Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

The Sears Credit Cards & Shop Your Way Rewards Program — Everything You Need to Know

Erin Miller's image
Erin Miller
Erin Miller's image

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

188 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26U.S. States Visited: 28

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publicat...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
Keri Stooksbury's image

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3051 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
& Kellie Jez
Kellie Jez's image

Kellie Jez

Director of Operations & Compliance

1 Published Article 1166 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10U.S. States Visited: 20

Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Though the news surrounding Sears and Kmart stores closing isn’t very positive, the Transformco company — created in 2019 to acquire brands from the Sears Holdings Corporation — continues to have brands that remain well-established anchors in the network of American department stores.

The downtrend in brick-and-mortar shopping is clearly related to an uptick in e-commerce, and many department stores are scrambling to keep up — Sears included. As die-hard Sears and Kmart shoppers have likely recognized, marketing priority has moved more toward the Shop Your Way loyalty program and the perks that come with its associated credit cards.

So how can these cards benefit you? And are they worth it, or is there a better option for your wallet?

This review will detail both Sears credit cards, including the benefits and the drawbacks of each, as well as fees. We’ll discuss the application process and how to management of your account. We’ll also explain the Shop Your Way rewards program and more!

The Sears Credit Cards at a Glance

SCROLL FOR MORE
Sears Card®Sears Shop Your Way Mastercard®
Main Benefits🗓 Special financing (select products)
💰 Exclusive savings
🔐 Account protection
🎁 Welcome bonus
⛽️ 5% points back at gas stations**
🍏 3% points back at grocery stores**
🍕 3% points back at restaurants**
🛍 2% points back at Sears and Kmart
🎉  1% points back everywhere else Mastercard is accepted
🗓 Special financing (select products)
💰 Exclusive savings
🔐 Account protection
Annual Fee$0$0
APR25.24% variable25.24% variable
Late FeeUp to $40Up to $40

**Through December 31 each year for the first $10,000 (combined across categories)

Sears has 2 store-branded credit cards, both issued by Citibank: the Sears card (the basic store card) and the Sears Shop Your Way card. Both cards can be utilized at Sears and Kmart locations and on the Shop Your Way platform.

Hot Tip: As you can see from the table above, a big perk of the Sears Shop Your Way card is that it can also be utilized anywhere Mastercard is accepted. 

Sears Card

Sears Basic Store Credit Card
Image Credit: Citi

This is the definition of a basic store-branded credit card. It doesn’t come with many perks, and it can only be used within the Transformco family of stores and on the Shop Your Way platform.

Let’s delve into the (minimal) benefits.

  • 🗓 Special financing (select products): The Sears card gives shoppers the option of special financing on certain products, including, but not limited to, appliances, electronics, fitness equipment, automotive merchandise, and tools.
  • 💰 Exclusive savings: Sears states that cardmembers are given access to special deals, savings coupons, invites to cardholder-only events, and the ability to earn points when you use your Sears card through the Shop Your Way program/portal.
  • 🔐 Account protection: This comes standard with just about every single credit card nowadays… so while it is touted it as a perk, it’s really just a given.

Hot Tip: A note about special financing: KNOW YOUR TERMS. There’s a big difference between “no interest for 6 months” and “no interest if paid in full within 6 months”. The latter is what we call deferred interest; we’ll chat more about that in the Fees & Drawbacks section below.

Sears Shop Your Way Card

Shop Your Way credit
Image Credit: Sears

In addition to the basic card perks above, Sears Shop Your Way cardholders also have the benefit of flexibility when it comes to viable purchase locations since this card can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. 

Additionally, cardholders are automatically enrolled in the Shop Your Way Rewards program (more details below) and are eligible for category bonus benefits as shown in the table above.

Sears Mastercard Category Bonus Structure
Image Credit: Citi

Regardless, for the sake of being thorough, we’ll outline the bonus category structure here.

  • ⛽️ 5% points back at gas stations
  • 🍏 3% points back at grocery stores
  • 🍕 3% points back at restaurants
  • 🛍 2% points back at Sears and Kmart
  • 🎉  1% points back everywhere else Mastercard is accepted

As you can see in the image above, the terms and conditions place a limit on the amount of spending that can earn bonus points between the gas, grocery, and restaurant purchases. The 3% to 5% points-back applies only to your first $10,000 spent annually, resetting on December 31 each year. Any amount after the $10,000 will only earn 1% back.

