Where to pay your Sears credit card bill
Sears credit card payments are handled through Citi, the bank that issues the card. You do not pay through Sears directly. To pay online, go to citicards.com, select "Log In" at the top of the page, and enter your username and password. From there you can make a one-time payment or set up automatic payments.
If you do not have a Citi online account yet, you will need to create one before you can pay. You can register at citicards.com using your card number and other identifying information. The process takes a few minutes and you only have to do it once.
You can also call Citi's customer service line at the number on the back of your Sears card to make a payment by phone. Payments made online or by phone are usually posted within one business day.
Key Takeaways
- Sears credit card payments go through Citi at citicards.com, not through Sears itself.
- You need a Citi online account to pay through their website; you can create one using your card number if you do not already have one.
- Payments posted online or by phone typically show up within one business day.
- You can set up automatic monthly payments through your Citi account to avoid missing a due date.
- The customer service number on the back of your card can process payments by phone if you prefer not to use the website.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. Log into your Citi account, go to the "Payments" section, and select "Set Up Autopay." You can choose to pay your full statement balance, a fixed amount, or just the minimum payment each month. You can also pick the date the payment should come out of your bank account.
If you set up autopay for your full balance, the payment will be scheduled for a few days after your statement closes, which gives you time to review the charges. You can change or cancel autopay at any time through your account settings.
What information you need to pay online
To log into your Citi account and make a payment, you will need your username and password. If you have forgotten either one, Citi's website has a "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" link on the login page. You can reset your password using your email address or by answering security questions you set up when you created your account.
If you are paying for the first time and do not have an account yet, have your Sears card number, Social Security number, and date of birth ready. Citi will use these to verify your identity before creating your login.
Payment deadlines and due dates
Your due date appears on your monthly statement and in your Citi account. Payments must arrive by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date to avoid a late fee. Online payments typically post within one business day, so paying a day or two before the due date is safer than waiting until the last day.
If you miss a payment, Citi will charge a late fee and may report the missed payment to credit bureaus. Paying as soon as you realize you are late can prevent additional fees, though the late payment itself will remain on your credit report for seven years.
Paying by mail or phone if you cannot use the website
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check to the address shown on your statement. Include your account number on the check so Citi knows which account to credit. Mail payments take longer to post — usually five to seven business days — so send them well before your due date.
Paying by phone is faster. Call the number on the back of your card and a representative will take your payment information over the phone. You will need your bank account number or debit card number ready. Phone payments post within one business day, just like online payments.
Troubleshooting login problems
If you cannot log into your Citi account, the most common reasons are a forgotten username or password, or an account that has not been activated yet. Use the "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" links on the login page to reset either one. If you created your account recently, check your email for an activation link from Citi.
If you still cannot access your account after resetting your password, call Citi customer service at the number on your card. A representative can verify your identity and help you regain access. They can also process a payment for you over the phone while you work on your account access.
Understanding your statement and payment posting
Your Citi statement shows all charges, fees, and payments from the previous month. The statement balance is what you owe, and the due date is when payment must arrive. Your current balance may be different from your statement balance if you have made charges or payments since the statement closed.
When you make a payment online or by phone, it posts to your account within one business day. You can see the payment reflected in your account immediately after you submit it, but the actual balance update takes until the next business day. If you pay your full statement balance before the due date, you will not be charged interest on those purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Sears credit card through the Sears website?
No. Sears credit card payments must be made through Citi at citicards.com. Sears does not process payments for the card, even though it carries the Sears name. Citi is the bank that issued the card and manages all payments and account activity.
What happens if I pay late?
Citi will charge a late fee, usually between $25 and $40 depending on your account history. The late payment will be reported to credit bureaus and will stay on your credit report for seven years. Paying as soon as you realize you are late can prevent additional fees, though the late payment itself cannot be removed.
How long does it take for a payment to show up?
Online and phone payments post within one business day. Mail payments take five to seven business days. Since your due date is a hard deadline, online or phone payment is safer if you are close to the due date.
Can I change my payment due date?
You can request a due date change by calling Citi customer service at the number on your card. Citi may move your due date by a few days, but they cannot move it by weeks or months. If you are struggling to make payments, ask about hardship programs or payment plans when you call.
What if my payment was rejected?
Payments are usually rejected because of insufficient funds in your bank account, an expired debit card, or incorrect account information. Citi will notify you if a payment fails. Try paying again with different payment information, or call customer service to find out why the payment was declined and to make a payment by phone instead.