Shop Your Way Credit Card New Issuer 2026: 5 Key Changes

The Shop Your Way credit card has a new issuer. See 5 key changes after Citi, from new rewards to what happens to your old card. Updated 2026.

11/1/202611 min read

You pull out your Shop Your Way card at the checkout and something feels off. The branding is different, the bonus offers you counted on are gone, and the rewards you remember no longer match what you see on your statement. If you are feeling confused, you are far from alone. The Shop Your Way credit card new issuer 2026 story has left many cardholders asking the same question: what happened to my old card?

This guide explains it in plain language. You will learn who issues the Shop Your Way credit card now, what happened to the Citi version, and what to do next whether you are an existing cardholder or a new applicant. We break everything down into five key changes, then walk you through your options and how to avoid scams that take advantage of the confusion.

Quick note: this guide is independent and is not affiliated with Citi, Shop Your Way, Sears, Kmart, or the new card issuer. Details come from public reports and third-party sources, and card terms change often, so always confirm dates, rates, and fees on the official pages and in your own account notices.

Quick Answer: Who Issues the Shop Your Way Credit Card Now?

The original Citi Shop Your Way Mastercard was discontinued on November 3, 2025. Citi converted existing accounts to a standard Citi-branded Mastercard. The new Shop Your Way credit card, sometimes called the Shop Your Way 5321 Visa, is reported to be issued by First Bank & Trust of Brookings, South Dakota, under a Visa license. It is a separate card with its own application, terms, and rewards. Confirm the current issuer on the official Shop Your Way page before you apply.

Timeline at a Glance

When What happened

2017 Citi and Sears launch the Shop Your Way Mastercard

October 2018 Sears files for bankruptcy; a limited number of stores remain open

April 2025 The separate Sears Mastercard is converted to the Citi ThankYou Mastercard

July 2025 Citi stops accepting new Shop Your Way Mastercard applications

November 3, 2025 The Shop Your Way Mastercard is discontinued and existing accounts are converted

Mid-November 2025 A new Shop Your Way card opens for applications with a different issuer

2026 Converted accounts and the new card operate under separate terms

Change 1: The Citi Shop Your Way Mastercard Was Discontinued

The first and biggest change is the simplest to state: the Citi Shop Your Way Mastercard no longer exists as a product. Understanding how it got here helps explain why.

A Short Background

Citi and Sears launched the Shop Your Way Mastercard in 2017. Sears filed for bankruptcy in October 2018, but a limited number of Sears stores stayed open and the card kept accepting new applications for years. The card built a loyal following, mostly because of its recurring, limited-time spending bonuses, which let many existing customers earn unusually high returns on certain purchases.

How the Shutdown Unfolded

The wind-down happened in stages, which is part of why so many people are confused:

  • April 2025: The separate Sears Mastercard was renamed and converted to the Citi ThankYou Mastercard. Cardholders received a new card in the mail and were told to destroy the old one.

  • July 2025: Citi removed the Shop Your Way Mastercard from its retail card page and stopped accepting new applications.

  • November 3, 2025: The Shop Your Way Mastercard officially ended. Cardholders stopped earning Shop Your Way additional category points on that date, and their accounts were converted.

If you are searching for a way to apply for the Citi version today, that door is closed. The Shop Your Way Mastercard discontinued announcement means there is no Citi application to find, and any page claiming otherwise is outdated.

Change 2: Existing Accounts Were Converted to a Standard Citi Mastercard

If you already had the card, you did not lose your account. Citi converted existing Shop Your Way Mastercard accounts to a Citi-branded Mastercard. This is the Citi Shop Your Way card converted into a regular card, without the Shop Your Way name or the Shop Your Way rewards structure.

A small caution: third-party sources describe the converted card slightly differently. Some call it a standard Citi Mastercard, while others say it matches the Citi ThankYou Mastercard that replaced the Sears Mastercard. The name on your conversion notice and your new card is the one that counts.

Is My Credit Line the Same After Conversion?

Because the account stays with Citi, your credit limit and credit line should carry over, but you should confirm this in your change-in-terms notice or by logging in to your account. Lenders are generally required to give advance written notice of significant changes to your terms, so look for a letter or an email from Citi describing the conversion. Keep that notice. It is your best source of truth for your own account.

Will My Account Number Change?

It may. Many conversions come with a mailed replacement card, and the card number or design can change even when the underlying account stays the same. Watch your mail, activate the replacement if required, and destroy the old card once the new one works.

Where to Log In and Pay After Conversion

Use the website and phone number printed on your latest statement or conversion notice, not a link from a search result. This matters because many outdated pages still direct people to old Citi Retail Services portals. If you used autopay or recurring payments, check that they carried over, and update your payment settings if anything looks different. A missed payment during a transition is easy to avoid and costly if you let it slide.

