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 citi.com or through the Citi Mobile App, not through a Sears website. If you have a Sears card, your account is already set up in Citi's system under your name and card number.
You do not need a separate Sears login. Instead, you log in with the username and password you created (or were sent) when you first got the card. If you have never logged in before, you will need to set up your online account the first time, which takes about five minutes.
Payments can be made any day of the week, any time of day. The payment posts to your account within one business day if you pay before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. Eastern), or the next business day if you pay after.
Key Takeaways
- Sears credit card accounts are managed by Citibank, so you pay through citi.com or the Citi Mobile App, not through Sears.
- You log in with your own username and password, not a Sears account, and you create this login the first time you access your account online.
- Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern post within one business day; payments after that cutoff post the next business day.
- You can set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same date each month without logging in each time.
- If you forget your password or cannot log in, Citi's customer service can reset it over the phone or help you recover your username.
Setting up your online account for the first time
Go to citi.com and look for the login box on the homepage. Below the username and password fields, you will see a link that says "Enroll now" or "Register." Click that link. You will be asked for your card number, the expiration date, and your date of birth. Citi will verify this information against their records.
Next, you create a username (usually your email address works well) and a password. The password must be at least eight characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. Write this down or save it in a password manager so you do not lose it.
Citi will then ask you security questions — usually things like your mother's maiden name or the city where you were born. Answer these carefully, because you will be asked to answer them again if you ever call customer service or need to reset your password. Once you finish, your account is live and you can log in when ready.
Logging in and making a payment
Go to citi.com and enter your username and password in the login box. If you are using a computer you trust (your home computer, not a library or shared device), you can check the box that says "Remember me" so you do not have to type your username next time.
Once you are logged in, look for a tab or link labeled "Payments" or "Pay my bill." Click it. You will see your current balance, your minimum payment due, and the due date. You can pay the full balance, the minimum, or any amount in between.
Enter the amount you want to pay. Citi will ask you to choose a payment method — you can pay from a checking or savings account (this is free), or from another credit card (Citi charges a fee for this, usually 3 percent). Select your account, review the amount one more time, and click "Confirm." The payment is submitted when ready.
Using the Citi Mobile App instead
If you prefer to pay on your phone, read the Citi Mobile App from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Log in with the same username and password you use on the website. The app shows your balance, due date, and recent transactions in the same way the website does.
To make a payment, tap the "Pay" button (usually at the bottom of the screen), enter your amount, choose your payment method, and confirm. The process is identical to the website. Payments made through the app post on the same schedule as website payments — within one business day if submitted before the cutoff.
The app also sends you reminders before your due date if you turn on notifications. This can help you avoid late payments if you tend to forget.
Setting up automatic payments
If you want your bill paid the same way every month without logging in, you can set up automatic payments through Citi. Log in to your account, go to the Payments section, and look for a link or button labeled "Set up automatic payments" or "Autopay."
You will choose the payment amount (full balance, minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount), the day of the month you want it paid, and the account it should come from. Citi will deduct the payment automatically on that day each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time by logging back in.
Automatic payments are useful if you want to avoid late fees, but make sure your bank account has enough money on the payment date. If the payment bounces, you may be charged an overdraft fee by your bank and a late fee by Citi.
What to do if you cannot log in
If you forget your username, go to citi.com and click "Forgot username?" on the login page. Enter your card number and date of birth. Citi will email your username to the address on file.
If you forget your password, click "Forgot password?" and follow the same steps. Citi will send you a link to reset it. The link expires after a few hours, so check your email right away.
If you do not receive an email, or if you cannot remember your card number or date of birth, call Citi customer service at the number on the back of your card. A representative can verify your identity using your Social Security number and other information, then reset your password or send you your username over the phone.
Payment timing and posting
Payments made online before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day post to your account the same day. Payments made after 8 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday post the next business day. This means if you pay on Friday evening, it will not post until Monday.
Your due date is the date by which Citi must receive your payment to avoid a late fee. If you pay online, the payment counts as received on the day it posts to your account, not the day you submit it. So if your due date is the 15th and you pay on the 14th at 9 p.m., your payment will post on the 15th and you will not be late — but it is close. To be safe, pay at least two business days before your due date.
If you are paying by mail or phone, the timing is different and slower. Online payments are the fastest way to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Sears credit card through the Sears website?
No. Sears credit cards are managed by Citibank, so all payments go through Citi's website or app, not Sears. The Sears website does not have a payment portal for credit cards. Always go to citi.com to pay.
What if I pay more than my balance?
If you pay more than you owe, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. Citi will explore it to your next bill, or you can request a refund by calling customer service. Credits do not earn interest.
Is it safe to pay my credit card online?
Citi uses encryption and security measures to protect your information when you pay online. Your username and password are your responsibility — do not share them, and do not log in on a shared or public computer. If you see charges you did not make, call Citi right away.
Can I pay my Sears card from a different bank account than the one I used to open it?
Yes. Once you are logged in, you can add a new bank account to your payment methods. Citi will verify the account by depositing and withdrawing small amounts (usually under a dollar), which takes one to two business days. After that, you can pay from that account.
What happens if my payment fails?
If your bank account does not have enough money, the payment will be rejected and you will see an error message on Citi's website. You will not be charged a fee by Citi, but your bank may charge you an overdraft fee. Try the payment again once you have added money to your account.