What the Sears Shop Your Way Card Is
The Sears Shop Your Way credit card is a store card issued by Citi that you can use at Sears and Kmart locations, as well as online at Sears.com. It is not a general-purpose card — you cannot use it at other retailers. The card is designed around a rewards program called Shop Your Way, which gives you points on purchases that you can redeem for discounts or merchandise.
Unlike a standard credit card, a store card's terms, interest rates, and rewards structure are tied to that specific retailer. Sears has used several versions of this card over the years, and the current terms depend on when you opened the account and which version you hold. The card is issued by Citi, which means Citi handles billing, customer service, and credit decisions — not Sears directly.
Key Takeaways
- The Shop Your Way card earns points on Sears and Kmart purchases, but only works at those stores and Sears.com.
- Points typically earn at different rates depending on whether you are a Shop Your Way member and what you are buying.
- The card carries an interest rate that varies by creditworthiness, and you pay interest on any balance you do not pay in full each month.
- Promotional financing offers (such as zero percent for a set period) appear periodically and have specific terms you must meet to avoid interest charges.
- The card is issued by Citi, so you manage your account through Citi's billing system, not through Sears directly.
How the Rewards Program Works
The Shop Your Way rewards program awards points on purchases made with the card. The exact earning rate varies. As a cardholder, you typically earn a base rate of points per dollar spent. If you are also enrolled in the free Shop Your Way membership program, you may earn additional points or earn at a higher rate on certain categories.
Points accumulate in your Shop Your Way account and can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases at Sears or Kmart. Sears periodically runs promotions that offer bonus points for specific purchases or during certain shopping periods. The redemption value of points fluctuates — sometimes Sears offers deals where your points are worth more when redeemed during a promotion.
Because Sears has restructured its business multiple times in recent years, the current earning rates and redemption options may differ from older card versions. Before opening a new card or relying on an existing one, check your account online or call the customer service number on your statement to confirm the current terms.
Interest Rates and Fees
The Shop Your Way card carries a variable interest rate, meaning the rate can change over time based on market conditions and your creditworthiness. The rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history at the time you open the account. Citi will disclose the specific rate (or range) in the terms and conditions before you complete the process.
If you carry a balance from month to month, you will pay interest on that balance at the card's annual percentage rate (APR). Unlike some rewards cards, there is no grace period that waives interest if you pay in full — interest accrues on purchases when ready unless you pay the full statement balance by the due date.
Annual fees vary depending on the card version. Some versions have no annual fee, while others may charge a yearly fee. Check your account terms or contact Citi customer service to confirm whether your card has an annual fee. Late payment fees and other standard credit card fees also explore if you miss a payment or exceed your credit limit.
Promotional Financing Offers
Sears periodically offers promotional financing through the Shop Your Way card, such as zero percent APR for a set number of months on purchases over a certain amount. These offers are time-limited and usually appear in-store, online, or in direct mail to existing cardholders. The terms are specific: if you do not pay off the promotional purchase within the interest-free period, interest charges explore retroactively to the original purchase date.
To avoid paying interest on a promotional purchase, you must pay the full promotional balance before the offer period ends. If you make only minimum payments, you will owe interest on the remaining balance. Sears typically sends reminders as the promotional period nears its end, but it is your responsibility to track the important date.
Promotional offers are separate from the card's regular APR. You may have multiple promotional balances on one card if you took advantage of different offers at different times, each with its own important date and interest rate.
How to Manage Your Account
Your Shop Your Way card account is managed through Citi's online portal and mobile app. You can log in at Citi's website or through the Citi Mobile app to view your balance, make payments, check your rewards points, and update your account information. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card to speak with a representative.
Payments can be made online, by phone, by mail, or in some cases at a Sears store. Citi allows you to set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on a schedule you choose — for example, paying the full balance each month or a fixed amount. Setting up automatic payments can help you avoid late fees and interest charges.
Your Shop Your Way points are tracked separately from your card balance. You can view your points balance online and see which purchases earned points. Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active, though Sears' terms may change this policy.
When a Store Card Makes Sense
A store card is most useful if you shop at that retailer regularly and can pay off your balance in full each month. Because the card only works at Sears and Kmart, it cannot replace a general-purpose credit card. If you carry a balance, the interest rate on a store card is often higher than a standard credit card, which means carrying a balance costs more.
The rewards program can provide real value if you spend enough at Sears to accumulate points quickly and redeem them before they lose value through inflation or policy changes. However, if you shop at Sears only occasionally, the rewards may not offset the card's limitations and fees.
Store cards can also affect your credit score. Opening a new card creates a hard inquiry on your credit report and lowers your average account age, both of which can temporarily reduce your score. If you already have several credit cards, adding another may not be worth the impact.
Sears' Business Changes and Your Card
Sears has gone through significant restructuring, including store closures and changes to its online operations. These changes can affect how and where you use your Shop Your Way card. In recent years, the number of Sears and Kmart locations has declined substantially, which means fewer places to use the card.
If Sears closes stores in your area or continues to shrink its footprint, the card becomes less useful. Before opening a new card, confirm that there are active Sears or Kmart locations near you where you can use it. If you already hold the card, monitor Sears' store closures to understand how the card fits into your shopping habits going forward.
Sears also periodically changes the terms of the Shop Your Way program, including earning rates and redemption values. These changes are announced to cardholders, but it is worth checking your account terms annually to stay informed about how your rewards work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Shop Your Way card anywhere besides Sears and Kmart?
No. The card works only at Sears, Kmart, and Sears.com. It cannot be used at other retailers. If you need a card for general shopping, you would need a separate credit card.
What happens to my points if I close my account?
Points are tied to your Shop Your Way membership account, not directly to the credit card. If you close the card but keep your Shop Your Way membership active, your points typically remain. If you close both the card and the membership, you may lose your points. Check Sears' policy before closing your account.
Is there a grace period before interest charges start?
No grace period exists on this card. Interest accrues on purchases when ready unless you pay the full statement balance by the due date. Promotional financing offers are an exception — those carry a separate zero-percent period if you meet the terms.
How do I redeem my Shop Your Way points?
Points are redeemed as discounts on purchases at Sears or Kmart. You can view redemption options in your Shop Your Way account online or ask a store associate. Points are typically applied as a statement credit or discount at checkout.
What should I do if I cannot pay my balance before a promotional period ends?
Contact Citi customer service as soon as possible. While they cannot waive the interest retroactively, they may be able to discuss payment options or work out a plan. Paying as much as you can before the important date will reduce the amount of interest you owe.