What the ShopYourWay Credit Card Does
The ShopYourWay credit card is a store card issued by Sears that works primarily at Sears and Kmart locations, both in-store and online. It functions like a standard credit card — you charge purchases, receive a bill, and pay interest if you carry a balance — but the rewards structure and acceptance are limited to the Sears ecosystem rather than working everywhere Visa or Mastercard do.
The card's main draw is the rewards program built into it. When you use the card to shop at Sears or Kmart, you earn points on your purchases. Those points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases or converted into gift cards. The card also occasionally offers bonus point promotions and early access to sales for cardholders.
Because this is a store card, not a general-purpose credit card, it will not help you build credit history as broadly as a Visa or Mastercard would. Credit bureaus see store cards differently than they see bank-issued cards, though the card will still report to your credit file if you use it responsibly.
Key Takeaways
- The ShopYourWay card only works at Sears and Kmart, so it is useful only if you shop at those retailers regularly.
- You earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for discounts or gift cards, but the value depends on how much you spend and how often promotions run.
- The card charges interest on balances you carry month to month, and the interest rate varies based on your creditworthiness.
- Store cards typically have lower credit limits and higher interest rates than general-purpose credit cards, so compare the rewards value against the cost of carrying a balance.
- Your payment history on this card will report to credit bureaus, so it can help or hurt your credit score depending on how you use it.
How the Rewards Program Works
When you use the ShopYourWay card at Sears or Kmart, you earn points based on your spending. The exact earning rate changes periodically, but historically the card has offered points on most purchases. Bonus point events happen throughout the year — for example, double or triple points on certain days or during specific sales.
Points accumulate in your ShopYourWay account and can be redeemed in two main ways. You can use them as a discount at checkout (typically worth a certain dollar amount per point), or you can convert them into gift cards for use at partner retailers. The redemption value fluctuates, so 100 points might be worth $5 one month and $6 another, depending on current promotions.
The card also gives cardholders early access to sales and special pricing events. If you shop during these windows, you may find additional savings beyond the points you earn. However, these benefits only matter if Sears and Kmart sales align with what you actually need to buy.
Interest Rates and Fees You Should Know
Like any credit card, the ShopYourWay card charges interest on balances you do not pay in full each month. The interest rate (called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR) depends on your credit score and credit history. People with stronger credit typically receive lower rates; those with weaker credit receive higher rates.
Store cards generally carry higher APRs than major credit cards. If you carry a balance, the interest charges can quickly outpace the value of the rewards you earn. For example, if you earn $50 in rewards but pay $100 in interest over a year, the card costs you money overall.
The card may also charge an annual fee, though this varies. Check the current terms before you open an account, as fees and rates change. There are no foreign transaction fees because the card only works in the US, but that is not a benefit — it is straightforward a limitation of where you can use it.
When This Card Makes Sense
The ShopYourWay card is most useful if you shop at Sears or Kmart regularly and can pay your full balance each month. If you spend $100 or more per month at these stores and never carry a balance, the rewards can add up to meaningful savings over time.
The card also makes sense if you are building credit and have limited options. Store cards are sometimes easier to open than bank-issued cards if your credit history is thin or damaged. Using the card responsibly — making on-time payments and keeping your balance low — will help your credit score improve.
If you only shop at Sears or Kmart occasionally, or if you carry a balance month to month, this card is probably not worth it. The rewards will not offset the interest charges, and the limited acceptance means you cannot use it for everyday purchases elsewhere.
How It Compares to Other Store Cards
Store cards work the same way across retailers: you earn rewards at one store, the interest rates are usually higher than bank cards, and acceptance is limited. The ShopYourWay card is similar to store cards from Target, Walmart, or Best Buy in structure, but the rewards rates and redemption options differ.
If you are deciding between a store card and a general-purpose rewards card (like a Visa or Mastercard with cash back), consider where you spend most of your money. A general-purpose card works everywhere and typically offers lower interest rates, but the rewards rate may be lower. A store card offers higher rewards at one retailer but higher interest and no flexibility.
Some people carry both: a general-purpose card for everyday spending and a store card for frequent purchases at that specific retailer. This works only if you pay both balances in full each month and do not overspend just to earn rewards.
Steps to Understand Before Opening an Account
Before you open a ShopYourWay card, request the full terms and conditions. These will show you the current APR range, any annual fee, the rewards earning rate, and the redemption rules. The terms are usually available on the Sears website or by asking a store associate.
Check your credit score beforehand. This gives you a sense of what APR you might receive. If your score is below 650, you may face a higher rate or be declined. If you are declined, explore again within a short time will hurt your score further, so be strategic.
Calculate whether the rewards are worth it for your spending. If you spend $1,000 per year at Sears and earn 1 point per dollar, and each point is worth $0.01, you earn $10 in rewards. If the APR is 20% and you carry even a small balance, you will pay far more in interest than you gain in rewards.
What Happens to Your Credit Score
Opening a new credit card triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. This inquiry stays on your report for about a year but stops affecting your score after a few months.
Once the account is open, your payment history becomes the biggest factor. Making payments on time, every time, helps your score. Carrying a high balance relative to your credit limit (called high utilization) hurts your score, even if you pay on time. Keeping your balance below 30% of your limit is a common guideline.
Over time, a well-managed store card can help your credit score by adding to your credit history and showing you can handle multiple types of credit. However, if you miss payments or carry a high balance, the card will damage your score significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the ShopYourWay card anywhere besides Sears and Kmart?
No. The ShopYourWay card is a store card and only works at Sears and Kmart locations. It will not be accepted at other retailers, online stores, or restaurants. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express instead.
What happens if I carry a balance on this card?
You will be charged interest on the unpaid amount each month. The interest rate depends on your credit, but store cards typically charge 18% to 25% APR or higher. If you carry a $500 balance at 22% APR, you will pay roughly $9 per month in interest alone, which quickly exceeds any rewards you earn.
Does the ShopYourWay card help build credit?
Yes, if you use it responsibly. The card reports to credit bureaus, so on-time payments and low balances will help your credit score grow. However, store cards are weighted less heavily than bank-issued cards, so the impact is smaller than it would be with a Visa or Mastercard.
What is the credit limit on this card?
Credit limits vary based on your credit score and income. Store cards typically offer lower limits than bank cards — often $500 to $2,000 for new cardholders. Your limit may increase over time if you use the card responsibly and your credit improves.
Can I pay my bill online or by phone?
Yes. You can manage your ShopYourWay account online through the Sears website, by phone, or in-store. Set up automatic payments to may support you never miss a due date, which protects your credit score and avoids late fees.