Credit Cards » Credit Card Reviews » Sears Credit Card Review (2023)
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Sears Credit Card Review (2024)

When we caluclates the Sears Shop Your Way card rewards, we had a surprise - it's one of the best store cards out there. Here's why.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Sears Shop Your Way Mastercard®

sears credit card

Rewards Plan

1% – 5% 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

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Credit Rating

Fair – Good

0% Intro

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

APR

29.99%
Sears Shop Your Way Mastercard®

sears credit card

Rewards Plan

1% – 5% 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

Welcome Bonus

N/A

0% Intro

N/A

PROS

CONS

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.

sears credit 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

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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

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.

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.

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.

This is a fairly standard feature on most credit cards today. Essentially, it means that you are protected against unauthorized charges or fraudulent activity.

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.

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

Apple card

1% – 3% 3% cash back at Apple and select Apple pay partners. 3% Daily Cash back at Ace Hardware, Duane Reade, Exxon, Mobil, Nike, Panera Bread, T-Mobile, Uber, Uber Eats, and Walgreens. 2% on other Apple pay purchases, and 1% on all other purchases
N/A N/A
$0

macy amex card

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
25% discount 25% discount on Macy's on the day you are approved and the following day, up to $100
$0

jcpenney credit card

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

target red card

1% – 5% 5% off at Target and target.com, 2% on dining and gas purchases and 1% everywhere else outside of Target
None None
$0

Citi-costco-anywhere-visa-credit-card review

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) $60 Costco membership fee required

amazon prime visa

1-5% 5% at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh , Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases, 2% cash back on gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting, 1% cash back on all other purchases
$100 $100
$0 ($139 Amazon Prime subscription required) $139 Amazon Prime subscription required

Capital One® Walmart Rewards® Card

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:

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.

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?

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

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.

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.

Unfortunately, the Sears credit card does not offer any insurances including rental car coverage.

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Welcome Bonus:
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Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
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Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
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1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
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Welcome Bonus:
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Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Search
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1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
Up to 3x miles 3 miles per $1 spent on United purchases immediately after earning your $125 annual United purchase credit, 2 miles on all other travel and select streaming services, 1 mile on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 miles 60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

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In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

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