Where and how to send a Sears credit card payment
Sears credit card payments go to Citibank, which manages the card on behalf of Sears. You can pay online through your Citi account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Sears store if one is open in your area. The payment method you choose affects how quickly the payment posts and whether you incur a fee.
Online payment through Citi's website or mobile app is the fastest route and carries no fee. Phone payments also reach Citi directly and post within one business day, though some callers report being charged a convenience fee depending on the payment method used. Mail and in-store payments take longer to process and may not be available at all locations.
Key Takeaways
- Sears credit cards are managed by Citibank, so you pay Citi, not Sears directly.
- Online payment through Citi's website or app is free and posts the same day or next business day.
- Phone payments to Citi may carry a convenience fee if you pay by debit card or bank transfer over the phone.
- Mail payments should be sent to the address on your statement and take 7 to 10 business days to post.
- In-store payments at Sears locations are no longer widely available as most stores have closed.
Paying online through your Citi account
Log into your Citi credit card account at citicards.com or through the Citi Mobile App. Select "Make a Payment" and choose the amount and date you want the payment to post. You can pay from a checking or savings account at no charge. The payment posts the same business day if submitted before the cutoff time, usually 8 p.m. Eastern Time on business days.
If you set up automatic payments, Citi will deduct the minimum payment, a fixed amount you choose, or your full statement balance on the date you select each month. Automatic payments remove the risk of missing a due date, though you should still review your statement to catch billing errors or fraud.
Paying by phone with Citibank
Call Citibank's payment line at the number on the back of your card or on your statement. A representative will ask for your account number and the payment amount. You can pay from a checking or savings account, or by debit card. Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day post the next business day.
Citibank charges a convenience fee if you pay by debit card or if you use certain third-party payment services. The fee is typically $9.95 or higher, depending on your payment method. Paying from a bank account directly may not carry a fee—ask the representative before confirming the payment.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to Citibank and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address listed on your statement under "Payment Address" or "Make Payments To." Do not mail payment to a Sears store or corporate address; Citibank processes all payments.
Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post. If your due date is within two weeks, paying by mail risks a late payment. Send mail payments at least 10 business days before your due date to be safe. Keep a copy of the check or money order for your records.
Late payment fees and interest charges
A payment is late if it does not post by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date shown on your statement. Citibank charges a late fee, usually $25 to $39 depending on your account history, if your payment arrives after that time. A late payment also triggers a higher interest rate on your balance, sometimes called a penalty APR.
If you miss a payment by more than 30 days, the late payment appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score. Citibank may also close your account or refer the debt to a collection agency if payments remain unpaid for 180 days or more.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
Contact Citibank before your due date if you know you cannot pay. Explain your situation to a representative. Citibank may offer a hardship program that lowers your interest rate, waives fees, or extends your due date. These programs are not automatic—you must ask, and approval depends on your account history and reason for hardship.
If you are struggling with debt across multiple cards, a credit counselor at a nonprofit credit counseling agency can review your budget and help you create a repayment plan. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) maintains a directory of agencies in your area. Counseling is usually free or low-cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my payment posted?
Log into your Citi account online or through the app and check your account balance and recent transactions. Online and phone payments post within one business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days. If you do not see the payment within that window, call Citibank to confirm it was received.
Can I pay my Sears card at a Sears store?
Most Sears locations have closed, and in-store payment is no longer widely available. Check whether a Sears store operates in your area before attempting to pay in person. Online or phone payment to Citibank is the most reliable method.
What happens if I pay more than I owe?
Citibank holds the overpayment as a credit on your account and applies it to your next statement. You can also request a refund of the overpayment by calling Citibank, though a refund may take several business days to process.
Is there a fee for paying online?
No. Paying online through Citi's website or app is free. Phone payments may carry a convenience fee if you pay by debit card or use a third-party payment service, but paying from a bank account by phone usually has no fee.
What if I lost my Sears credit card?
Call Citibank when ready at the number on your statement to report the card lost or stolen. Citibank will cancel the card and issue a replacement. You can still pay your balance online or by phone using your account number, even without the physical card.