Sears Adds Innovative Features to Cardholder Program Including Credit Score Access

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Consumers turn to Sears for the products they need and many payment options to purchase them -- especially in these tough financial times. Sears announces new benefits and new features to provide more retail value to Sears card customers, including:

-- Credit Score Access - Sears is the first major retailer to offer its cardholders access to their credit score at no additional cost. Sears cardholders can review their credit score at any time, understand the factors that affect their credit score and learn how to improve their score using the innovative "credit score simulator" tool. -- Monthly Cardholder-only Sales - Sears cardholders can take advantage of special deals, including extra discounts, deferred interest financing offers and valuable coupons in their billing statements.

-- New Sears Platinum MasterCard - Sears is also introducing a Platinum MasterCard. In addition to all the other benefits of being a Sears cardholder, Sears Platinum MasterCard cardholders can enroll in the complimentary Sears Choice Rewards program, which rewards customers with merchandise, travel, dining and more. Members earn one point for every $1 spent on all purchases and have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive bonus point events. And, all current Sears Gold MasterCard customers will have full access to platinum card benefits.

"The recent changes in the credit card industry are making their way across all retail credit programs, which includes Sears and those of our competitors as well," says Susan Ehrlich, President, Sears Financial Services, Sears Holdings. "It is now more vital than ever to offer customers innovative ways to pay that meet their financial needs. As a retailer, we also want to do everything we can to give cardholders more retail value."

Credit cards are not the only option customers have at Sears. Additionally Sears customers can utilize a variety of payment options to meet their financial needs, including:

-- Convenient layaway plans that help customers get what they need and pay for it over time. -- The new Christmas Club Card program that enables customers to save ahead for the holidays. Sears also adds a 3 percent bonus to the money they have put on their Christmas Club gift card by November 14, 2009.

-- Special "No Interest" financing options with Sears cards gives customers the opportunity to manage their budgets and pay over time.

Cardholders can learn more about the savings and financing options available at Sears by visiting www.sears.com/creditoffers .

About Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer with approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, home electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered exclusively by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 12 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at www.searsholdings.com .

SOURCE Sears, Roebuck and Co.