Should You Get the Shop Your Way Mastercard?

The Shop Your Way Mastercard is a store credit card Sears offers to their most loyal customers. Like any store card, it offers unique rewards and financing options when you shop at Sears and Kmart. However, a store card also comes with some drawbacks you should consider.

In this post, we will quickly cover the Shop Your Way Mastercard to see if it fits you.

What is the Shop Your Way Mastercard?

The Shop Your Way Mastercard is the primary credit card offered by Sears. It replaced previous Sears credit cards like the Sears Mastercard and the Sears Card.

With the Shop Your Way Mastercard, you can earn rewards points on your purchases at Sears, Kmart, and other partner merchants. The points can be redeemed for store credit or gift cards.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main benefits:

Earn 5% back in points at gas stations
Get 3% back at grocery stores, dining, and Shop Your Way partners
Receive 2% back at Sears and Kmart
Earn 1% back on all other purchases
$75 statement credit for spending $500 in the first 90 days (up to $225)
Special financing offers for major purchases
No annual fee

As you can see, the card is designed for Sears and Kmart shoppers who want to maximize their rewards. But should you get it? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.

Pros of the Shop Your Way Mastercard

Here are some potential advantages to having the Shop Your Way Mastercard:

Generous Welcome Bonus

New cardholders can earn a $75 statement credit when you spend $500 within the first 90 days, up to a maximum of $225 back. This makes it easy to earn over $200 back quickly if you were planning to shop at Sears anyway.

Solid Rewards for Sears Shoppers

The 5% back in points at gas stations is a rare return rate for a store card. But more importantly, you get 2% back in points at all Sears and Kmart purchases. If you frequently shop at these stores, the rewards can add up over time.

Special Financing Offers

Like most store cards, the Shop Your Way Mastercard offers deferred interest financing promotions on big purchases. As long as you pay the purchase off in full before the promotional period ends, you won’t owe any interest. This can make it easier to afford large items like appliances.

No Annual Fee

There is no annual fee to have the card, so you can keep it long term without having to justify it with frequent use.

Cons of the Shop Your Way Mastercard

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

Points Can Only Be Redeemed at Sears

The rewards points you earn with the Shop Your Way Mastercard can only be redeemed for statement credits or gift cards to use at Sears, Kmart, or partner merchants. If you want more flexible rewards, this isn’t the card for you.

High APR

The Shop Your Way Mastercard has a very high variable APR, currently around 27%. This makes it a very expensive card if you ever carry a balance month to month. It’s best to pay off your statement balance in full each month.

Reportedly Difficult Credit Line Increases

Some cardholders report that Sears rarely approves credit line increase requests. This can limit the usefulness of the card if you want to make large purchases.

Who Should Get the Shop Your Way Mastercard?

Given the pros and cons, here are the types of consumers who could benefit most from the Shop Your Way Mastercard:

Loyal Sears Shoppers

If you frequently shop at Sears, Kmart, or Sears partner merchants, the 2% to 5% rewards can add up quickly. Just be sure you’re comfortable with redeeming points for Sears credit.

Those Looking to Build Credit

The Shop Your Way Mastercard is easier to qualify for than many other credit cards, including those with no annual fee. If you need to build your credit, it can be a useful starter card. Just be sure to pay your bill on time and keep balances low.

Anyone Who Can Maximize the Welcome Bonus

With the potential to earn a $225 statement credit quickly from the welcome offer, signing up for the card makes sense if you were planning a major Sears purchase anyway. Just make sure to cancel later if you won’t use it frequently.

How to Apply for the Shop Your Way Mastercard

If the Shop Your Way Mastercard seems like a good fit, here are two ways to apply:

Apply Online

You can submit an application any time at the shop your way website. You’ll need to provide personal information like your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security Number.

After submitting the application, you’ll receive an instant decision. If approved, you can begin using your new card account immediately for online purchases.

Apply In-Store

Another option is to apply for the Shop Your Way Mastercard when checking out at any Sears or Kmart store location. The cashier can submit the application for you.

If approved, you can start using the card right away for that initial in-store purchase. Just keep in mind that the cashier will likely need to call for an approval decision, so the application process may take longer than applying online.

Alternatives to the Shop Your Way Mastercard

The Shop Your Way Mastercard is certainly not the only store credit card option out there. Here are a few popular competitors to consider:

Walmart Rewards Card

The Walmart Rewards Card offers 5% back on Walmart.com purchases, 2% back on gas, and 1% back on all other purchases. Rewards can be redeemed for store credit or cash back. If you shop at Walmart frequently, this card could be a better option than the Shop Your Way Mastercard.

Target REDcard

Save 5% on all Target purchases with the Target REDcard. It also offers an extra 30 days for returns and free 2 day shipping. The 5% discount usually beats out earning points.

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa

Amazon Prime members can earn 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases with this card. It also offers 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores. If you’re a Prime member who shops frequently on Amazon, this card out earns the Shop Your Way Mastercard.

Citi Custom Cash Card

The Citi Custom Cash Card allows you to earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent each month in your top eligible spending category (excluding groceries). All other purchases earn 1% back. This can maximize your rewards if you don’t have a single store you’re loyal to.

Shop Your Way Mastercard Login Procedure

Once you’ve been approved for the Shop Your Way Mastercard, you’ll want to log in and register your account online. Here are some tips for logging in:

Go to www.shopyourway.com and look for the “Sign In” link at the top right.
Click “Credit Account” and enter your card number and security code.
On your first login, you’ll need to provide personal details and create a username and password.
For future logins, just enter your username and password.
Through your online account, you can view your balance, available credit, and past statements.
You can also make payments, set up autopay, manage account notifications, and more.

Keeping an eye on your Shop Your Way account online is important for monitoring your spending and making timely payments. Be sure to log in each month to review your statement balance and activity.

Making Payments on the Shop Your Way Mastercard

When it comes time to pay your Shop Your Way credit card bill, you have a few different options:

Pay online – Log into your account and make a one-time or recurring payment from your bank account.
Pay by phone – Call the number on the back of your card to make a payment.
Pay by mail – Send a check or money order to the payment address listed on your statement.
Pay in person – Take cash, check, or money order to a Sears or Kmart store.
Set up autopay – You can automatically pay either the minimum, statement balance, or fixed amount each month from your checking account.

To avoid interest charges, always be sure to pay at least the minimum payment by the due date each month. Paying the full statement balance is ideal to keep your balance at $0.

Review your statement carefully each month and choose a payment option that works best based on your needs and financial situation.