Citi ThankYou Mastercard (Formerly Sears, Not SYWR) Adding New Bonus Categories Starting May 2026
Citi is making another major change to the former Sears-branded Citi ThankYou Mastercard (not the Shop Your Way/SYWR version). According to reports from Reddit user emyrus, cardholders are receiving emails showing a completely revamped earning structure beginning on May 13, 2026.
The changes dramatically improve the card’s everyday earning potential, especially for gas, grocery, and dining purchases.
New Citi ThankYou Mastercard Earning Rates
Here’s how the earning structure is changing:
| Spend Category | Current Earnings Through 05/12/2026 | New Earnings Starting 05/13/2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Stations | 1x ThankYou Point per $1 | 5x ThankYou Points per $1 on first $10,000 annually |
| Grocery Stores & Restaurants | 1x ThankYou Point per $1 | 3x ThankYou Points per $1 on first $10,000 combined annually |
| Department Stores & Drugstores | 1x ThankYou Point per $1 | 2x ThankYou Points per $1 on first $10,000 combined annually |
| All Other Purchases | 1x ThankYou Point per $1 | 1x ThankYou Point per $1 |
This is a huge improvement over the flat 1x earning structure the card currently offers.
Former Sears Card Continues Its Evolution
Citi already reworked this card back in early 2025 when it transitioned from the old Sears branding into the Citi ThankYou Mastercard lineup.
Now, this latest update appears to align the card even more closely with the earning structure previously offered to former Shop Your Way cardholders.
One interesting detail in the email is the wording:
“as a Citi ThankYou Mastercard for Core Cardmember”
That may suggest Citi is finally eliminating the distinction between the former Sears ThankYou version and the old SYWR ecosystem, though nothing has been officially confirmed yet.
What Happens To Bonus Offers?
One remaining question is whether cardholders will continue receiving the targeted spending offers many former Sears cardholders loved.
Historically, these offers often came in the form of:
- Bonus ThankYou Points
- Statement credits
- Massive targeted category bonuses
It is still unclear whether those promotions will continue after the May 2026 transition.
Why This Matters
For a no-annual-fee legacy card, these new earning rates are surprisingly competitive:
- 5x on gas is among the strongest uncapped mainstream gas earning rates
- 3x grocery and dining is solid for everyday spending
- Existing cardholders may suddenly have a much more valuable long-term keeper card
If Citi keeps the targeted offers alive, this could quietly become one of the more interesting legacy Citi products again.
You can also check out our other Citi coverage here on Points & Miles Explorer for more updates on ThankYou Points earning opportunities and retention strategies.
Hat tip to DOC
