If you’re in the market for a new personal credit card, one option to consider is to go through Sears. Sears has two different card holder choices: a store credit card (Sears Card) or their Sears MasterCard. I’ll discuss their differences in a moment. Both cards require a quick application process at sears.com or in a Sears store and are sponsored by Citibank.
First, we’ll take a look at the Sears Card. This card can be used at any Sears store or affiliate, including K-Mart, the Great Indoors, Lands End and more.
Pros:
This card has a rewards system based on points. Once you add up enough points, you can start to redeem them for rewards for items such as restaurant gift cards, Sears merchandise, and airline tickets. Sears offers both online bill pay and paperless billing for your convenience as a card holder. You can also add additional users to your account at no extra cost. As a card holder, you will start to receive monthly savings through Sears as well as special finance offers. You will be notified by email of special events and sales in advance as well. This is crucial for when you’re looking to get a head start on holiday season shopping or Black Friday finds. On a more financial note, the Sears Card has $0 liability on unauthorized purchases and offers account protection. There are no annual fees and no interest on certain products when paid in full within 12 months. Finally, you will be protected by Citibank’s Citi Identity Theft Solutions. This card is a great opportunity to save some extra money if you are a loyal customer to Sears.
Cons:
Unfortunately, the Sears Card does have fairly high APR when compared to other credit cards on the market. The APR is roughly 25%, but can fluctuate depending on your application. Also, it may take a long time to start seeing rewards through their point program due to the fact many require over 1000 in order to redeem.
For more information, or to apply for the Sears Card, visit: https://www.citibank.com/us/cards/srs/searsCard.jsp
Second, is the Sears MasterCard. This card is more versatile than the Sears store credit card because you can shop anywhere MasterCard is accepted, not just at Sears stores. It is advertised as the “only card that combines the purchasing power of MasterCard with optional Sears Choice Rewards.”
Pros:
This card has the same tactical benefits as the Sears Card does, including no annual fees, online bill pay and Citi Identity Theft Solutions. This card, however, can also be used for withdrawing cash at ATMs and other branch banks around the world. Also, as a Sears MasterCard holder, you have the opportunity to check your credit score at anytime at no cost. Lastly, when shopping at Sears stores, there will be no need for you to hold on to your receipts because when you use your Sears MasterCard, that is all you will need for proof or purchase in order to return or exchange an item.
Cons:
To obtain a Sears MasterCard, you cannot apply online. So you will have to apply in store, but the process is quick and painless. One thing to keep in mind is that there have been some incidents and complaints concerning the Sears customer service with the MasterCard members. I cannot speak directly on that topic, because I have not dealt with the quality of their customer service personally. Also, keep in mind that when you’re looking to redeem your rewards points that your choices may be limited and your points do expire within 3 years.
For more information about the Sears MasterCard, visit:https://www.citibank.com/us/cards/srs/masterCard.jsp
So, it’s up to you. Is Sears Card or is Sears MasterCard right for you? If you are an avid shopper at Sears stores and their affiliate locations, then I think it’s a great option, especially if you’re trying to save a little bit of extra money.
