Where to send your Sears MasterCard payment

Your Sears MasterCard is issued by Citibank, not by Sears itself. This means you send payments to Citibank's payment processing center, not to a Sears store or the Sears website. The payment address and instructions appear on your monthly statement and in your online account.

You have three main ways to pay: online through your Citibank account, by phone, or by mail. Each method has different timing rules for when the payment posts to your account, which matters if you are close to a due date.

Key Takeaways

  • Payments go to Citibank, the card issuer, not to Sears — the address is on your statement or in your online account.
  • Online payments usually post the same day or next business day; phone and mail payments take longer and may incur late fees if timed poorly.
  • Your due date is printed on your statement, and interest charges begin the day after if you pay less than the full balance.
  • If you miss a payment, Citibank reports it to credit bureaus after 30 days, which can lower your credit score.

Paying online through your Citibank account

Log in to your Citibank account at the website or through the Citibank mobile app. From your account dashboard, select the Sears MasterCard and choose "Make a Payment." You can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between.

Online payments post immediately or by the next business day, depending on the time you submit. If you pay before midnight on your due date, the payment will post in time to avoid a late fee. Citibank does not charge a fee for online payments made from a bank account you own.

Paying by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your Sears MasterCard. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then confirm your bank account or debit card information. Phone payments are free.

Phone payments typically post within one to three business days. Because of this delay, you should call at least three business days before your due date if you want to avoid a late fee. If you call on a Friday, for example, the payment may not post until Tuesday, which could be after your Monday due date.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to Citibank. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your statement under "Payment Address" — this is different from the statement mailing address.

Mail payments take five to seven business days to reach Citibank and post to your account. Send your payment at least two weeks before your due date to be safe. Citibank will not consider a payment late if it is postmarked before the due date, but it may not post in time to prevent interest charges if the payment arrives after the statement closing date.

What happens if you miss a payment

A payment is late if it does not post by 5 p.m. Eastern time on your due date. Citibank charges a late fee — the amount depends on your account terms but typically ranges from $25 to $40 for the first late payment. Your interest rate may also increase if you have a promotional rate.

After 30 days past due, Citibank reports the late payment to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This report stays on your credit report for seven years and can lower your credit score by 100 points or more. After 120 days past due, Citibank may close your account and send the debt to a collection agency.

Interest charges and the grace period

If you pay your full statement balance by the due date, you pay no interest on new purchases. This is called the grace period. If you carry a balance from the previous month or pay less than the full amount, interest begins accruing on the day after your statement closing date, even if you are not yet late.

The interest rate on your Sears MasterCard varies based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions. Check your statement or account for your current Annual Percentage Rate (APR). If you have a promotional rate — such as 0% APR for 12 months — interest charges begin immediately if you miss a payment or fall below the minimum payment.

Setting up automatic payments

You can set up automatic payments through your Citibank account to pay a fixed amount on a set date each month. This removes the risk of forgetting a due date. You can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a custom amount.

Automatic payments post on the date you select, usually within one business day. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, Citibank processes the payment on the next business day. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Sears MasterCard at a Sears store?

No. Sears stores do not accept Sears MasterCard payments. You must pay through Citibank online, by phone, or by mail. Sears credit cards issued directly by Sears (not the MasterCard version) may have different payment options, but the MasterCard version is a Citibank product.

What is the minimum payment and why does it matter?

Your minimum payment is printed on your statement and is usually 1% to 3% of your balance plus any fees and interest. Paying only the minimum means you carry a balance and pay interest. You will also miss the grace period on new purchases. Paying the full balance avoids all interest charges.

What if I pay more than I owe?

Citibank holds the overpayment as a credit on your account. You can use it toward future purchases, or you can request a refund by calling customer service. Refunds typically take five to seven business days to appear in your bank account.

Can I change my due date?

Yes. Log into your Citibank account and look for "Account Settings" or "Billing." You can usually move your due date to any day of the month. The change takes effect on your next statement. This can help if your due date falls before payday.

What should I do if my payment was lost in the mail?

Call Citibank immediately and ask them to check whether the payment posted. If it has not arrived after two weeks, ask for a reference number and file a claim with your bank or postal service. In the meantime, make another payment online or by phone to avoid a late fee while you investigate.