And of course, you should always read your terms and conditions as there are certain exceptions to every rule.

For example, only true stand-alone gas stations are eligible to earn 5% points back. You’ll only earn the base points (1% back) at those associated with grocery stores, wholesale clubs, and superstores. Other exclusions like this apply to the bonus categories, so read the T&Cs carefully!

At the time of this writing, the Sears Shop Your Way card is offering a sign-up bonus (so to speak). This promotion allows cardholders to earn a $40 statement credit if they make $50+ in eligible purchases on their card within 30 days of the account being opened. It’s important to note that this promotion is available for online applications only. 

If you want to earn rewards beyond 1% to 2%, there are better cards out there for you — we’ll discuss some of them below in the Alternative Rewards Cards section.

Fees and Drawbacks of the Cards

All credit cards come with a slew of fees and drawbacks, so how do the Sears cards stack up?

Fees

SCROLL FOR MORE
Sears CardSears Shop Your Way Card
Annual Fee$0$0
Purchase APR25.24% variable25.24% variable
Balance Transfer APRN/A25.24% variable
Balance Transfer FeeN/A$10 or 5% of each transfer amount (whichever is greater)
Cash Advance APRN/A27.15% variable
Cash Advance FeeN/A$5 or 5% of each cash advance amount (whichever is greater)
Foreign Transaction FeeN/A3% of each purchase transaction
Minimum Interest Payment$2$2
Late FeeUp to $40Up to $40

Purchase APR

The first things we notice about the fees are the high purchase APRs.

At a purchase APR of 25.24% variable, shoppers could get into trouble swiftly if they tend to carry a balance on their account. This is especially true if they’ve opted for a special financing offer with deferred interest.

We mentioned earlier that you need to be very clear about your terms and conditions with special financing. There’s a BIG difference between “no interest for 6 months” and “no interest if paid in full within 6 months.” The latter indicates you’ll be subject to deferred interest. In Sears’ case, what we’re seeing is that pretty much all of its special financing offers utilize deferred interest.

So why is deferred interest so bad?

It doesn’t have to be if you pay off your purchase in full within the promotional period. In that case, no interest will be applied. However (and it’s a big however), if you don’t pay off your balance in full within the promotional period, interest charges will be imposed on the starting balance at the APR for regular purchases retroactively from the date of purchase. In this case, 25.24%.

Cash Advances

If you don’t know already, here’s a heads up that you should never utilize the cash advance option on a credit card if you can help it.

Not only will you be charged the associated fee (either the flat rate or %, whichever is greater) but you also won’t get a grace period on the cash advance. So interest begins accruing on the balance as soon as the transaction is completed — even if you pay your balance in full when your billing statement comes. You’d basically have to pay off the cash advance within 24 hours to avoid a ridiculous APR.

And let’s not even get started on balance transfers!

Foreign Transaction Fees

If you’re a traveler, there are plenty of credit cards out there that won’t charge you foreign transaction fees at all… so that’s kind of an added kick in the pants, not to mention the fact that this isn’t even close to being the best travel card for you, for a multitude of other reasons.

Biggest Additional Drawbacks

The main drawback of these cards (outside of the high fees and penalties) is the complicated rewards program. We go pretty in-depth on the Shop Your Way Rewards program section below, so here we’ll just say that while it gives you a lot of options for earning points, you don’t have a ton of options to redeem them.

Besides, most people can earn tons of points even without having a Sears credit card.

Actually, with respect to the rewards program, having the basic Sears card won’t really give you any added benefits at all. And the Sears Shop Your Way card? As we already mentioned and will reiterate throughout this review, the 3% to 5% bonus structure maxes out with $10,000 spent annually. After that, it’s zip, nada, no bonuses, though you’ll continue to earn 2% on Sears and Kmart purchases and 1% on everything else.

Alternative Rewards Credit Cards (Our Recommendations)

As you can probably already tell from the post thus far, we’re not big fans of the Sears cards. Unless you’re a VERY loyal Sears or Kmart shopper, there are likely far better options out there.

For example, below are cash-back credit cards that would earn you more than the Sears credit cards.

