What the Sears Credit Card Is

The Sears Credit Card is a store card issued by Citi that you can use 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 variable interest rate and a credit limit based on your creditworthiness.

Sears has operated this card program for decades, though the company's store footprint has shrunk significantly. If you shop at Sears regularly, the card's rewards structure may offset some of your spending. If you do not, a general-purpose card usually makes more sense.

This guide explains how the card works, what rewards it offers, how to manage the account once you have one, and what to watch for before you open it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sears Credit Card can only be used at Sears and Kmart, not at other stores or online merchants outside those two retailers.
  • The card offers rewards points on purchases, but the exact earning rate and redemption value depend on your membership tier and the items you buy.
  • You will need to provide income, Social Security number, and other personal details when you open an account, and Citi will check your credit.
  • Monthly payments are due by a set date each month, and interest accrues daily on any unpaid balance at the card's variable rate.
  • The card has no annual fee, but carrying a balance will cost you interest unless you pay in full each month.

How to Open a Sears Credit Card Account

You can start an process online at Sears.com, in a Sears store, or by phone. The online route is fastest—you fill out a form with your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and annual income. Citi will pull your credit report to decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer.

The process takes about 10 minutes. You will get a decision within a few minutes if you explore online; if you explore in-store or by phone, approval may take longer. Once approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Before you explore, know your credit score range. Sears does not publish a minimum score requirement, but the card is generally easier to get than premium rewards cards. If you have been denied for credit recently or have significant negative marks on your report, your odds of approval are lower.

Rewards and Earning Points

The Sears Credit Card earns points on every purchase at Sears and Kmart. The earning rate varies: you typically earn 1 point per dollar spent, though certain categories or sales events may offer bonus points. Sears members enrolled in the Sears Plus loyalty program may earn at a higher rate.

Points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. The redemption value depends on how many points you have and what you are buying—some items may offer better point-to-dollar conversions than others. Sears periodically runs promotions where points are worth more, so timing your redemption can matter.

Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. If you close the account, you will lose any unredeemed points. If your account goes inactive for an extended period, Sears may close it, so occasional use helps preserve your balance.

Interest Rates, Fees, and Costs

The Sears Credit Card carries a variable interest rate, meaning it can change over time based on market conditions. Citi does not advertise a specific rate range publicly; your rate depends on your credit score and creditworthiness at the time of approval. You will see your rate in your account documents and on your monthly statement.

There is no annual fee to hold the card. However, if you carry a balance from month to month, you will pay interest on that balance. Interest accrues daily, so the longer you carry a balance, the more you owe. Paying your full statement balance by the due date each month avoids all interest charges.

Late payments trigger a late fee (the amount varies by state and Citi's current policy) and may raise your interest rate. Missing a payment by 30 days or more can damage your credit score and may result in account suspension.

How to set up and Use Your Card

When your card arrives in the mail, you must set up it before you can use it. You can set up online through your Sears account, by calling the number on the back of the card, or in-store. set up is when ready and takes less than a minute.

Once activated, you can use the card at any Sears or Kmart location, including online purchases at Sears.com and Kmart.com. The card will not work at other retailers. At checkout, treat it like any other credit card—swipe, insert, or tap depending on the payment terminal.

Your credit limit is set when your account opens. You can request an increase after you have made on-time payments for several months, though Citi may or may not grant it. Exceeding your limit will be declined at the register.

Making Payments and Managing Your Account

Your monthly statement will show your balance, minimum payment due, and due date. You can pay online through your Sears account, by phone, by mail, or in-store. Online and phone payments usually post within one business day; mailed checks take 5 to 7 business days.

The minimum payment is typically 1 to 3 percent of your balance, depending on how much you owe. Paying only the minimum means you will carry a balance and pay interest. To avoid interest entirely, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month.

You can view your account 24/7 online or through the Sears mobile app. Your statement shows all purchases, payments, fees, and interest charges. If you spot an error or unauthorized charge, contact Citi's customer service number on the back of your card to dispute it.

When a Sears Credit Card Makes Sense

The card is worth considering if you shop at Sears or Kmart regularly and spend enough to accumulate meaningful rewards. If you visit these stores several times a year and spend at least a few hundred dollars annually, the points can add up to real discounts.

The card is less useful if you rarely shop at Sears or Kmart, or if you prefer to use a general-purpose rewards card that works everywhere. A card that earns 2 percent cash back on all purchases will often beat a store card that earns points only at one retailer, even if the store card's rewards rate is higher.

Store cards also tend to carry higher interest rates than general-purpose cards, so carrying a balance is more expensive. If you cannot pay your full balance each month, the interest cost will quickly outweigh any rewards you earn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Sears Credit Card online at other websites?

No. The card works only on Sears.com and Kmart.com, and at physical Sears and Kmart store locations. You cannot use it at Amazon, Walmart, Target, or any other retailer.

What happens to my points if I close the account?

Any unredeemed points will be lost when you close the account. If you have points saved up, redeem them before you close the card. If your account becomes inactive for a long period, Sears may close it automatically, which would also forfeit your points.

Can I transfer my balance from another credit card to the Sears card?

Sears does not offer balance transfer options on this card. You can only charge new purchases at Sears and Kmart locations. If you want to move debt from another card, you would need to pay it off separately.

What credit score do I need to get approved?

Sears does not publish a minimum credit score. The card is generally easier to get than premium rewards cards, but approval depends on your full credit profile—score, payment history, existing debt, and income. If you have been denied recently or have significant negative marks, approval is less likely.

Is there a grace period before interest starts?

Yes. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date, you will not pay any interest. Interest only starts if you carry a balance into the next billing cycle. This grace period applies to new purchases, not to balance transfers (which Sears does not offer on this card).