Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
Shop Your Way Mastercard Review (2024)
Shop Your Way Mastercard At A Glance
The Shop Your Way (SYW) Credit Card, issued by Citi, is designed to provide substantial rewards for frequent shoppers at Sears, Kmart, grocery stores, and gas stations. It features no annual fee, competitive rewards points rates, and special financing offers, making it an attractive option for everyday purchases and specific spending categories.
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy the benefits of the card without any annual fee.
- Cash Back:
- 5% back on eligible purchases at gas stations.
- 3% back on eligible purchases at grocery stores and restaurants.
- 1% back on all other eligible purchases.
- Special Financing Offers: Access to special financing deals at Sears and Kmart.
- Bonus Points: Earn extra points on Sears and Kmart purchases.
- Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy exclusive discounts and promotions.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Redeem points for gift cards, statement credits, or cash back.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2026", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Cash Back", "headerHint" : "Cash Back" } ]]
What Users On Reddit Are Saying
The Citi Shop Your Way Rewards (SYW) Credit Card has garnered mixed reviews on platforms like Reddit. The general consensus among Reddit users is that the Shop Your Way Rewards credit card offers significant benefits, particularly in terms of personalized offers. Here are some highlights from user experiences:
- High Cash Back Offers: Users have reported receiving targeted offers, such as “Make $800 in online purchases and get an $80 statement credit."
- Sign-Up Bonus: While the card includes a sign-up bonus, some users have mentioned delays in receiving the card.
- Gas Station Rewards: The card offers 5% cash back on gas, which is a notable benefit.
- Rewards Accumulation: Some users have amassed significant rewards, with one user reporting over $5,200 worth of rewards since 2019.
cauerit: “Honestly one of my best cards. Each quarter for the past year I’ve been getting grocery, restaurant, gas spend offers such as 10% back when you spend $700 or more each month up to $80. This is on top of the everyday rewards the card receives - effectively giving me 13% back on restaurants and groceries, 15% back on gas.”
rickdaddyrutherford: “Yes - it’s a shockingly good card. The system is a bit ‘clunky’, but the bonuses are crazy. I just use the points for Amazon gift cards.”
Getting Started with the Shop Your Way Mastercard
How to Activate Your Shop Your Way (SYW) Mastercard
Activating your Citi Shop Your Way Credit Card is an essential first step to ensure your card is secure and ready for use. The activation process is straightforward and can be completed online through shopyourway.com or by phone. To activate, you will need your account number, the security code on the card, and the phone number associated with the account. Once activated, you can start earning rewards points and taking advantage of the card’s benefits.
Importance of Activating Your Shop Your Way Mastercard
Activation is crucial to prevent unauthorized use and ensure that your account is fully functional. Follow the steps outlined to activate your Shop Your Way (SYW) Credit Card online or call customer support at 1-800-669-8488.
Dive into Rewards with Shop Your Way
What is the Shop Your Way Program?
The Shop Your Way (SYW) program is a comprehensive rewards and loyalty program designed to offer substantial benefits to cardholders. By using your Shop Your Way Credit Card for eligible purchases, you can earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards, statement credits, or even cash back. Partner stores and online shopping provide additional opportunities to earn and redeem points, enhancing your overall shopping experience.
Benefits for Shop Your Way Cardholders
Cardholders can earn points on every purchase, with special bonuses for spending at Sears, Kmart, grocery stores, and gas stations. Points can be redeemed in various ways, offering flexibility to match your spending habits. Additional benefits include exclusive discounts, bonus points, and special financing deals at Sears and Kmart.
Choosing the Right Credit Card for You
Who Should Get the Shop Your Way Mastercard?
The Shop Your Way Mastercard is ideal for those who frequently shop at Sears, grocery stores, and gas stations. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals who want to earn points on everyday purchases beyond just shopping at Sears. Understanding the credit score requirements and the absence of an annual fee are crucial considerations for prospective cardholders.
Understanding the Sears Connection
How Does the Shop Your Way Mastercard Work?
The Shop Your Way Mastercard, issued by Citi, is often associated with Sears and Kmart, but its benefits extend far beyond these stores. While it does offer exclusive perks for shopping at Sears and Kmart, such as special financing offers and additional points on Sears purchases, it’s not limited to these retailers.
Exclusive Benefits at Sears and Kmart:
- Special Financing Offers: Cardholders can take advantage of special financing deals at Sears and Kmart, allowing for more flexible payment options on large purchases.
- Bonus Points: Earn extra rewards points on all purchases made at Sears and Kmart, enhancing the value of your shopping experience at these stores.
Comparing with the Sears Credit Card:
- Shop Your Way Mastercard: Offers broader rewards categories and higher cash back rates on everyday purchases, making it more suitable for general spending.