Plus, many are 0% interest credit cards, whereas the Sears cards have sky-high APR rates.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Up to $300 cash back
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros

  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
  • 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
  • 1.5% back on all other purchases
  • No annual fee
  • Earn big on travel purchased through Chase Travel
  • Everyday bonus on dining and drugstores
  • Straightforward cash-back on all other purchases
  • Ability to pool points

Cons

  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Alternatively, if you’re a traveler or are looking to travel more, then consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which is one of the most popular travel rewards cards out there.

You’ll earn 1 point per $1 spent on all everyday purchases and 2 points per $1 spent on ALL dining and travel purchases.

POPULAR FIRST CARD
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
60,000 points
$1,200
$95
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros

  • 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
  • 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
  • 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
  • 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
  • 2x points on all other travel worldwide
  • $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
  • 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
  • Excellent travel and car rental insurance
  • 10% annual bonus points
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Bottom Line: For all of our recommendations, check out our guide to the best credit cards for department stores.

Applying for the Sears Cards

Basic Sears Credit Card vs Sears Shop Your Way Mastercard
Image Credit: Citi

It appears there are 2 separate applications for the Sears credit cards. So unlike some other store rewards cards, prospective applicants do get to decide which they apply for.

This information was a bit murky online, so I called Citibank’s Application Services department, who confirmed this was the case. If an applicant is denied for one of the cards, they will need to submit another application for the alternate card.

Each card can be applied for either online or in-store.

You can find the Sears card online application here and the Sears Shop Your Way card application here.

Neither Sears nor Citi discloses the exact credit score requirements for approval on these cards, but most sources agree that the basic Sears card is easier to get, with most applicants in the “fair” range being approved.

This means you’ll need a better score (likely in the “good” to “excellent” range) to be approved for the Mastercard version, though this is not always the case, with some outliers reporting approval with poorer scores.

It should be noted that there have been some reports of basic Sears cardholders being “upgraded” to the Sears Shop Your Way card, although qualification requirements to achieve the upgrade are undisclosed.

Login and Online Account Management

Please note that this section discusses account management for the Sears credit cards. For management of the Shop Your Way Rewards program points, please refer to that section below.

Online Management

Sears Citi landing page
Image Credit: Citi

Cardholders can utilize the co-branded Sears-Citibank online platform to manage their account.

If you’ve just been approved for your card, you’ll first need to register your card and create an account. After this initial registration, users can simply log in with their user ID and password.

Within the platform, cardholders have the ability to:

  • View and track account activity
  • View billing statements
  • Make payments
  • Receive exclusive offers
  • Activate alerts
  • Enroll in paperless statements
  • and more…

Hot Tip: Sears does have a mobile app, but you can’t manage your card with it.

Shop Your Way Rewards Program (In-Depth)

Shop Your Way Rewards Program
Image Credit: Shop Your Way

This shopper loyalty/e-commerce platform is pretty convoluted, but we’ve attempted to hash out the most important basics for you here.

When it comes to the Sears credit cards, applicants who are approved will be automatically enrolled in the Shop Your Way Rewards program when they open their new account.

In contrast to many other online platforms built to simply manage a rewards account, the Shop Your Way platform also provides customers with an opportunity to earn points by shopping through the platform (much like a shopping portal), as well as link other credit cards to earn through additional partners.

Users can also make a profile, create catalogs, and utilize a type of “newsfeed,” but we won’t expand on those here since they’re not vital to how the credit card earning and spending works.

Earning Your Shop Your Way Rewards Points

Kmart FREECASH Shop Your Way
Image Credit: Kmart

There are multiple ways to earn points in the Shop Your Way program:

  • Use your Sears Shop Your Way card on everyday purchases with bonus category earnings
  • Shop at Sears and/or Kmart (no Sears card required) and provide your member number, email, or phone number at checkout
  • Shop through the Shop Your Way online platform (no Sears card required)
  • Use a “linked card” (like an alternative Mastercard or Visa card) at a participating partner location or website

Hot Tip: We emphasize here that cardholders are earning points, because the program markets this as “CASHBACK in points.” Don’t let this fool you —  this is not a true cash-back card or program. 

