Still shopping at Sears or Kmart and wondering if their credit card pulls its weight? The Sears credit card promises Shop Your Way points and a familiar name, but the real story is in the fine print. If you are trying to build or rebuild credit, the numbers matter even more.
This review breaks down what the Sears credit card actually offers in 2026, what it costs, and who it fits. Then we will look at credit-builder cards that may be a better starting point if your score is still growing.
What Is the Sears Credit Card?
The Sears credit card, now issued through Citi as the Shop Your Way Mastercard, ties into the Shop Your Way rewards program. It works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, not just at Sears and Kmart locations.
You earn points on everyday spending and can redeem them for purchases at Sears, Kmart, and Sears Home Services. The card has no annual fee, which is a plus. But like most store-linked cards, approval can still be tough if you have thin or damaged credit.
Sears Credit Card Rewards
The rewards structure is tiered. As of June 2026, the Sears credit card earns 5% back in points at gas stations, 3% back at grocery stores and restaurants on the first $10,000 of combined gas, grocery, and restaurant spending each year, then 1% after that. You also get 2% back at Sears, Kmart, and Sears Home Services, and 1% back on everything else.
Those gas and grocery rates are solid for a no-annual-fee card. The catch is that points are most valuable when redeemed inside the Shop Your Way ecosystem, which has shrunk as Sears and Kmart stores have closed.
Sears Credit Card Fees and APR
Here is where caution comes in. As of June 2026, the Sears credit card carries a regular APR around 33.24% variable, with the same rate on cash advances. That is well above the average credit card interest rate, and it can erase your rewards fast if you carry a balance.
There is no annual fee, which softens the blow. Still, a card this expensive to carry only makes sense if you pay the full balance every month. Terms and conditions apply, and APRs vary by creditworthiness.
Who Should Consider the Sears Credit Card?
The Sears credit card may suit a frequent Shop Your Way shopper who never carries a balance and wants the gas and grocery points. For everyone else, especially anyone rebuilding credit, the high APR is a real risk.
If your main goal is to build a credit history you can be proud of, a dedicated credit-builder card is usually the smarter move. These cards are designed to report to all three bureaus and help your score grow over time. The first one worth a look is the Self Visa Credit Card, which pairs a small savings plan with a real card. You can learn more about the Self Visa® Credit Card and how it reports your progress.
Another option that skips the deposit and links to your spending is the Current Build Card. It uses money you set aside to back your purchases, so you can build payment history without the high interest charges that come with a card like the Sears credit card.
Current Build Card
Current Build Card
$0 annual fee. No minimum deposit required. No credit check required. 1 point per dollar on eligible categories. Reports to Experian, TransUnion, Equifax.
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
1 point/dollar on eligible categories (with qualifying payroll deposit)
Benefit
No credit check, no deposit minimum
If you want a low-cost, simple path with no hard credit check to start, the Kikoff Secured Credit Card is built around small, manageable limits that keep utilization low and reporting steady. It is a gentle on-ramp for first-time builders.
Kikoff Secured Credit Card
Kikoff Secured Credit Card
Kikoff Secured Credit Card works like a debit card & checking account and performs like a credit builder. Build credit with your everyday purchases.
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
Yes
Benefit
0% interest. No credit check.
How These Compare to the Sears Credit Card
The Sears credit card is a rewards-first card with a punishing APR. The credit-builder cards above flip the priority. They focus on reporting your on-time payments and keeping your costs low while your score grows.
If you already have strong credit and pay in full, the Sears card's points can pay off. If you are still building, a secured credit card or a credit-builder card is typically the lower-risk choice. You can compare more first-card options in our guide to the best credit cards for beginners.
Tips for Building Credit the Smart Way
Pay on time, every time, since payment history is the biggest factor in your score. Keep your balance well under your limit, ideally below 30%. Check your credit regularly so you can catch errors early. Tools like Creditship.ai can help you monitor your progress and understand what is moving your score.
Starting with credit-building products and graduating to rewards cards later is a proven path. There is no rush to chase a high-APR store card before your foundation is solid.
Is the Sears Credit Card Worth It?
For a disciplined Shop Your Way loyalist who pays in full, the Sears credit card can earn meaningful points with no annual fee. For almost everyone else, the roughly 33% APR is a steep price. If you are building credit, start with a card designed for that job instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sears credit card hard to get?
Approval depends on your credit profile. As a Citi-issued Mastercard, it generally favors applicants with at least fair credit. If you have thin or damaged credit, a credit-builder card may be easier to qualify for.
Does the Sears credit card have an annual fee?
No. As of June 2026, the Sears credit card has no annual fee. The bigger cost to watch is its high variable APR, which applies if you carry a balance.
Can I still use Sears credit card points if stores are closing?
Points are tied to the Shop Your Way program and are most useful for Sears, Kmart, and Sears Home Services purchases. With fewer locations open, redemption options have narrowed, so check current terms before counting on rewards.
What is a good alternative to the Sears credit card for building credit?
Credit-builder cards like the Self Visa, Current Build Card, or Kikoff Secured card are designed to report on-time payments and keep costs low. They are often a better fit than a high-APR store card if you are still building your score.
