What is Sears/CBNA?
Sears/CBNA is a credit report code representing Sears/Citibank North America.
You may see Sears/CBNA on your credit report as a hard inquiry if you’ve applied for a Sears Mastercard issued by Citibank. The Sears Gold MasterCard is a rewards credit card offering Sears customers 12 months of financing and reward points for purchases at Sears.
Hard Inquiries vs. Soft Inquiries: Know the Difference
Hard Inquiries
A hard inquiry is recorded when you apply for new credit and the lender or creditor runs a credit check. Examples of situations leading to hard inquiries include applying for a mortgage, apartment, car loan, credit card, insurance policy, cell phone, or sometimes even a job.
Each hard inquiry typically lowers your credit score by a few points, but accumulating too many in a short period can damage your credit score significantly.
Soft Inquiries
Soft inquiries occur when a company checks your credit history as part of a background check or when a credit card issuer or lender prequalifies you for an offer. Existing creditors might also pull soft inquiries to assess your current credit situation. Unlike hard inquiries, soft inquiries don’t affect your credit scores.
How long do hard inquiries stay on your credit report?
Regardless of whether you’re approved for the Sears credit card, the hard inquiry will stay on your credit report for up to two years. Each inquiry is recorded by one or all of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Addressing Unauthorized Inquiries
If you find an unfamiliar inquiry or are certain you didn’t authorize it, contact Citibank to inquire about the issue. The creditor’s name should be listed under the hard inquiry section on your credit report.
Can Sears/CBNA be removed from my credit report?
Credit repair companies like Credit Saint specialize in removing inquiries and other inaccurate negative marks from your credit report. They can help you dispute and potentially remove various negative items, such as:
- late payments
- collections
- charge offs
- foreclosures
- repossessions
- bankruptcies
Take Charge of Your Credit Today
If you’re struggling with poor credit and want to learn more, consider a free credit consultation with Credit Saint. They’ve helped many people in similar situations and can provide guidance on the best course of action.
Visit their website and fill out the form to see how they can assist you in your credit repair journey.
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