Using the Sears Shop Your Way Card With Bonus Points Back

As we mentioned above, utilizing the Sears Shop Your Way card for gas, grocery, and restaurant purchases will earn you 3% to 5% bonus points within the percent-back structure annually, up to the first $10,000 in purchases, then 1%.

Shopping at Sears or Kmart

You don’t actually have to have a Sears-branded credit card to earn Shop Your Way Rewards points at Sears and Kmart (although you’ll earn 2% back at these 2 stores by utilizing the Sears Shop Your Way card there).

In-store, Shop Your Way Rewards members can simply give their account number, email address, or phone number associated with the account during checkout to earn points. Similarly, online shoppers can provide this at checkout.

Remember that as with all rewards programs, restrictions on some purchases may apply — so read your terms carefully if you’re questioning whether a certain purchase will earn you points.

Shopping Through the Shop Your Way Platform 

Shop Your Way Platform
Image Credit: Shop Your Way

This is where things get pretty interesting from a credit card rewards platform perspective.

Most cards simply use a rewards platform for monitoring/managing a rewards account. However, the Shop Your Way program was designed before Sears teamed up with Citibank, and therefore it existed before these 2 cards coming into play. The platform acts like a shopping portal, where members earn bonus points just by using it.

That’s why technically, neither of the Sears credit cards are needed to create an account or earn points through the platform. Of course, consumers will need some sort of credit card to check out  — either of the Sears cards could be used for that purpose, but they aren’t required.

Once signed up to the program, users simply shop within the portal to earn points through online partners.

Hot Tip: Does Shop Your Way give the best percent of cash-back in points or would you prefer to earn real cash-back? It pays to shop around and check rates at various cash-back shopping portals, like Rakuten.

Using a Linked Card at a Participating Partner Location or Website

Link A Card - Shop Your Way Program
Image Credit: Shop Your Way

Yet another huge divergence from other credit card rewards programs, the Shop Your Way platform not only gives shoppers the ability to link non-store-branded credit cards to the program, but actually encourages it with a path called Card Link.

As another way to earn points through Shop Your Way, rewards members can link up to 5 eligible credit cards to the program (which at this time includes some Mastercards and some Visa cards). When a cardholder makes a purchase with one of these cards at any participating partner (in-store or online), points are earned and automatically added to the user’s account, which can take up to 7 days.

Shop Your Way Program - Card Link Local Offers
Image Credit: Shop Your Way

Shop Your Way boasts over 11,000 participating Card Link partners including stores, restaurants, GasBuddy, etc., encouraging its members to earn points in places they’re probably already shopping.

Hot Tip: You can find additional details on this confusing program at the FAQ here.

Additional Ways to Earn

Shop Your Way even advertises earning points through booking travel, entering sweepstakes, utilizing special coupons, etc.

Lastly, Shop Your Way utilizes a type of dynamic bonus points called FREECASH, which is given to shoppers as a sort of thanks for being a loyal rewards member. The FAQ indicates that:

“FREECASH are limited time offers that have specific requirements, like a minimum purchase, a quick expiration date or a certain category of items to redeem them on. FREECASH are only redeemable at the Redemption Partner where the points were earned. A FREECASH in points offer can be used with your Shop Your Way Points, but can’t be combined with Sears card offers, other FREECASH in points offer or certain coupons and promo codes.”

What Your Points Are Worth

Now that you know all about earning rewards, what are they worth?

Shop Your Way Rewards members generally earn 10 points per $1 spent (unless under a bonus structure or special promotion).

Within the program, 1,000 points is equal to $1 in value.  

As a rewards member earns, points are automatically stored in the member’s account, and the balance can be accessed at any time via the online platform or mobile app.

Rewards aren’t “issued” in any form of a certificate, but instead your monetary value earned is available to apply at the checkout process through the online platform, or in-store by providing your member number, email, or phone number.

What Do Points Expire

According to Shop Your Way, points have different periods of validity based on how they are received. The terms and conditions for each program will indicate expiration dates, and Shop Your Way should also let you know when the points will be expiring.

Points earned via the Sears credit cards are valid for 12 months from the date they are awarded.

Make sure to frequently check your Account History page to see what points you’ve earned and when they expire.

Using Your Rewards

Shop Your Way redeem
Image Credit: Shop Your Way

Once you’ve earned your rewards, you’ll be able to redeem online or in-store at Sears and Kmart.

