Where to send your Sears card payment
Sears credit card payments go to Citibank, which manages the card on Sears' behalf. You can send a check to the mailing address shown on your monthly statement, or pay online through your Sears credit card account. The mailing address changes depending on whether you're paying on time or sending a late payment, so always use the address printed on the bill itself rather than looking it up separately.
If you have a Sears card issued before Sears' bankruptcy in 2018, your card may be managed by a different servicer — check your statement to confirm. Newer Sears cards are Citi Sears MasterCards. Either way, the payment address on your bill is the only one you need.
Key Takeaways
- Sears credit card payments are processed by Citibank and can be sent by mail using the address on your statement or paid online through your account.
- Online payments typically post within one business day, while mailed checks take five to seven business days to reach the payment processor.
- Your minimum payment and due date appear on your monthly statement; paying only the minimum leaves you carrying a balance at the card's interest rate.
- Late fees and interest charges begin when ready after your due date passes, even if your payment is only one day overdue.
- Setting up automatic payments through your bank or the Citibank website can prevent missed due dates.
Paying online through your Sears card account
Log into your Sears credit card account on the Citibank website or through the Citi mobile app. From your account dashboard, select "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now." You'll enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method — bank account, debit card, or credit card. Online payments typically post within one business day.
When you pay online, Citibank shows you the exact date your payment will post before you confirm. This matters because your due date is the date the payment must post, not the date you send it. If you're close to your due date, call the payment phone number on your statement to confirm the payment will arrive in time, or use the online system's confirmation to verify the posting date.
Mailing a check to Citibank
Write your check to Citibank and include your Sears card account number on the check itself. Mail it to the address shown on your statement under "Payment Address" or "Make Checks Payable To." Do not use a different address you find online — payment processing centers change, and using an outdated address delays your payment.
Mailed payments typically take five to seven business days to post. If your due date is fewer than seven days away, mailing a check risks a late payment. Call the payment phone number on your statement if you need to confirm when a mailed check will post, or use online payment instead.
Understanding your minimum payment and due date
Your statement shows both a minimum payment amount and a due date. The minimum payment is the smallest amount Citibank will accept; paying it keeps your account in good standing and avoids a late fee. However, paying only the minimum leaves the rest of your balance to accrue interest at your card's annual percentage rate (APR).
Your due date is printed on your statement and is typically the same day each month. Payments must post by this date to avoid a late fee. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, Citibank extends it to the next business day — your statement will show the actual due date that applies to you.
What happens if you miss your due date
A late fee appears on your account if your payment posts after your due date. The fee amount depends on your card terms but typically ranges from $25 to $40 for a first late payment. More importantly, a late payment is reported to credit bureaus and can lower your credit score.
If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, your interest rate may increase to a penalty rate, which is higher than your regular APR. This rate applies to new purchases and sometimes to your existing balance. Paying late also gives Citibank the right to close your account, though they usually do this only after multiple missed payments.
Setting up automatic payments
You can arrange automatic payments through your bank's bill pay service or directly through Citibank's website. With automatic payments, your bank or Citibank transfers money from your checking account on a date you choose — typically a few days before your due date. This prevents missed payments if you forget to send one manually.
You can set automatic payments for your minimum payment, a fixed amount you choose, or your full statement balance each month. If you choose the full balance option, your account will carry no balance and you'll pay no interest. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't pay my full balance by the due date?
Pay at least your minimum payment by the due date to avoid a late fee and credit damage. You can pay the rest of your balance later, though interest will accrue on the unpaid portion. If you're having trouble making even the minimum payment, contact Citibank to ask about hardship programs or payment plans.
Can I pay my Sears card at a Sears store?
Sears stores do not accept credit card payments. You must pay online through Citibank, mail a check, or set up automatic payments. Some Sears locations may have closed, so check the Sears website to find a store near you before visiting.
How do I know if my payment was received?
Log into your Sears credit card account online and check your transaction history. Your payment should appear within one business day of posting. You can also call the customer service number on your statement to confirm payment receipt.
What's the difference between my statement balance and my current balance?
Your statement balance is what you owed on the date your statement was generated. Your current balance includes new purchases and payments made since then. Your due date applies to your statement balance, not your current balance.
Can I pay more than my minimum payment?
Yes. Paying more than your minimum reduces the interest you pay and lowers your balance faster. You can pay any amount up to your full current balance whenever you want, with no penalty for paying early.