What the ShopYourWay Credit Card offers

The ShopYourWay Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that earns rewards points on purchases at Sears, Kmart, and other ShopYourWay partner merchants. You earn 1 point per dollar spent at participating retailers and 1 point per $2 spent everywhere else. Points convert to ShopYourWay certificates redeemable for merchandise or discounts at partner stores.

The card carries no annual fee. It reports to the three major credit bureaus, so responsible use builds your credit history. However, the card is only useful if you shop regularly at Sears, Kmart, or the network of affiliated retailers — if you don't, the rewards earn too slowly to justify carrying it.

Interest rates vary by creditworthiness. The card typically carries a variable APR, and late fees run $25 to $39 depending on your account history. There is no sign-up bonus, no cash back option, and no travel or purchase protection benefits beyond standard card issuer policies.

Key Takeaways

  • You earn 1 point per dollar at Sears and Kmart, but only 1 point per $2 at all other retailers, making the card most valuable for frequent shopping at those stores.
  • Points redeem only as ShopYourWay certificates for merchandise or store discounts, not as cash or statement credits.
  • The card has no annual fee and reports to credit bureaus, but the APR and late fees depend on your credit profile and payment history.
  • If you rarely shop at Sears or Kmart, a general rewards card with cash back or flexible redemption will earn more value.

How rewards points work and what they're worth

Points accumulate at different rates depending on where you shop. At Sears, Kmart, and other ShopYourWay network stores, you earn 1 point per dollar. At all other merchants, you earn 1 point for every $2 spent. Points never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

The redemption value varies. ShopYourWay typically converts points into certificates at rates that fluctuate based on promotions and inventory. A rough benchmark is that 100 points might equal $1 in store credit, but this ratio changes. The card issuer occasionally runs bonus point promotions during holiday shopping periods or clearance events, which can improve the effective value if you time your purchases.

Because points only redeem at ShopYourWay partner stores and not as cash, your ability to use them depends entirely on whether those retailers carry items you actually want. If you shop there anyway, the rewards add up. If you don't, the points accumulate slowly and may never reach a useful redemption threshold.

Interest rates, fees, and credit impact

The ShopYourWay Credit Card carries a variable APR that Synchrony determines based on your credit score, income, and payment history at the time of approval. The card issuer does not publish a single rate; your rate may differ from another cardholder's. Late fees range from $25 to $39 per occurrence, and a missed payment can trigger a penalty APR increase.

There is no annual fee, annual percentage rate cap, or foreign transaction fee. However, cash advances carry a separate APR (typically higher than the purchase rate) and a cash advance fee of 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn. Balance transfers are not available on this card.

On-time payments report to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, so the card can help build credit if you pay your full balance or at least make minimum payments on schedule. Missed payments and high balances relative to your credit limit will lower your credit score, just as with any credit card.

When this card makes sense and when it doesn't

The ShopYourWay Credit Card is worth considering if you shop at Sears or Kmart at least several times per year and spend enough to accumulate meaningful point balances. The no-annual-fee structure means there is no cost to holding it if you use it occasionally. The card also works for someone rebuilding credit who needs a store card to establish payment history.

The card is not a good fit if you rarely visit Sears or Kmart, because the 1-point-per-$2 rate at other retailers is too slow to generate usable rewards. It is also not ideal if you want cash back, travel rewards, or purchase protection — this card offers none of those. If you're comparing it to a general-purpose rewards card like the Chase Freedom or Capital One SavorOne, the general card will earn more value unless you're a frequent Sears or Kmart shopper.

If you're rebuilding credit and want a store card, compare the ShopYourWay card to other store cards from retailers you already shop at. Many store cards report to credit bureaus and carry no annual fee, so the choice often comes down to which retailer you visit most often.

How to compare this card to other store cards

Store cards typically offer higher rewards rates at their own stores but lower rates everywhere else, and they carry restrictions on where you can use them. The ShopYourWay card follows this pattern: 1 point per dollar at partner stores, 1 point per $2 elsewhere, and redemption only at ShopYourWay retailers.

Other store cards to consider include the Kohl's Card (which earns rewards at Kohl's and has no annual fee), the Target RedCard (which offers 5% off at Target and no annual fee), and the Amazon Store Card (which earns rewards at Amazon and select retailers). Each has a different reward rate, redemption structure, and set of partner merchants. The right choice depends on which retailer you shop at most frequently and whether you want cash back or store credit.

If you shop at multiple retailers equally, a general-purpose rewards card with cash back will likely earn more value than any single store card. However, if you're focused on one retailer, a store card often beats a general card because the higher rate at that retailer compounds over time.

process, approval, and account management

You can explore for the ShopYourWay Credit Card online through the ShopYourWay website, in-store at Sears or Kmart, or through the ShopYourWay mobile app. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Synchrony Bank pulls a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.

Approval decisions are usually when ready or within one business day. If approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it online or by phone once it arrives. Once active, you manage your account through the Synchrony website or mobile app, where you can view your balance, make payments, track points, and redeem rewards.

Payments can be made online, by phone, by mail, or in-store at Sears or Kmart. The minimum payment is typically 1% to 3% of your balance, but paying in full each month avoids interest charges. ShopYourWay also offers promotional financing offers — such as 12 months interest-free on purchases over a certain amount — which are advertised during seasonal sales events.

Alternatives if you want rewards without store restrictions

If you want rewards flexibility without being locked into one retailer, consider a cash-back card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One SavorOne. These cards earn 1.5% to 2% cash back on all purchases and let you redeem as statement credits, direct deposit, or gift cards to any retailer. They have no annual fee and typically offer better rewards rates than store cards outside their home retailer.

If you want higher rewards on specific categories — groceries, gas, dining — a rotating rewards card like the Chase Freedom or Discover it offers 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter. These cards require you to set up categories each quarter, but the rewards rate is higher than most store cards offer outside their home store.

For someone rebuilding credit, a secured card like the Capital One Secured Mastercard or Discover Secured Card reports to credit bureaus and requires a cash deposit as collateral, but it has no annual fee and earns cash back on all purchases. Secured cards often graduate to unsecured cards after 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, at which point you get your deposit back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the ShopYourWay card outside Sears and Kmart?

Yes, the card works at any merchant that accepts Mastercard. However, you earn only 1 point per $2 spent outside ShopYourWay partner stores, compared to 1 point per $1 at Sears and Kmart. Points still redeem only as ShopYourWay certificates, so the card is most useful if you shop at those retailers regularly.

What happens to my points if I close my account?

Points expire if your account is closed or inactive for an extended period. Check your cardholder agreement for the exact inactivity period, which typically ranges from 12 to 24 months. Redeem your points before closing the account to avoid losing them.

Does the ShopYourWay card offer a sign-up bonus?

No, this card does not offer a sign-up bonus. You begin earning points when ready on purchases, but there is no introductory offer or bonus points for opening the account. Some promotional offers are available during seasonal sales, so check the ShopYourWay website for current deals.

How does this card affect my credit score?

The process triggers a hard inquiry that temporarily lowers your score by a few points. Once approved, on-time payments build your credit history and improve your score over time. High balances relative to your credit limit will lower your score, so keep your utilization below 30% if possible.

Can I transfer a balance from another card to the ShopYourWay card?

No, this card does not offer balance transfers. You can only carry balances from new purchases. If you're looking to consolidate debt, a balance transfer card like the Citi Simplicity or Chase Slate Edge may be a better option.