- Sears Credit Card: Primarily focused on purchases made at Sears and Kmart, with specific financing offers tailored to these stores.
Innovative Shopping and Payment Solutions
Can EBT be Used to Make a Purchase Using Scan & Go™ Checkout?
Scan & Go™ technology provides a fast, in-store checkout experience, accepting various payment methods. However, EBT is not eligible for Scan & Go™ purchases. Shop Your Way members can use alternative payment solutions like the Shop Your Way Credit Card for a seamless shopping experience.
Shop Your Way Key Features and Benefits Across the Board
The Shop Your Way Mastercard offers several key features that make it an attractive option for frequent shoppers:
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy all the benefits of the card without an annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice.
- Cash Back on Eligible Purchases: Earn cash back on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants.
- Interest Charges and Fees: Understand the interest charges, balance transfer fees, and foreign transaction fees to manage your credit responsibly.
- Exclusive Cardholder Perks: Access bonus points, exclusive discounts, and special financing deals to maximize your savings.
Compare the Shop Your Way Credit Card to Other Credit Cards
Shop Your Way Credit Card vs. Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card
The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is a secured credit card designed to help build credit by reporting to all major credit bureaus. It offers no annual fees, no interest, and no credit check to apply, making it a cost-effective option compared to the Shop Your Way Credit Card.
- Annual Fee: $0 (Chime) vs. $0 (Shop Your Way)
- Credit Limit: Based on the security deposit (Chime) vs. determined by creditworthiness (Shop Your Way)
- APR: 0% (Chime) vs. variable APR based on creditworthiness (Shop Your Way)
- Benefits: The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card does not charge high fees or interest rates and helps build credit by reporting to all major credit bureaus. Unlike the Shop Your Way Credit Card, it doesn’t offer rewards points on purchases.
In summary, the Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is a better option for those looking to build credit without incurring high fees or interest rates. However, it lacks the rewards points program offered by the Shop Your Way Credit Card.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3069", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Boosting Your Credit Score", "headerHint" : "CREDIT BUILDER" } ]]
Shop Your Way Credit Card vs. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers valuable rewards and no annual fee, making it a more attractive option for those looking to build or rebuild their credit.
- Annual Fee: $0 (Discover) vs. $0 (Shop Your Way)
- Credit Limit: Based on the security deposit (Discover) vs. determined by creditworthiness (Shop Your Way)
- APR: 28.24% (Discover) vs. variable APR based on creditworthiness (Shop Your Way)
- Benefits: The Discover it Secured Credit Card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) and 1% on all other purchases. Discover will also match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. The card requires a security deposit but it can be refunded if you graduate to an unsecured card. Like the Shop Your Way Credit Card, it reports to all three major credit bureaus.
In summary, the Discover it Secured Credit Card provides more value with its rewards program and lack of annual fee, making it a better option for those looking to build or rebuild their credit. However, the Shop Your Way Credit Card offers rewards points and special financing deals, which may appeal to frequent shoppers at Sears and Kmart.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "827", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Boosting Your Credit Score", "headerHint" : "Cash Back" } ]]
Shop Your Way Mastercard: Our Expert Takeaway
Using credit cards wisely is crucial for maximizing rewards and managing your finances. The Shop Your Way Credit Card offers substantial benefits, especially for frequent shoppers at Sears and Kmart. However, its high APR and limited redemption options might not make it the best choice for everyone. Always read the terms and conditions of any credit card before you apply to ensure it aligns with your financial goals.
For expert advice on choosing the right credit card and maximizing your rewards, we recommend using the free tool Kudos. Kudos is an AI-powered smart wallet that helps you find the best credit card for your purchases and can double your rewards at over 15,000 participating stores.
Shop Your Way Mastercard FAQs
What is a Shop Your Way Mastercard?
The Shop Your Way Mastercard is a rewards credit card issued by Citi, offering points on everyday purchases and special benefits at Sears and Kmart.
What is the phone number for Shop Your Way Mastercard?
You can contact Shop Your Way Mastercard customer service at 1-800-669-8488.
How do I redeem my Shop Your Way points?
Redeem your Shop Your Way points online at shopyourway.com or through the Shop Your Way app for gift cards, statement credits, or cash back.
What is the foreign transaction fee for Shop Your Way Card?
The foreign transaction fee for the Shop Your Way Card is 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Can I use a store Mastercard anywhere?
Yes, you can use the Shop Your Way Mastercard anywhere Mastercard is accepted, not just at Sears and Kmart.
Is Shop Your Way free?
Yes, the Shop Your Way program is free to join, allowing members to earn and redeem points without any cost.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
