The Sears Citigroup Credit Card No Longer Exists

The Sears Citigroup credit card program ended in 2021. Citigroup closed the card to new customers and stopped issuing it. If you held this card before the shutdown, your account may still be open, but you cannot open a new one through Sears or Citigroup.

Sears itself filed for bankruptcy in 2018 and has operated as a much smaller company since then. The credit card partnership with Citigroup did not survive the retailer's restructuring. If you are looking for a store card to use at Sears today, the company no longer offers one.

If you already have a Sears Citigroup card in your wallet, the card still works for purchases at Sears locations and online. You can continue to make payments and manage your account through Citigroup's customer service channels. However, you will not be able to request a credit limit increase or add authorized users to the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Citigroup stopped issuing new Sears credit cards in 2021 and the program is no longer available.
  • Existing cardholders can still use their accounts to make purchases and pay balances, but cannot request new features or increases.
  • Sears does not currently offer its own branded credit card as an alternative.
  • If you need a store card for retail purchases, you may want to explore other options available through major retailers or general-purpose credit cards.

What Happened to the Sears Card Program

Citigroup made the decision to discontinue the Sears credit card as part of a broader shift in its retail credit card portfolio. The company had already closed several other store card programs in previous years. Retail store cards became less profitable as consumer spending patterns changed and competition from general-purpose cards increased.

Sears' financial troubles accelerated the timeline. The retailer's store closures and declining sales made the card program less valuable to Citigroup. By 2021, Citigroup notified existing cardholders that the program would be winding down, though accounts remained open for existing customers.

Managing an Existing Sears Citigroup Account

If you still have an active Sears Citigroup card, you can pay your bill online, by phone, or by mail. Citigroup continues to process payments and report account activity to the credit bureaus. Your payment history on this account still affects your credit score, so making on-time payments remains important.

You can view your balance and transaction history through Citigroup's online portal or mobile app. The login process is the same as it was when the card was actively marketed. If you forget your password, you can reset it through the standard account recovery process.

You cannot request a higher credit limit, add a co-signer, or make other account changes that would normally be available on an active card product. If you need to close the account, you can contact Citigroup customer service to request closure after paying off any remaining balance.

Where to Find Your Account Information

Existing Sears Citigroup cardholders can reach Citigroup's customer service by calling the number on the back of their card. This is the primary way to ask questions about your account, report fraud, or request account closure. Wait times may be longer than they were when the card was actively promoted, since the program is no longer staffed at full capacity.

You can also log into your account online at Citigroup's website to check your balance, make a payment, or read statements. The online portal remains active for all existing cardholders. If you have trouble logging in, the website offers a password reset option.

Alternatives to the Sears Card

If you were using the Sears card primarily for shopping at Sears, you now have two main options: use a general-purpose credit card for your purchases, or look for a different store card from another retailer. General-purpose cards like Visa or Mastercard work everywhere, not just at one store, and often offer rewards or cash back on all purchases.

Some other retailers still offer their own branded credit cards, though the number of store card programs has shrunk over the past decade. These cards typically offer discounts on opening day or special financing terms, but usually carry higher interest rates than general-purpose cards if you carry a balance.

If you shop at Sears regularly, you may want to check whether the company offers a loyalty program or discount program that does not require a credit card. Sears has experimented with different customer loyalty approaches since its restructuring.

How Account Closure Affects Your Credit

Closing a credit card account can affect your credit score in two ways. First, it reduces the total amount of credit available to you, which can raise your credit utilization ratio if you have balances on other cards. Second, closing an older account removes its payment history from your active accounts, though the account will remain on your credit report for seven years.

If you decide to close your Sears Citigroup account, pay off the balance first, then call Citigroup to request closure. Ask them to confirm the account is closed and get a reference number for your records. Check your credit report a few weeks later to confirm the account shows as closed on your end.

If you want to keep the account open but straightforward stop using it, you can do that instead. An unused account with a zero balance will not hurt your credit score and may help your utilization ratio. However, Citigroup may eventually close inactive accounts on their own, so check your mail periodically for any notices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my Sears Citigroup card at Sears?

Yes, your card will work for purchases at Sears locations and on Sears.com as long as your account is open and in good standing. You can continue to earn any rewards or benefits that were part of your original card agreement, though Citigroup is no longer promoting or marketing the card.

What happens if I miss a payment on my Sears card?

Missing a payment will result in late fees and interest charges, just as it would on any other credit card. The missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will damage your credit score. Contact Citigroup when ready if you cannot make a payment to discuss your options.

Can I request a credit limit increase on my Sears card?

No, Citigroup is not processing credit limit increase requests for the Sears card program. If you need more credit, you would need to use a different card or open a new account with another issuer.

Will my Sears card ever be reissued or brought back?

There are no current plans to bring back the Sears Citigroup credit card. Citigroup has moved away from retail store card partnerships, and Sears' financial situation makes a new partnership unlikely. If circumstances change in the future, any new card would be a separate product with different terms.

How do I close my Sears Citigroup account?

Call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask to close the account. Pay off any remaining balance first. Citigroup will confirm the closure and provide a reference number. The account will show as closed on your credit report within one to two billing cycles.