Rewards Plan
Welcome Bonus
Credit Rating
0% Intro
Annual Fee
APR
- Cash Back On Everyday Purchases
- Special Financing Offers
- Spend Requirements
- Potential Interest Penalties
Rewards Plan
Welcome Bonus
0% Intro
PROS
- Cash Back On Everyday Purchases
- Special Financing Offers
CONS
- Spend Requirements
- Potential Interest Penalties
APR
29.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Credit Requirements
Fair - Good
The Sears Shop Your Way Mastercard® is one of the best store cards available. Although this is a store card, the card does have some nice perks including great rewards ratio on everyday purchases, promotional financing deals, and exclusive savings. So, if you are highly brand loyal to Sears, this could be a good card for you to consider.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to maximize your credit card rewards and want a card with all the bells and whistles, you may find this card a little frustrating and will want to consider alternatives.
- Elite Status
- Free Nights
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Savings on Reward Point Purchases
- Baggage Insurance
- Lower Point Values
- Limited Redemptions
- High Annual Spend Needed for Gold Elite
- No Luxury Perks or Benefits
What are card income requirements?
There are no official income requirements for the Sears credit card. You need fair to good credit, and while your income will be assessed, it is not the only factor that will be considered for an approval decision.
Can I get pre-approved?
There is no pre approval option on the official website, but you may receive a mailer or other promotional material with a pre approval offer.
How do I redeem rewards?
The card does not offer any rewards, so there are no redemption instructions.
In this Review
Estimating Your Rewards: A Practical Simulation
This table is a simulation of rewards that illustrates how using the Sears Shop Your Way could potentially benefit you. It outlines the rewards you may earn based on your typical spending habits in different categories.
It's essential to note that these figures are estimates, and your actual rewards may differ based on your unique spending patterns and other factors. However, this table can provide you with insights into the potential benefits of the card.
| |
|---|---|
Spend Per Category | Sears Shop Your Way Mastercard®
|
$7,000 – U.S Supermarkets | $70 |
$3,000 – Sears | $150 |
$3,000 – Restaurants
| $90 |
$4,000 – Airline | $40 |
$4,000 – Hotels | $40 |
$4,000 – Gas | $200 |
Estimated Annual Cash Back | $590 |
Pros and Cons
Just like any other credit card, the Sears Credit Card has some advantages and disadvantages:
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
High Cash Back On Everyday Purchases | Potential Interest Penalties |
Special Financing Offers | Spend Requirements |
Exclusive Savings | |
Account Protection | |
- High Cash Back On Everyday Purchases
The card offers 5% back on Sears + 5% eligible gasoline purchases, 3% back on grocery stores and restaurants (limited to the first $10,000 of qualifying payments, then 1% thereafter), plus 2% back when used at eligible merchants such as Sears or Kmart, and 1% on all other purchases.
- Special Financing Offers
Although the card has a higher than typical APR, you can benefit from special financing offers. This may include interest free periods for purchasing certain items or products. This type of offer allows you to pay down your balance within a set period and you won’t need to pay any interest charges.
For example, if you spend $499 on appliances, you may have a 12 months interest free deal.
- Exclusive Savings
Card members are offered access to savings coupons, special deals and invites to cardholder only events. These savings may be applied to in store or online deals, depending on the specific offer.
- Account Protection
This is a fairly standard feature on most credit cards today. Essentially, it means that you are protected against unauthorized charges or fraudulent activity.
- Potential Interest Penalties
Many of the special financing deals offer “no interest if paid in full within x months.”
This is an important distinction, as it is not an interest free period. If you have any balance remaining after the promotional period, you’ll be liable for interest charges for the full amount.
- Spend Requirements
Additionally, many of the promotions have a spend requirement to qualify. For example, you may need to spend $299 or more in a certain category.
Who is the Sears Shop Your Way Card Best For?
Obviously, this card is best for those who are highly brand loyal to Sears and may find value in special promotions and savings, which may appeal to some frequent Sears customers. Also, those who want to leverage the high cash back on everyday purchases can consider this card.
If you tend to purchase appliances and larger ticket items from Sears, you may be able to purchase them with a no interest period if you clear the balance in full before the end of the promotion.
This card may also be a good option for those who are looking to build a positive credit report. The card requires fair to good credit, but qualifying with a high poor credit score may be possible.
If you're would like to check more options, here are some alternative store cards for consideration:
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1% – 3%
3% cash back at Apple and select Apple pay partners, 2% on other Apple pay purchases, and 1% on all other purchases
| None
None
| $0 | |
| 2X – 5X
spend $1,200 or more annually to get 5X points per dollar on purchases made at Macy's, 3X points if you spend $500 to $1199 and 2X points if you spend up to $500. Also, get 3X points at restaurants including delivery, 2X at gas stations & supermarkets and 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else
| 20% discount
20% discount on Macy's on the day you are approved and the following day, up to $100
| $0 | |
| 5%
1 point for every dollar at JCPenney, 200 points worth $10 -> $10 per $200 spend on JCPenney = 5% back
| Extra 5% – 35% off
Extra 5% – 35% off on selected merchants in the first purchase on the same day the card has been opened
| $0 | |
| 5%
5% off at Target and selected deals
| None
None
|
$0 | |
| 1-4%
4% cash back on on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% cash back on restaurants and most travel purchases, 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com, 1% cash back on all other purchases
| None
| $0 *
$60 Costco membership fee required
| |
| 1-5%
5% at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, 2% cash back on restaurant, gas, and drugstores, 1% cash back on all other purchases
| $150
$150
| $0
$139 Amazon Prime subscription required
| |
| 1-5%
5% cash back at Walmart.com (including pickup and delivery), 2% cash back in Walmart stores and gas stations, at restaurants and on travel plus 1% cash back everywhere else Mastercard is accepted
| 5%
5% cash back for the first 12 months when you use your card with Walmart Pay for in-store purchases, upon approval
| $95 |
How To Maximize Card Benefits?
While this card is quite straightforward, there are some tips that can help you to get the most from it. These include:
-
Check the Promotional Terms
Most of the financing offers are no interest if paid in full within x months, which are very different to an interest free period.
So, you need to check the terms carefully and ensure that you pay any balance before the end of the promotional period.
-
Time Your Larger Purchases
While an appliance can need replacing as an emergency, if you have the time to purchase a new large ticket item, you can make the most of your card by timing your purchase carefully.
If you can buy a new appliance or large item and spread the cost with no interest, why not make your financial life a little easier?
-
Make Payments on Time
Although this may seem like a light credit card, it is still a credit obligation, so it is vital that you make your payments on time. Not only will any late or missed payments be reported on your credit file, but you could incur up to a $39 late payment fee.
FAQs
How hard is it to get a Sears credit card?
The Sears credit card has fairly flexible qualification requirements. You need fair to good credit, but some people have been approved with a high end poor credit score. So, if you have reasonable credit, you should not have any difficulties getting this card.
When it may not be a good idea?
This card is not a good idea for those who have little or no brand loyalty to Sears. You may also wish to consider alternatives if you’re looking for a card that offers rewards and other perks or benefits.
Does the card provide car rental insurance?
Unfortunately, the Sears credit card does not offer any insurances including rental car coverage.
