Where to log in and what you'll see
Sears credit cards are issued by Citi, so you pay through Citi's website or mobile app, not through Sears directly. Go to citiprepaid.com or citi.com and select "Log In" at the top of the page. You'll enter the username and password you created when you first got your card — not your Sears login.
Once you're logged in, you'll see your card balance, recent charges, and a payment section. The payment page shows how much you owe, when your payment is due, and what the minimum payment is. You can also see your credit limit and available balance.
If you've never logged in before, you'll need to set up your account first. You can do this on the same Citi website by selecting "Enroll Now" or "Register" and following the prompts. You'll need your card number, Social Security number, and date of birth.
Key Takeaways
- Sears credit cards are managed by Citi, so you log in at citi.com or citiprepaid.com, not at a Sears website.
- You can make a one-time payment, set up automatic payments, or pay toward your balance in any amount above the minimum.
- Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day usually post the same day; weekend and holiday payments post the next business day.
- You can also pay by phone at the number on the back of your card, by mail, or through automatic bank transfers.
Making a one-time payment online
Once you're logged in, look for a button or link that says "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now." Click it and you'll be asked how much you want to pay. You can pay your full balance, your minimum payment, or any amount in between. Enter the amount and select your payment method — usually a bank account (checking or savings) or another debit card.
If you're paying from a bank account, you'll enter your routing number and account number. These appear on the bottom left of your checks. If you're paying from a debit card, you'll enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). Double-check these details before you confirm, because a wrong routing number or account number will cause the payment to fail.
After you confirm, you'll see a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The payment will post within one to two business days, depending on when you submitted it and whether it was a weekend or holiday.
Setting up automatic payments
If you want Citi to pull a payment from your bank account on the same day each month, you can set up an automatic payment. Look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" in the account settings or payment section. You'll choose a date between the 1st and the 28th of each month — pick a date after you usually get paid, so the money is in your account when the payment goes through.
You can set the automatic payment to cover your full balance, your minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount. Many people choose to pay the full balance automatically so they never carry a balance and never pay interest. If you choose a fixed amount, make sure it's at least the minimum payment, or you'll fall behind.
You can change or cancel an automatic payment anytime by logging back in and editing your autopay settings. If you cancel, you'll need to make manual payments going forward, or set up a new automatic payment.
When your payment posts and how to track it
Payments made online before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day (Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays) usually post the same day. Payments made after 8 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. "Post" means the payment reaches your account and reduces your balance — this is different from the payment being sent, which happens when ready.
After you make a payment, log back into your account to confirm it went through. You should see it listed under "Recent Transactions" or "Payment History" within a day or two. Your available balance will also increase by the amount you paid. If a week has passed and you don't see the payment, contact Citi at the number on the back of your card.
Keep your confirmation number until you see the payment post. If something goes wrong, the confirmation number proves you submitted the payment on time, which protects you if a late fee is charged by mistake.
Other ways to pay if you can't pay online
If you don't have online access or prefer not to pay through the website, you have other options. You can call the number on the back of your card and pay over the phone using a bank account or debit card. A representative will walk you through the process and give you a confirmation number.
You can also mail a check or money order to the address listed on your statement. Write your account number on the check and mail it to the payment address shown on your bill. Mail payments take longer to post — usually five to seven business days — so send them at least a week before your due date to avoid a late fee.
Some banks also let you set up bill pay through your own bank account, where your bank sends a check to Citi on your behalf. This is free and works well if you prefer to manage all your bills in one place. Check with your bank to see if they offer this service.
What to do if you forget your password or can't log in
If you forget your username or password, go to citi.com and look for "Forgot Username?" or "Forgot Password?" on the login page. You'll be asked to verify your identity using your card number, Social Security number, or date of birth. Citi will then send you a reset link by email or text, depending on what you have on file.
If you still can't log in after resetting your password, or if you think someone else has accessed your account, call the number on the back of your card right away. A representative can help you regain access and will check for any unauthorized charges. If you see charges you didn't make, report them when ready — you're protected against fraud, but you need to report it quickly.
Understanding your statement and due date
Your statement shows all charges from the past month, any payments you made, fees, and interest. It also shows your new balance (what you owe) and your due date. The due date is usually the same day each month — often the 15th or 25th, depending on when you opened your account.
If you pay only the minimum, you'll be charged interest on the remaining balance. The interest rate is shown on your statement as your APR (annual percentage rate). If you pay your full balance by the due date, you won't pay any interest. This is why paying in full each month, if you can, saves you money.
If you miss your due date, a late fee will be charged and your interest rate may go up. Late payments also hurt your credit score. If you're going to miss a payment, call Citi before the due date to explain your situation — sometimes they can work with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Sears card through the Sears website?
No. Sears credit cards are issued and managed by Citi, so you must pay through Citi's website or app. Sears does not process payments for their credit card. If you go to Sears.com, you won't find a payment option for the card itself.
Is it safe to pay my Sears card online?
Yes. Citi uses encryption and security measures to protect your information when you pay online. Your bank account or debit card details are not stored on the website in a way that hackers can access. If you're worried about security, paying by phone or mail is also safe, though it takes longer.
What if I pay more than I owe?
If you pay more than your balance, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use this credit toward future purchases, or you can request a refund. To request a refund, call the number on the back of your card and ask them to send the overpayment back to your bank account.
How do I know if my payment was late?
Your payment is on time if it posts by 5 p.m. Eastern time on your due date. If you pay online, submit your payment before 8 p.m. Eastern time on the due date to be safe. If you mail a check, send it at least a week early. Your statement will show if a late fee was charged.
Can I set up automatic payments to a different bank account?
Yes. When you set up or change your automatic payment, you can choose any bank account you have access to. You'll need the routing number and account number for that account. Make sure the account has enough money on the payment date, or the payment will fail and you may be charged a fee.