Can I Pay My Sears Bill At Kmart? A Complete Guide

For many years, Sears and Kmart operated as sister retailers under the Sears Holdings Corporation umbrella This allowed customers with Sears credit cards to easily pay their bill at local Kmart stores. However, after Sears filed for bankruptcy in 2018, the company closed many locations, leaving Kmart standing largely on its own

This situation has led many Sears credit card holders to ask: can I still pay my Sears bill at Kmart?

The short answer is yes! Despite no longer sharing a parent company, Kmart continues to maintain a close relationship with Sears. This allows Kmart stores to accept payments for Sears credit card accounts as a convenience to customers.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about paying your Sears credit card bill at Kmart. This includes:

• A brief history of Sears and Kmart’s relationship
• How Sears cards work at Kmart today
• What to bring to make a payment
• Step-by-step instructions for paying at Kmart
• Helpful tips for a smooth payment process
• Frequently asked questions

Let’s start with a quick refresher on the Sears and Kmart connection.

A Brief History of Sears and Kmart

Sears and Kmart have been closely linked American retail chains for decades. In 2005, Sears purchased Kmart and formed the Sears Holdings Corporation to consolidate business operations.

For over 10 years under this structure, Sears and Kmart essentially functioned as two brands under the same corporate parent. Many locations were even co-branded as “Sears inside Kmart” superstores to share real estate.

However, Sears Holdings began to struggle financially in the 2010s due to shifting consumer habits and the rise of online shopping. After filing for bankruptcy protection in 2018, Sears closed many locations.

Today hundreds of Kmart stores remain in operation while only a handful of Sears locations are still open. So what does this mean for Sears credit card holders?

How Sears Credit Cards Still Work at Kmart

Despite Sears’ bankruptcy, your Sears credit card can still be used to make payments at Kmart This is because

• In 2019, a company called Transform Holdco acquired Kmart and other Sears assets out of bankruptcy.

• As part of this acquisition, Transform Holdco licensed the Kmart brand name and the Sears credit card program from Sears.

So while no longer corporate siblings, Kmart and Sears maintain a business relationship through Transform Holdco. This relationship allows Kmart to continue accepting Sears credit cards as a customer convenience.

Essentially, Sears credit cards function at Kmart locations just as they did prior to the Sears bankruptcy. The cards are still treated as fully valid and accounts can be accessed to make payments.

What to Bring to Pay Your Sears Credit Card Bill at Kmart

Making an in-person payment on your Sears credit card bill at Kmart is easy. Here are the three things you need to bring:

• Sears Credit Card – Don’t forget the actual card itself! The card number is required for the payment process.

• Government-Issued Photo ID – Kmart will request a valid driver’s license or other ID to confirm your identity.

• Payment – Cash, money order, or check for the amount due. Kmart does not accept credit/debit cards for Sears payments.

While not required, bringing your most recent Sears statement or payment slip can speed up the process. But the above three items are all that is necessary for Kmart to post a payment to your Sears account.

Step-by-Step Guide to Paying at Kmart

Here is a simple walkthrough of the payment process once you are inside a Kmart store:

1. Locate the customer service desk or payment counter – this is usually near the front of the store.

2. Inform the clerk you need to make a Sears credit card payment.

3. Provide your Sears card and photo ID when requested.

4. Indicate if you know the balance due or need the clerk to lookup the amount.

5. When the payment amount is determined, give the clerk your cash, check, or money order.

6. Get a receipt as proof of payment.

7. The payment will be applied to your Sears account within 1-2 business days.

It only takes a few minutes for Kmart clerks to access your Sears account details and process a payment. The payment confirmation receipt provides peace of mind that your bill is paid.

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Kmart Payment

Follow these tips for the best experience when paying your Sears card bill at Kmart:

• Call ahead to check payment counter hours, which may be limited.

• Have your Sears account number handy to simplify account lookup.

• Know your balance beforehand or bring a recent statement.

• Make sure to have the exact payment amount in cash, check, or money order.

• Obtain a receipt as confirmation until the payment appears on your next Sears statement.

• If making a large payment, call the store first to ensure they can process it.

• Save the store’s customer service phone number in case you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making Sears credit card payments at Kmart:

What forms of payment does Kmart accept for Sears bills?

Kmart accepts cash, checks, and money orders for Sears card payments. Credit/debit cards are not accepted.

Is there a maximum payment amount I can make at Kmart?

Most Kmart locations can process high Sears payments, but calling ahead ensures the store can accept large amounts.

Can I get a receipt for my records?

Yes, make sure to obtain a receipt from the clerk to confirm your payment until it appears on your next Sears statement.

What are the customer service desk hours for payments?

Hours vary by location. Calling ahead is recommended to check payment counter hours, which may be limited.

Do I need to provide my Sears account number?

No, the clerk can look up your account with the Sears card. But having your account number handy does simplify the lookup process.

Convenient In-Person Payment Option

For Sears credit card holders with limited time, paying bills in person at Kmart can be much more convenient than mailing payments or paying online. With a few simple steps, your Sears financial obligations can be handled quickly during a routine shopping trip.

Now that you know what to bring, where to go, tips for smooth payments, and commonly asked questions about the process, paying your Sears credit card bill at Kmart will be a breeze. Just look for the customer service counter on your next visit and cross that payment off your to-do list!