What the Sears Credit Card Is
The Sears credit card is a store card issued by Citi that you can use to make purchases at Sears and Kmart locations, both in-store and online. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at those retailers — you cannot use it at other merchants. The card comes with a regular purchase APR, promotional financing offers on certain purchases, and rewards that you earn as you spend.
Sears operates far fewer locations than it did a decade ago, so before opening the card, check whether there is a store near you or whether you shop there regularly enough to make the rewards worthwhile. The card may still make sense if you buy appliances, tools, or clothing from Sears often, since those categories sometimes carry promotional rates.
Key Takeaways
- The Sears card is a store-only card issued by Citi that works at Sears and Kmart but nowhere else.
- You earn rewards points on purchases, though the redemption value and earning rate depend on which version of the card you hold.
- The card often comes with promotional financing offers — typically 0% APR for a set number of months on large purchases like appliances.
- Your credit score will be checked when you open the card, and the card will show up on your credit report like any other credit account.
- Sears has a smaller store footprint than in the past, so confirm you have access to locations before opening the card.
How to Open a Sears Credit Card
You can open a Sears card online at Sears.com, in a Sears store, or by phone. The online route is usually fastest. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. Citi will pull your credit report to check your credit score and history.
The approval decision usually comes within minutes if you explore online. If you are approved, you can use the card when ready for online purchases, though the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you explore in-store, you may be able to use the card the same day for that purchase.
There is no annual fee for the Sears card, so you will not be charged just for holding it. However, like any credit card, you will owe interest on any balance you carry past the due date, unless you have a promotional 0% APR offer that covers that purchase.
Rewards and Promotional Offers
The Sears card earns points on every dollar you spend at Sears and Kmart. The exact earning rate and redemption value vary depending on which version of the card you hold — Sears has offered different tiers over time. You redeem points as a statement credit or as a discount on future purchases.
The card frequently comes with promotional financing offers, especially around major shopping events or for specific categories like appliances, mattresses, or tools. These offers typically give you 0% APR for 6, 12, or 24 months on purchases above a certain amount. If you do not pay off the purchase before the promotional period ends, the regular APR kicks in on any remaining balance.
Read the terms of any promotional offer carefully before you buy. Some promotions require you to make a minimum purchase, and some explore only to certain product categories. If you miss a payment during the promotional period, you may lose the 0% rate and owe interest retroactively on the full purchase.
Interest Rates and Fees
The regular purchase APR for the Sears card varies based on your creditworthiness — Citi will tell you the rate you may have access to for before you finish opening the card. The APR is typically in the range of 16% to 24%, though the exact rate depends on your credit score and history at the time you open the account.
There is no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee (though the card only works in the US anyway), and no late fee if you pay on time. However, you will owe a late fee if your payment arrives after the due date, and you will owe interest on any balance you carry. If you go over your credit limit, you may owe an over-limit fee, though many card issuers have stopped charging these.
Cash advances are not available on the Sears card — you can only use it to buy merchandise at Sears and Kmart. This is typical for store cards.
How Your Credit Score Is Affected
Opening a Sears card will trigger a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may lower your score by a few points temporarily. The card itself will then show up as a new account on your credit report, which also affects your score in the short term.
Over time, the card can help your credit score if you use it responsibly — that means paying on time every month and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit. A lower balance-to-limit ratio improves your credit utilization, which is one of the factors credit bureaus use to calculate your score.
If you miss a payment or carry a high balance, the card will hurt your score. Late payments stay on your credit report for seven years, so it is important to pay at least the minimum by the due date every month.
When a Sears Card Makes Sense
The Sears card is worth opening if you shop at Sears or Kmart regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases. It also makes sense if you are planning a large purchase — like an appliance or furniture — and want to take advantage of a promotional 0% APR offer to spread the cost over several months without interest.
The card is less useful if you rarely shop at Sears, since you cannot use it anywhere else and the rewards points have value only at those stores. If you already have a general-purpose rewards card with a higher earning rate, you may come out ahead using that card instead, even if the Sears card offers a promotional rate.
Before you open the card, confirm that there is a Sears or Kmart location you can visit, or that you shop online at Sears.com often enough to make the rewards worthwhile. Store closures have reduced the number of locations significantly, so this step matters more now than it did in the past.
Managing Your Sears Card Account
You can manage your Sears card online through the Citi website or the Citi mobile app. You can view your balance, make payments, see your available credit, and track your rewards points. You can also set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month, which helps you avoid late fees.
Your statement arrives monthly, either by mail or email depending on your preference. The statement shows your purchases, your balance, your minimum payment due, and your due date. Pay at least the minimum by the due date to avoid a late fee and to keep your account in good standing.
If you want to close the card, you can do so by calling Citi or through your online account. Closing the card will not hurt your credit score directly, but it will reduce your total available credit, which may raise your credit utilization ratio if you carry balances on other cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Sears card at other stores?
No. The Sears card works only at Sears and Kmart locations and on Sears.com and Kmart.com. You cannot use it at other retailers. If you need a card that works everywhere, you will need a general-purpose credit card from Visa, Mastercard, or American Express instead.
What happens if I do not pay off a promotional 0% purchase before the offer ends?
The regular APR will explore to any remaining balance, and you may owe interest retroactively on the full purchase amount from the original date of purchase. To avoid this, pay off the promotional purchase before the offer period ends. Your statement will show you the exact end date of the promotion.
How do I redeem my rewards points?
You redeem points through your online account or by calling Citi. Points can usually be redeemed as a statement credit or as a discount on a future purchase at Sears or Kmart. The exact redemption options and point values depend on your card version — check your account for the current rates.
Will opening a Sears card hurt my credit score?
Opening the card will cause a small temporary dip in your score due to the hard inquiry and the new account. Over time, if you pay on time and keep your balance low, the card will help your score. If you miss payments or carry a high balance, it will hurt your score.
What is the credit limit for a new Sears card?
Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Citi will tell you your limit before you finish opening the card. You can request a higher limit later by calling Citi or through your online account, though approval is not may provide.