What About My Credit Score and Credit History?

Conversions usually keep the same account, which means your account age and payment history generally continue. Still, confirm with the issuer, and monitor your credit reports with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for the next few billing cycles to make sure the account is reported correctly. If you are wondering whether to keep the old account open or close it, remember that closing a long-standing card can lower your available credit and shorten your average account age. For many people, keeping a no-fee account open is the safer choice, but check your terms first.

What Happened to My Shop Your Way Points?

This is the question that worries people most. Reports say that starting November 3, 2025, converted cardholders stopped earning Shop Your Way additional category points. Points you already earned may still sit in your Shop Your Way account, but points can expire. Log in to your Shop Your Way account or the Shop Your Way MAX app, check your balance and expiration dates, and use them before they vanish. Points have been redeemable for Sears and Kmart purchases and for gift cards through the Shop Your Way gift card portal, but redemption options can change, so verify what is currently available.

Change 3: The New Shop Your Way Card Has a Different Issuer

The Shop Your Way brand did not disappear with the Citi card. In mid-November 2025, a new Shop Your Way credit card opened for applications. It is often called the Shop Your Way 5321 Visa credit card, and it comes with a new issuer and different reward categories.

Who Issues the Shop Your Way Credit Card?

According to third-party reviews published in 2026, the new card is issued by First Bank & Trust, based in Brookings, South Dakota, under a Visa license. If you want to know who issues the Shop Your Way credit card, that is the current answer reported by multiple sources, but verify it on the official application page and in the cardholder agreement before you apply.

Visa vs. Mastercard: What Changes?

The move from Mastercard to Visa is a change in card network. For everyday use, both networks are accepted at the vast majority of merchants in the United States, so you will not notice a big difference at checkout. The practical change is behind the scenes: different benefits, different issuer rules, and different customer service channels. The old card was issued by Citi, while the new card is issued by a different bank with its own terms.

It Is a New Application, Not an Upgrade

This part is easy to miss. The new Shop Your Way card is not an upgrade of your converted Citi account. It requires a separate application, which usually means a hard inquiry on your credit report. A hard inquiry can temporarily lower your credit score by a small amount, unlike a soft inquiry, which does not. You can find the application through ShopYourWay.com or the Shop Your Way MAX app, but always make sure you are on the official site before entering personal information.

Change 4: Rewards and Terms Look Different

The rewards structure is where cardholders feel the change the most. The old card was prized for its recurring targeted offers and strong returns in categories like gas, groceries, and dining. The new card is built differently.

Earn Rates on Groceries, Gas, and Dining

Third-party comparisons suggest the new card pays lower rewards in some everyday categories than the old Citi card did. One 2026 review, for example, estimated lower annual rewards on groceries for the new Visa than for the old Citi Mastercard. Because earn rates are published by the issuer and can change, treat any specific number you read online as a starting point. Run your own annual rewards comparison using your real monthly spending in each category before deciding whether the new card is worth it.

Targeted Spending Offers and Bonus Categories

Targeted offers were the secret sauce of the old card. Reports from 2026 indicate that some converted Citi accounts continue to receive targeted spending bonuses under the new Citi branding, but these offers are not guaranteed and vary by account. For the new Shop Your Way Visa, targeted offers may work differently. Check your account and official communications for current details.

Points vs. Cash Back

The Shop Your Way program has long used points, which you could redeem for Sears and Kmart purchases or for gift cards, while some cards earn straight cash back or statement credits. Points can be flexible but may carry expiration rules, so always read the terms. If you prefer simplicity, a plain cash back card may suit you better.

APR, Fees, and Sign-Up Bonuses

One third-party review published in June 2026 lists a variable purchase APR range of 20.24% to 35.24% for the new card, but treat that as a reported figure and verify it against the issuer’s terms, because your actual APR depends on your creditworthiness and the prime rate. Check the annual fee, late fee, and foreign transaction fee in the official terms before you apply. A sign-up bonus has been reported for the new card, but it was described as small, so do not count on a large welcome offer without confirming it.

Change 5: What You Should Do Now

Your next steps depend on which situation you are in.

If You Have the Old Citi Card

  1. Read your conversion notice. It explains your new terms and any changes to your account.

  2. Check your payments. Make sure autopay and recurring payments still work, and log in using the details on your statement.

  3. Review your points. Check your Shop Your Way balance and expiration dates, and redeem what you can.

  4. Decide whether to keep the account. If the card has no annual fee and you use it occasionally, keeping it open may help your credit profile.

  5. Watch for scams. More on this below.

If You Want the New Shop Your Way Card

Start on the official Shop Your Way site and read the terms before you apply. Credit requirements are set by the issuer, and third-party sources generally suggest that applicants with fair to good credit have the best chance, though that is only an approximation. Remember that applying triggers a hard inquiry, so apply only if the rewards structure fits your spending. If you shop at Sears or Kmart rarely, the card may offer less value than a general rewards card.

