payment. Paying off a defaulted account does not remove the mark, but it does stop additional damage.
Alternatives if you want a new store card or rewards card
If you want a card tied to a specific retailer, many major stores offer their own credit cards through banks like Synchrony or Capital One. Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon all have store cards with their own rewards programs. These cards typically have lower credit requirements than general-purpose cards.
If you want a rewards card that works everywhere, consider a cash-back card or points card from a major bank. These cards offer rewards on all purchases, not just at one store. Your credit score will determine which cards you can open — the higher your score, the better the rewards and terms available.
Before opening any new card, compare the annual percentage rate (APR), annual fee if any, and rewards structure. A card with a high APR is expensive to carry a balance on, even if the rewards are attractive.
What to do if you have a balance you cannot pay
If you owe money on your Sears card and cannot make the minimum payment, contact Citibank when ready. Explain your situation and ask about hardship programs. Many banks offer temporary payment reductions, extended payment plans, or interest rate reductions for customers facing financial difficulty.
Do not ignore the debt. Missed payments damage your credit score and can lead to collection calls and legal action. A conversation with the bank is always better than silence.
If you cannot reach an agreement with Citibank, you may want to speak with a credit counselor. Nonprofit credit counseling agencies offer free or low-cost guidance on managing debt. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and the Financial Counseling Association (FCA) can connect you with a counselor in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Sears card at Kmart?
Kmart stores have closed almost entirely as of 2023. Check the Sears website to see which locations remain open in your area. The Sears card works at any remaining Sears location, and the Mastercard version works anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Will closing my Sears card hurt my credit?
Closing the card will not hurt your credit if you have other open accounts in good standing. It may slightly raise your credit utilization ratio if you carry balances on other cards. If your Sears card is your oldest account, closing it could lower your average account age, which might have a small negative effect.
What happens to my rewards points if I close the card?
Check your account or call Citibank to find out your current points balance and redemption options. Some programs allow you to redeem points before closing; others may forfeit unused points. Ask the representative what happens to your specific balance before you close the account.
Is there a way to reopen a Sears card I closed?
Once closed, a Sears card account cannot be reopened because Sears is no longer issuing new cards. If you closed your account and want credit again, you would need to open a different card with another bank or retailer.
Do I still owe money on a Sears card if the store closed?
Yes. Store closures do not erase credit card debt. You still owe Citibank whatever balance remains on your account, regardless of whether the Sears location you shopped at is still open. The debt is owed to the bank, not to the store.