Where to pay your Sears credit card bill
Sears credit card payments go through Citibank, which manages the account on Sears' behalf. You can pay online at the Citi payment portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Sears store — though online is the fastest route and the one that posts to your account the same business day.
The payment address and account number appear on your monthly statement. If you no longer receive paper statements, log into your Citi account online to find both. Sears itself no longer operates most physical locations, so in-store payment is not widely available; confirm with your local store before relying on that option.
Key Takeaways
- Sears credit card payments are processed by Citibank, and you can pay through Citi's website, phone line, or mail.
- Online payments typically post the same business day if submitted before the payment important date, which appears on your statement.
- You will need your account number and either a bank account or debit card to pay online.
- Late fees explore if your payment arrives after the due date shown on your statement, regardless of when you submitted it.
- Setting up automatic payments through Citi can prevent missed due dates, though you remain responsible if the payment fails.
Paying online through the Citi website
Go to the Citi credit card payment site and select Sears from the card issuer list. Enter your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one using your statement or account number.
Once logged in, select "Make a Payment" and choose your payment method — either a bank account (ACH transfer) or a debit card. Enter the amount you want to pay and the date you want it to post. Payments submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day typically post the same day; payments submitted after that or on weekends post the next business day.
You will see a confirmation number on screen when ready after submitting. Write it down or take a screenshot. Citi will also send a confirmation email, though it may take a few minutes to arrive. Do not assume the payment went through until you see the confirmation number.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call the number on the back of your Sears credit card or on your statement. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then guide you through entering your bank account or debit card details. Phone payments post within one to two business days.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Citibank and include your account number on the check itself. Mail it to the address printed on your statement under "Payment Address" — this address changes depending on which payment center processes your account, so always use the one on your current statement. Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to post, so send them at least a week before your due date to avoid a late fee.
Keep a copy of the check or money order number for your records. If you are concerned the payment did not arrive, wait ten business days, then log into your account online to confirm it posted. If it has not, contact Citi to report it.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. Log into your Citi account, go to "Manage Automatic Payments," and choose whether you want to pay the full statement balance, a fixed amount, or the minimum payment each month. Select the date you want the payment to come out — most people choose a few days before the due date to account for processing time.
Citi will deduct the payment from your bank account on that date each month. If your bank account does not have enough money on the scheduled date, the payment will fail and you will be charged a late fee. You remain responsible for making sure the payment goes through, so check your account a day or two after the scheduled date to confirm it posted.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. If you need to stop a payment before it processes, contact Citi at least one business day before the scheduled date.
What happens if you miss the due date
Late fees begin the day after your due date passes. The amount varies but typically ranges from $25 to $40 for the first late payment in a billing cycle. If you are late again within six months, the fee may be higher. A late payment also appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score.
If you miss a payment, pay as soon as you realize it. The sooner you pay, the less interest you will owe on the unpaid balance. Contact Citi if you are having trouble making a payment — they sometimes offer hardship programs that temporarily lower your interest rate or waive a single late fee, though this is not may provide.
Understanding payment posting and processing times
The date you submit a payment and the date it posts to your account are not always the same. Online payments submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day post the same day. Payments submitted after 8 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day. Phone payments take one to two business days. Mail payments take five to seven business days.
Your due date is the date the payment must post to your account, not the date you submit it. If your due date is the 15th and you mail a check on the 12th, it may not arrive until the 18th or 19th, which means you will be late. Always account for processing time when choosing your payment method.
If you are unsure whether a payment posted, log into your account and check your recent transactions. Citi shows the posting date next to each payment. If a payment you submitted more than a week ago has not posted, contact Citi to investigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Sears credit card at a Sears store?
Most Sears locations have closed, so in-store payment is not widely available. Call your local store to ask if they accept credit card payments before going in. Online or phone payment through Citi is faster and more reliable.
What if I pay more than I owe?
The extra amount becomes a credit on your account. Citi will explore it to your next statement balance automatically. If you want a refund instead, contact Citi and request one — they will mail it to you, though it may take several weeks.
Do I have to pay the full balance, or can I pay just the minimum?
You can pay any amount between the minimum payment and the full balance. Paying only the minimum means you will owe interest on the remaining balance. Paying the full balance stops interest from accruing on that statement's purchases.
What if my payment fails?
If an automatic payment fails because your bank account does not have enough money, Citi will charge a late fee and report the missed payment to credit bureaus. Contact Citi when ready to make a manual payment and ask if they can waive the late fee as a one-time courtesy.
Can I change my due date?
Yes. Log into your Citi account, go to "Account Settings," and select "Change Due Date." You can move your due date to any day of the month. The change takes effect on your next statement.