I was a long time Sears customer, since the 70's.
Seven years ago I declared bankruptcy. I had no balance due on my Sears card and Sears was not involved in the bankruptcy.
Shortly afterward I started maintaining a balance and made all payments on time. Two years ago when Citibank took over the credit department, they looked at my credit reports and saw the bankruptcy.

Even though Sears was not involved in that action whatsoever, CitiBank decided to punish me and raised my interest rate, should I use the card any further. A call to a credit supervisor did no good. No apologies, even talking down to me. I asked that I not be sent any of their crappy advertising. Even that has been ignored. I have not done any business with Sears or CitiBank since, nor do I intend to any time in the future.