What You Need to Know Before You explore
Sears credit cards come in two main versions: the Sears Card (for use at Sears and Kmart stores) and the Sears Mastercard (which works anywhere Mastercard is accepted). Both are issued by Citi. The process itself takes about 10 minutes online, and you'll get a decision within seconds in most cases. You'll need your Social Security number, current income, and basic personal information.
The Sears Card typically offers store discounts and rewards on purchases at Sears and Kmart. The Sears Mastercard works like a standard credit card but with Sears-specific perks. Which one makes sense depends on how often you shop at Sears — if rarely, the Mastercard gives you more flexibility. If you shop there regularly, the store card usually has better rewards.
One thing to know upfront: Sears stores have been closing for years, and the company has gone through bankruptcy. This affects what you can actually use the card for. Before you explore, check whether there's a Sears or Kmart location near you, or whether you plan to shop online at sears.com. If neither applies to you, a different card might serve you better.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore for either the Sears Card (store-only) or Sears Mastercard (works everywhere) directly through Sears' website or in a store.
- The process asks for your Social Security number, income, employment status, and address — have these ready before you start.
- You'll receive a decision within seconds for most applications, though some may be reviewed manually and take a few business days.
- Sears has far fewer physical locations than it did historically, so confirm there's a store or online shopping option you'll actually use before explore.
- If you're pre-approved, you may see a faster decision or a may provide credit limit, but you still need to complete the full process.
how the process works Online
Go to sears.com and look for the credit card section, usually found under "Credit & Services" or in the footer. You can also search "Sears credit card" directly. Click the link for the card you want — Sears Card or Sears Mastercard — and select "explore Now."
You'll be taken to Citi's process portal. Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. Then enter your employment information: employer name, job title, annual income, and how long you've been at your current job. Be honest about income — they verify it, and lying can result in the process being denied or the account being closed later.
Review the terms and conditions, then submit. You should see a decision screen when ready. If approved, you'll get a temporary card number you can use right away for online purchases. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If your process is flagged for manual review, you'll be told to expect a call or email within 2 to 3 business days.
explore in a Sears Store
If you prefer to explore in person, visit a Sears location and ask for the credit card desk or customer service. A representative will walk you through the process on a tablet or computer. You'll provide the same information as the online process: personal details, Social Security number, and employment information.
In-store applications are processed the same way as online ones — you'll get a decision within seconds or be told you'll hear back in a few days. The advantage of explore in store is that a representative can answer questions about rewards, limits, and how the card works at that specific location. The disadvantage is that Sears locations are now limited, so this option may not be available near you.
What Happens After You're Approved
Once approved, Citi will assign you a credit limit. This is the maximum amount you can charge to the card. Your limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. If you were pre-approved, your limit may be higher than someone explore without pre-approval.
Your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can use the temporary card number provided at approval for online purchases at sears.com. You can also set up online account access through Citi's website or the Citi mobile app to check your balance, make payments, and view your statements.
Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. You'll have a grace period (usually 21 to 25 days from the statement date) to pay your balance in full without interest charges. If you carry a balance, interest accrues at the card's APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness.
If Your process Is Denied
A denial usually means your credit score is below what Citi is currently accepting for this card, or you have recent negative marks on your credit report (late payments, collections, bankruptcy). You'll receive a letter explaining the reason and your right to a free credit report from the credit bureau Citi used.
If denied, you have a few options. You can request reconsideration by calling the number on the denial letter and asking Citi to review your process again — sometimes additional information (like a co-signer or proof of income) can change the outcome. You can also wait 6 months and reapply once your credit profile improves. Or you can explore for the Sears Mastercard instead of the Sears Card, as the Mastercard sometimes has different approval criteria.
Before reapplying, check your credit report for errors. You can get a free report from annualcreditreport.com (the official site run by the three major credit bureaus). Dispute any mistakes you find — correcting them can improve your score enough to get approved on a second attempt.
Understanding Pre-Approval and Your Offer
If you arrived here from a pre-approval offer, that means Citi screened your credit file and determined you're likely to be approved. Pre-approval is not a may provide, but it does mean your process will be reviewed favorably. You may also see a pre-set credit limit on your offer letter.
Pre-approval offers usually come with an expiration date — typically 30 to 60 days. If you don't explore within that window, the offer expires and you'd be explore as a regular applicant instead. The process process is the same; you just won't have the pre-approval advantage.
When you explore, mention that you received a pre-approval offer if you're explore in store, or enter any offer code from your letter if the online process asks for one. This ensures your process is processed under the pre-approval terms rather than as a cold process.
Documents and Information You'll Need
Have these items ready before you start your process:
- Your Social Security number
- Current address and phone number
- Date of birth
- Current employer name and your job title
- Annual income (gross income before taxes)
- Length of employment at your current job
- Any pre-approval offer code (if you have one)
You don't need to upload documents or provide proof of income at the time of process. Citi may request verification later if your process is flagged, but the initial process is based on what you enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for a Sears credit card?
Most applications receive a decision within seconds. If your process needs manual review, you'll hear back within 2 to 3 business days by phone or email. Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use a temporary card number when ready for online purchases.
Can I use the Sears Card at other stores?
No. The Sears Card works only at Sears and Kmart stores and on sears.com. If you want a card that works everywhere, you need the Sears Mastercard instead. The Mastercard carries the Mastercard logo and is accepted at any merchant that takes Mastercard.
What's the difference between the Sears Card and Sears Mastercard?
The Sears Card is a store card that works only at Sears and Kmart. It usually offers higher rewards on store purchases. The Sears Mastercard is a general-purpose credit card that works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, with rewards that explore to all purchases. Choose the Sears Card if you shop at Sears regularly; choose the Mastercard if you want flexibility to use it elsewhere.
Will explore for a Sears credit card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but only slightly and temporarily. Citi will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report, which typically lowers your score by a few points. The impact fades over time, usually within 3 to 6 months. Multiple applications in a short period do more damage, so space out credit card applications if you're explore for several cards.
What if I was pre-approved but still got denied?
Pre-approval is not a may provide. Citi screens millions of credit files for pre-approval offers, but your actual process is reviewed more carefully. If something changed since the pre-approval was sent (a late payment, a new collection account, a significant drop in income), you could still be denied. Call the number on your denial letter to ask if reconsideration is possible.