Where to log in to your Sears card account
The Sears card is issued by Citibank, so you log in through Citi's website or mobile app, not through Sears directly. Go to citiprepaid.com or download the Citi mobile app, then enter your username and password. If you have never set up an online account, you will need to register first using your card number and other identifying information.
You can also call the customer service number on the back of your physical Sears card to make a payment by phone without logging in. This route takes about 10 minutes and does not require you to remember a password.
Key Takeaways
- Log in at citiprepaid.com or through the Citi mobile app using your username and password, not through a Sears website.
- If you do not have an online account yet, register using your card number and personal information before you can pay online.
- You can pay by phone by calling the number on the back of your card, and you do not need to log in to do this.
- Payments made online or by phone usually post within one to two business days, though the exact timing depends on when you submit the payment.
- Late payments trigger a fee and can raise your interest rate, so set a payment reminder if your due date is easy to forget.
Steps to set up your online account if you are logging in for the first time
Visit citiprepaid.com and look for a link that says "Register" or "Enroll." You will need your Sears card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Citi will ask you to create a username and password, then send a verification code to your email or phone number on file.
Once you have verified your identity, you can log in and see your balance, recent transactions, and due date. Save your username and password somewhere secure, or use your browser's password manager so you do not have to type them every time.
How to pay your bill online after you log in
After logging in, look for a button or link labeled "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now." Select the amount you want to pay — you can pay your full balance, the minimum due, or any amount in between. Choose your payment method: you can pay from a checking or savings account (this is free), or use a debit card (some providers charge a fee for this).
Enter the account number and routing number for your bank account, or your debit card details. Review the payment amount and date one more time before you submit. Citi will show you a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot. The payment usually posts within one to two business days, though weekend and holiday delays can extend this.
Paying by phone if you do not want to log in online
Call the number printed on the back of your Sears card. A representative will ask for your card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Tell them the amount you want to pay and whether you want to pay from your bank account or debit card.
Phone payments are free when you pay from a bank account. The representative will give you a confirmation number before you hang up. Keep this number in case you need to track the payment later. Like online payments, phone payments usually post within one to two business days.
What happens if you miss a payment or pay late
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your statement, Citi will charge a late fee. The amount of this fee depends on your card terms, but it is typically between $25 and $35 for the first late payment. A second late payment in the same billing cycle may trigger a higher fee.
More importantly, a late payment can raise your interest rate. Citi may increase your APR (annual percentage rate) if you are 30 or more days late. This higher rate applies to any new purchases you make and can stay in place for six months or longer. If you are more than 60 days late, the card issuer may report the account to credit bureaus, which damages your credit score and makes it harder to borrow money in the future.
If you realize you will be late, call Citi before the due date and explain your situation. Some cardholders can negotiate a one-time waiver of the late fee or a temporary lower interest rate, though this is not may provide.
Setting up automatic payments so you do not forget
Most cardholders avoid late payments by setting up automatic payments through their bank or through Citi's website. Log in to citiprepaid.com, find the "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" section, and choose whether you want to pay your full balance, your minimum due, or a fixed amount each month.
Select the date you want the payment to come out — many people choose a date shortly after they get paid, so the money is available in their account. Automatic payments are free and will continue every month until you cancel them. If your balance changes, the payment amount adjusts automatically (if you chose "full balance" or "minimum due") or stays the same (if you chose a fixed amount).
Even with automatic payments, check your statement each month to make sure the payment went through. Occasionally a payment fails because of insufficient funds or a closed bank account, and you want to catch this before you are late.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forgot my password?
Go to citiprepaid.com and click "Forgot Password" on the login page. Citi will send a reset link to your email address or a verification code to your phone number on file. Follow the instructions to create a new password. This usually takes a few minutes.
Can I pay my Sears card bill through the Sears website?
No. Sears card payments are handled by Citibank, not by Sears. You must log in at citiprepaid.com or call the number on your card. Paying through any other website or service could delay your payment or send money to the wrong place.
Is there a fee to pay my bill online?
No fee if you pay from your bank account. Paying with a debit card may trigger a fee depending on your card issuer's policy — Citi will tell you the fee amount before you confirm the payment. Phone payments are always free.
How do I know if my payment was received?
After you submit a payment online or by phone, you will receive a confirmation number. Log back into your account a day or two later and check your transaction history to see the payment listed. You can also call customer service to confirm the payment posted.
What if I want to dispute a charge on my Sears card?
Call the number on the back of your card and tell the representative you want to dispute a transaction. Citi will ask you to describe the problem and may send you a dispute form to sign and return. The investigation usually takes 30 to 60 days, and Citi will credit your account temporarily while they investigate.