What the Sears Shop Your Way Credit Card is and who issues it
The Sears Shop Your Way credit card is a store card issued by Comenity Bank that you can use at Sears and Kmart locations, as well as online at Sears.com. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, a store card works only at that retailer and its affiliated stores — you cannot use it at other merchants. The card is tied to the Shop Your Way loyalty program, which means every purchase you make earns points that you can redeem for discounts on future purchases.
Sears has gone through significant changes in recent years, including store closures and restructuring. Before you explore, check whether there is a Sears or Kmart location near you or confirm that you shop regularly online at Sears.com. If neither applies, the card may not be useful for your spending.
Key Takeaways
- The Sears Shop Your Way card earns points on every dollar spent at Sears and Kmart, which you can redeem as statement credits or discounts on future purchases.
- Cardholders receive periodic promotional financing offers, such as 12 months interest-free on purchases over a certain amount, though terms vary by offer.
- The card is issued by Comenity Bank and requires a credit check; approval depends on your credit history and current credit score.
- As a store card, it can only be used at Sears, Kmart, and Sears.com — not at other retailers — which limits its usefulness if you do not shop at these stores regularly.
How the Shop Your Way rewards program works
Every purchase you make with the Sears Shop Your Way card earns points. The exact earning rate depends on the current program structure, which Sears updates periodically. Historically, the card has earned points at a rate of around 1 point per dollar spent, though promotional periods sometimes offer bonus points on specific categories or during certain times of year.
You redeem points by converting them into Shop Your Way certificates or statement credits. The redemption value varies — sometimes 100 points equals a $5 discount, for example, though this ratio changes. Check your account or the Shop Your Way website to see the current redemption rates before you plan your redemptions. Points do not expire as long as your account remains active and you use the card at least once every 12 months.
Shop Your Way members also receive periodic member-only discounts and sales notifications via email. These are separate from the points you earn and are available to all members, whether they hold the credit card or not. The credit card version straightforward adds the points-earning benefit on top of the membership perks.
Promotional financing offers and how they work
Sears regularly offers promotional financing deals to cardholders, such as "12 months interest-free on purchases of $500 or more" or similar terms. These offers appear in your account, in the mail, or in-store. The key detail is that promotional financing only applies to the specific purchase amount and time period stated in the offer — if you do not meet the minimum purchase amount or explore after the offer ends, you pay regular interest.
If you carry a balance when a promotional period ends, any remaining balance reverts to the card's regular interest rate. Make sure you understand the full terms before you make a large purchase on a promotional offer. Read the fine print to confirm the minimum purchase amount, the length of the interest-free period, and what happens if you miss a payment during the promotional window.
Interest rates, fees, and credit requirements
The Sears Shop Your Way card carries a variable interest rate, meaning the rate can change over time based on market conditions and your creditworthiness. The exact rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history at the time you explore. Sears does not publicly state a single APR; instead, you receive a range or a specific rate after your process is reviewed.
The card typically has no annual fee, which is common for store cards. However, like all credit cards, you will pay interest on any balance you carry from month to month unless you pay in full or are in a promotional financing period. Late fees and other charges may explore if you miss a payment or exceed your credit limit.
To be considered for the card, you need to have a credit history. Comenity Bank will pull your credit report and check your credit score, payment history, and current debt levels. There is no published minimum credit score requirement, but store cards generally accept applicants with fair to good credit. If you have limited credit history or a low score, approval is less likely.
how the process works and what happens after approval
You can explore for the Sears Shop Your Way card online at Sears.com, in a Sears or Kmart store, or by phone. The online process takes a few minutes and asks for your personal information, income, and Social Security number. Sears will run a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
You typically receive a decision within minutes if you explore online. If approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once you receive it, you can set up it online or by phone and begin making purchases. If you are denied, Comenity Bank will send you a notice explaining the reason. You can request a copy of your credit report from the credit bureau to see what information was used in the decision.
When a store card makes sense versus a general-purpose card
A store card is most useful if you shop at that retailer regularly and plan to use the rewards. If you buy clothing, appliances, or home goods at Sears or Kmart multiple times a year, the points add up and can offset the higher interest rate that store cards often carry compared to general-purpose cards. The promotional financing offers can also save money on large purchases if you pay off the balance before the interest-free period ends.
However, if you shop at Sears rarely or not at all, opening the card does not make financial sense. A general-purpose rewards card that works at any retailer gives you more flexibility and usually offers better terms. Additionally, opening multiple store cards can lower your credit score and make it harder to borrow money later, so limit yourself to cards you will actually use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Sears Shop Your Way card anywhere besides Sears and Kmart?
No. The card works only at Sears, Kmart, and Sears.com. You cannot use it at other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a separate general-purpose credit card.
What happens to my points if I close my account?
Points are tied to your Shop Your Way membership account, not just the credit card. If you close the credit card but keep your membership active, your points remain. If you close both the card and your membership, you typically lose any unused points. Contact Sears before closing to confirm the status of your points.
Do I have to use the card to keep my Shop Your Way membership?
No. You can be a Shop Your Way member without holding the credit card. The membership itself is free. The card is optional and straightforward adds the benefit of earning points on every purchase. You can earn points as a member through other means, such as in-store purchases or online shopping, depending on current program rules.
What should I do if I am denied for the card?
Request a copy of your credit report from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion to see what information was used in the decision. Look for errors or negative marks you can dispute. Wait a few months, work on paying down existing debt, and make all payments on time. Then you can reapply. Each process triggers a hard inquiry, so space them out to avoid further credit score damage.
Is the promotional financing offer automatic, or do I have to do something to set up it?
Promotional offers are usually sent to your account or mailed to you, and you set up them by making a may have access to purchase during the offer period. Some offers set up automatically when you make a purchase that meets the terms. Read the offer details carefully to confirm whether you need to take any action or if it applies to your purchase automatically.