What the Citi Card Sears Credit Card offers

The Citi Card Sears Credit Card is a store card issued by Citi that works at Sears and Kmart locations. It carries no annual fee and offers a rewards rate of 1 point per dollar spent on all purchases. The card is designed primarily for frequent Sears shoppers who want to accumulate rewards toward discounts on future purchases.

This is a closed-loop card, meaning you can use it only at Sears and Kmart — not at other retailers or online outside those stores. If you shop at Sears regularly, the rewards structure and promotional offers may offset the limitation. If you rarely visit these locations, the card will sit unused.

Key Takeaways

  • The Citi Card Sears Credit Card earns 1 point per dollar at Sears and Kmart with no annual fee, but cannot be used anywhere else.
  • Cardholders receive periodic promotional discounts and special financing offers that vary by account and season.
  • The card reports to the three major credit bureaus, so responsible use can help build credit history.
  • Approval odds are generally higher for store cards than general-purpose cards, even with fair credit, because the issuer controls where you spend.

How the rewards program works

You earn 1 Sears reward point for every dollar charged to the card at Sears or Kmart. Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. The redemption rate and point values change periodically, so the actual dollar value of each point depends on current promotions.

Sears occasionally runs bonus point events — for example, double or triple points on specific categories or during holiday shopping periods. These promotions are announced through your account statement, email, or the Sears website. Because point values and redemption thresholds vary, tracking your balance and checking for redemption options before points expire is important.

Interest rates and fees

The Citi Card Sears Credit Card has no annual fee. The purchase APR, balance transfer APR, and cash advance APR vary based on your creditworthiness and are disclosed in your approval documents. Like most store cards, the APR tends to be higher than general-purpose credit cards — often in the 18% to 25% range, though your actual rate depends on your credit profile at the time of approval.

Late fees, returned payment fees, and other standard credit card penalties explore. If you carry a balance, the interest charges will likely exceed the value of rewards earned, so paying in full each month is the most cost-effective approach.

Promotional financing offers

Sears frequently offers special financing promotions to cardholders — typically 0% APR for a set period (such as 12 or 24 months) on purchases above a minimum amount. These offers are usually announced in-store, by mail, or through your online account. The terms vary: some require equal monthly payments, while others allow you to pay the balance in full by the end of the promotional period.

If you do not pay off the promotional balance by the end of the interest-free period, the full purchase APR applies retroactively to the remaining balance. Read the terms carefully before accepting a promotional offer, because missing the important date can result in a large interest charge on the original purchase amount.

Credit reporting and credit-building potential

Citi reports the Sears card account to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means your payment history, credit utilization, and account age all factor into your credit score. If you use the card responsibly — paying on time and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit — the account can help build or improve your credit profile.

Conversely, late payments, high balances, or defaults will damage your score. Because this is a store card with a closed-loop design, it is easier to manage than a general-purpose card if you shop at Sears regularly, but it contributes to your overall credit utilization across all accounts.

Who should consider this card

The Citi Card Sears Credit Card makes sense if you shop at Sears or Kmart regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases without paying an annual fee. The 1 point per dollar rate is modest compared to general-purpose cards, but the lack of an annual fee means there is no cost to holding it if you use it occasionally.

The card is less useful if you rarely visit Sears or Kmart, or if you prefer to consolidate rewards across multiple retailers. Because the card cannot be used outside these stores, it works best as a secondary card for a specific retailer rather than a primary card for everyday spending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Citi Card Sears Credit Card online?

Yes, you can use it on Sears.com and Kmart.com. You cannot use it on other websites or at retailers outside the Sears and Kmart family. If you shop online at Sears, the card earns the same 1 point per dollar as in-store purchases.

What happens to my rewards points if I close the account?

Sears' policy on point forfeiture after account closure varies. Check your cardholder agreement or contact Citi customer service before closing the account to confirm whether unused points will be lost. Some programs allow a grace period to redeem points after closure.

Is this card good for building credit if I have fair or poor credit?

Store cards often have lower approval thresholds than general-purpose cards, so you may be approved even with fair credit. Responsible use — paying on time and keeping your balance low — will help build credit history. However, the higher APR means carrying a balance is expensive, so use it strategically.

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

The Citi Card Sears Credit Card is primarily a purchase card. Balance transfer options, if available, are typically limited and may carry a higher APR than purchases. Contact Citi to ask whether balance transfers are currently offered on your account.

What is the credit limit on the Citi Card Sears Credit Card?

Credit limits are set individually based on your credit history, income, and other factors. Your limit will be disclosed in your approval documents. You can request a credit limit increase after establishing a positive payment history, though approval is not may provide.