If You Want a Different Card

You are not locked into the Shop Your Way ecosystem. Because the new card is an open-loop Visa, it competes with many general-purpose cards. Consider these categories:

  • Grocery cash back credit cards if most of your spending is at supermarkets

  • Gas rewards credit cards if you drive a lot

  • No annual fee rewards credit cards if you want simple, low-cost rewards

  • A flat-rate cash back card if you prefer one predictable return on everything

Compare APRs, fees, and rewards across several cards, and use a rewards calculator with your own spending numbers. A store card and a general-purpose card serve different needs, and the best choice is the one that matches how you actually spend.

Old Card vs. New Card: Quick Comparison

Feature Old Citi Shop Your Way Mastercard New Shop Your Way Visa (5321)

Issuer Citi (Citibank, N.A.) First Bank & Trust (reported)

Network Mastercard Visa

Status Discontinued November 3, 2025 Open for applications (confirm availability)

Existing accounts Converted to a Citi-branded Mastercard Separate new application required

Rewards Shop Your Way points, strong category bonuses, targeted offers Different categories and earn rates (verify official terms)

Best for Existing holders keeping a no-frills Citi card Shoppers who value the Shop Your Way ecosystem

Card type Open-loop general-purpose Mastercard Open-loop general-purpose Visa

To see whether the new card is better than the old one, compare your own spending against the current rewards table. For some people, the converted Citi card with occasional targeted offers is the better deal. For others, a different card entirely beats both.

Avoid Scams and Confusing Look-Alike Pages

A product change like this creates the perfect cover for scammers. When millions of people are confused about a card, a fake notice looks believable.

How to Verify the Official Issuer

  • Use the phone number on the back of your card or on your statement.

  • Type the issuer’s website address yourself instead of clicking a link in a text or email.

  • Be cautious about search ads and unofficial guide sites, including pages that copy official logos.

Phishing Red Flags

Be suspicious of calls, texts, or emails about a “card change” that ask for your full card number, Social Security number, or a one-time passcode. A real issuer will not ask you to share a one-time passcode with them. Urgent threats such as “your account will close today” are another warning sign.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

Report suspicious activity to your issuer immediately and review your recent transactions. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion if you shared sensitive information. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). One more note: payments for Sears Home Services are a separate matter from this credit card, so do not mix up the two when searching for payment help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Citi Shop Your Way credit card still available?

No. Citi stopped accepting new applications for the Shop Your Way Mastercard in July 2025, and the card was discontinued on November 3, 2025. Existing accounts were converted to a Citi-branded Mastercard.

Who issues the new Shop Your Way credit card?

The new card, often called the Shop Your Way 5321 Visa, is reported to be issued by First Bank & Trust of Brookings, South Dakota, under a Visa license. Verify this on the official application page before applying.

What happened to my Shop Your Way points and my old Citi card?

Your old card account was converted to a Citi-branded Mastercard, and the Shop Your Way category earning ended on November 3, 2025. Points you already earned may still be in your Shop Your Way account, but they can expire. Check your balance and your change-in-terms notice for details.

Did my Citi Shop Your Way Mastercard become a regular Citi card?

Yes, in practice. Reports describe the converted account as a standard Citi Mastercard, and some sources link it to the Citi ThankYou Mastercard. Your conversion notice will tell you the exact product name.

Is the new Shop Your Way credit card better than the old one?

It depends on your spending. Third-party comparisons suggest the old Citi card offered stronger returns in some categories, especially with targeted offers, while the new card is a separate product with different rewards and an open-loop Visa network. Compare the current terms against your own spending before you decide.

Conclusion

The Shop Your Way credit card new issuer 2026 change can feel overwhelming, but it comes down to five things:

  1. The Citi Shop Your Way Mastercard was discontinued on November 3, 2025.

  2. Existing accounts were converted to a Citi-branded Mastercard, and Shop Your Way category earning ended.

  3. The new Shop Your Way card has a different issuer, reported as First Bank & Trust, and runs on the Visa network.

  4. Rewards and terms look different, so run your own comparison before deciding.

  5. Your next move depends on your situation: check your notice, protect your points, and compare cards before applying.

A shift like this is common when a co-brand partnership ends, and it does not mean you did anything wrong. Start by reading your account notice, confirm details on the official Citi and Shop Your Way pages, and compare options before you apply for anything new. Take your time, and keep your personal information safe along the way.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Citi, Shop Your Way, Sears, Kmart, First Bank & Trust, Visa, or Mastercard. Dates, issuers, rewards, APRs, and fees come from public reports and third-party sources and may change. Confirm all details on official websites and in your own account documents before making financial decisions. This is not financial advice.

Syed Rehan

This content is for educational purposes only and not financial advice