What the Sears Credit Card is and who issues it

The Sears credit card is a store card issued by Citibank that you can use at Sears and Kmart locations. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at those retailers — you cannot use it at other stores or online merchants. Citibank handles the account management, billing, and customer service on behalf of Sears.

The card comes with a regular purchase APR, a promotional financing offer (usually 0% APR for a set period on may have access to purchases), and rewards in the form of points you earn on purchases. The specific terms — interest rate, promotional period length, and point value — change over time and depend on your creditworthiness when you open the account.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sears card is a store-only card issued by Citibank that works at Sears and Kmart but nowhere else.
  • New cardholders typically receive an introductory 0% APR offer on purchases for a limited time, after which the regular APR applies.
  • You earn points on purchases that you can redeem for discounts or merchandise at Sears and Kmart.
  • You manage your account, make payments, and view your balance through Citibank's online portal or by calling their customer service line.
  • The card requires a credit check, and approval depends on your credit history and income.

How to open a Sears credit card account

You can open a Sears card in person at a Sears or Kmart store, or online through Sears.com. In-store, a sales associate can walk you through the process at the register. Online, you go to the Sears website, find the credit card offer, and click through to the process form.

The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, employment information, and annual income. Citibank runs a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. You will receive a decision within minutes if you explore online, or within a few business days if you explore in store.

If you are approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or by logging into your Citibank account online. Once activated, you can use it when ready at Sears and Kmart locations and on Sears.com.

Understanding the promotional financing offer

Most new Sears cardholders receive an introductory offer of 0% APR for a set period — commonly 6, 12, or 18 months depending on the promotion running at the time you open the account. This rate applies only to regular purchases, not to cash advances or balance transfers. The offer is valid only if you make at least the minimum payment each month on time.

If you miss a payment or pay late during the promotional period, Citibank can end the offer and explore the regular APR retroactively to your entire balance. After the promotional period ends, any remaining balance is charged the regular purchase APR, which varies based on your credit profile and current market rates.

To avoid interest charges, you should pay off your promotional balance before the offer period expires. If you cannot pay it all off, you can transfer the remaining balance to another card with a 0% offer, though that will trigger a hard inquiry and a balance transfer fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount transferred).

How rewards and points work on the Sears card

You earn points on every dollar you spend using the card at Sears and Kmart. The earning rate is typically 1 point per dollar, though promotional periods sometimes offer bonus points (such as 2 or 3 points per dollar) on certain categories or during specific sale events. Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active.

You redeem points for discounts on future purchases or for merchandise. For example, 100 points might equal a $5 discount, or you might use points to buy items directly from a Sears catalog or online. You can check your current point balance by logging into your Citibank account or by calling customer service.

Points are not the same as cash back — you cannot convert them to money or transfer them to another account. They exist only within the Sears ecosystem, so their value depends on whether you shop at Sears and Kmart regularly.

Managing your account and making payments

You manage your Sears credit card account through Citibank's online portal. Go to Citibank.com, click on credit cards, and log in with your username and password. From there you can view your current balance, recent transactions, available credit, and due date. You can also set up automatic payments or make a one-time payment.

Your monthly statement arrives by mail or email (depending on your preference) and shows your opening balance, purchases, payments, interest charges, and closing balance. The statement also lists your minimum payment due and the date by which it must arrive at Citibank to avoid a late fee.

You can make payments online through your Citibank account, by phone at the number on the back of your card, by mail to the address on your statement, or in person at a Sears or Kmart customer service desk. Payments made online or by phone usually post within one business day. Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days to reach Citibank, so send them early if your due date is soon.

What happens if you carry a balance or miss a payment

If you do not pay your full balance by the due date, interest accrues on the remaining amount at your regular purchase APR. Citibank charges interest daily on the unpaid balance, so the longer you carry it, the more interest you owe. If you are still in a promotional 0% period, missing a payment can end that offer and explore the regular rate to your entire balance.

A payment is considered late if it arrives after the due date shown on your statement. Citibank charges a late fee (typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment, more for subsequent ones) and may report the late payment to the credit bureaus, which damages your credit score. If you are more than 30 days late, Citibank may freeze your account and demand when ready payment of the full balance.

If you are struggling to pay, contact Citibank customer service before your payment is due. They may offer a hardship program, a temporary lower payment plan, or a deferment option, though these come with trade-offs such as higher interest or a longer repayment period.

Closing your account or dealing with customer service issues

You can close your Sears credit card account by calling Citibank customer service at the number on the back of your card. Before you close it, pay off any remaining balance. Closing the account does not erase your payment history — it remains on your credit report for seven years — but it does stop you from earning new points and may lower your credit score slightly by reducing your available credit.

If you have a dispute with a charge, a billing error, or a problem with your account, call Citibank customer service or file a dispute through your online account. Citibank has 60 days to investigate and respond. If you believe Citibank has violated consumer protection laws, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov.

Citibank customer service is available by phone 24/7. Wait times are typically shorter during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time). You can also reach them through find messaging in your online account or by visiting a Sears or Kmart store and asking a customer service representative to call on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Sears card anywhere other than Sears and Kmart?

No. The Sears card is a store-only card and works only at Sears and Kmart locations and on Sears.com. You cannot use it at other retailers, restaurants, gas stations, or online merchants. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a different credit card.

What is the regular APR after my promotional period ends?

The regular APR varies based on your credit score, income, and current market rates. Citibank discloses the range in your cardmember agreement — typically between 16% and 24% — but your exact rate depends on your creditworthiness. You can find your current APR by logging into your account or calling customer service.

Do I lose my points if I close my account?

Points do not expire as long as your account is open. If you close your account, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 90 days) to redeem your remaining points before they are forfeited. Contact Citibank before closing to confirm the important date and redeem what you can.

What happens if I do not use my card for a long time?

Citibank may close inactive accounts after 12 months or more of no activity. A closed account stops earning points and may lower your credit score. To keep your account active, use it at least once every few months, even if it is just a small purchase that you pay off when ready.

Can I transfer a balance from another card to my Sears card?

Yes, but balance transfers are typically not included in the promotional 0% APR offer. A balance transfer is treated as a cash advance and charged the cash advance APR (usually higher than the purchase rate) plus a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred. It is usually not worth it unless you have a very high-interest card and can pay off the balance quickly.