When making a redemption online, members will want to be logged in to their account to access their points. When making a redemption in-store, the member will want to provide the sales assistant with their account number, email, or phone number.

At the time of purchase, shoppers may choose whether to apply all or just some of their rewards points. 

Managing Your Rewards

Shop My Way Rewards Program - Points Tracking
Image Credit: Shop Your Way

The best way to manage your rewards is online through the Shop Your Way platform or via the mobile app (Apple, Android).

If you haven’t yet registered, you will need to do that first — then each time you come to the online platform you can simply log in.

For individuals who have an account before applying for a Sears card, or for those who have been automatically enrolled via credit card application approval, Shop Your Way indicates:

“If you provide your Shop Your Way member number at the time your Shop Your Way Mastercard is approved and opened, the account will be linked to your Shop Your Way member number. If no Shop Your Way member number is provided at that time, you will be automatically enrolled in Shop Your Way, assigned a Shop Your Way member number and linked to your Shop Your Way Mastercard account.”

Final Thoughts

In summary, it seems the Sears credit cards don’t provide all that much bang for your buck when it comes to savings.

The basic Sears card only provides the opportunity for special financing and exclusive savings offers, which aren’t all that lucrative. The Sears Shop Your Way card does have a bonus points earning structure, but it has an annual maximum that once hit drops your percent-back to 1%.

Additionally, the Shop Your Way program is pretty complicated, with tons of ways to earn points but few ways to redeem them.

What’s even more disappointing from a Sears cardholder perspective? You don’t even need to have a Sears card to earn points — you can link any eligible Mastercard or Visa.

And all those drawbacks don’t even include the high fees and penalties associated with these cards.

Unless you’re a die-hard Sears and Kmart shopper who plans to seriously engage in the Shop Your Way Rewards program, there are likely better cards out there for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sears credit card a good card?

The answer kind of depends on which card you’re approved for. In our opinion, the basic Sears card isn’t of much use — there are many alternative cards out there that can afford you the same benefits and then some.

If you can get the Sears Shop Your Way card and you’re a loyal Sears and Kmart shopper (plus you plan to utilize the Shop Your Way Rewards program enthusiastically), this could be a decent card for you. However, there are many drawbacks, including high fees and penalties and a bonus points earning structure with the Sears Shop Your Way card that maxes out annually. Again, there are likely other cards that could afford you similar benefits (and then some).

Can the Sears credit card be used anywhere?

That depends on which Sears credit card you have.

The basic Sears card can only be utilized at Sears, Kmart, and the Shop Your Way online platform.

The Sears Shop Your Way card can be utilized anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Is the Sears card easy to get?

Most credit card review sites agree the basic Sears card requires a credit score in the “fair” range for approval, while the Sears Shop Your Way card requires a credit score at least in the “good” range.

Those with “good” to “excellent” credit could very likely be approved for either card. However, for those with such favorable credit scores, there are plenty of alternative credit cards that would provide superior benefits.

Does the Sears card have an annual fee?

No, neither of the Sears cards have an annual fee. That being said, there are certainly other significant fees and penalties to watch out for. At the time of writing these FAQs, that includes a hefty 25.24% variable purchase (and balance transfer) APR, as well as a 27.15% cash advance APR.

Prospective cardholders should always read the terms and conditions related to the card in question before deciding to apply.

How does the Sears credit card work?

If you have a basic Sears card, it gives you the option of special financing on some purchases as well as access to special discounts and savings… so it doesn’t really do much.

The Sears Shop Your Way card comes with the special financing options, exclusive discounts and savings, the ability to utilize the card anywhere Mastercard is accepted, and a category bonus points earning structure.

Who issues the Sears credit card?

Both Sears credit cards are issued by Citibank.

Can I earn Shop Your Way Rewards points with Uber?

No, Shop Your Way’s partnership with Uber ended May 31, 2019.

Can I use my Sears credit card or Shop Your Way Rewards points at Land's End or landsend.com?

No, Sears no longer owns Land’s End and no longer sells its apparel or gear.

Is Sears Holdings still in business?

No. Sears Holdings Corporation filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018 and some of its retail assets, including Sears and Kmart, were acquired by Transform SR Brands LLC.

Erin Miller's image

About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status