What the Best Buy Credit Card Is
The Best Buy credit card is a store card issued by Citi that you can use at Best Buy locations and online. It offers rewards on purchases at Best Buy and comes in two versions: one that earns cash back on all purchases, and one that earns points redeemable for Best Buy merchandise and services. The card carries an annual percentage rate (APR) that varies based on your creditworthiness, and it has no annual fee.
Unlike a general-purpose rewards card, a store card works only at that retailer (or its partner locations). This means the rewards are valuable only if you shop at Best Buy regularly. The card is designed for people who buy electronics, appliances, computers, or gaming equipment frequently enough that the rewards offset the card's limitations.
Key Takeaways
- The Best Buy card comes in two versions: one earning cash back and one earning points, so you choose which rewards structure fits your spending.
- You can use the card only at Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile locations, not at other retailers.
- The card has no annual fee, but the APR you receive depends on your credit score and credit history.
- Best Buy offers promotional financing periods on certain purchases, which may be available to cardholders at better terms than non-cardholders.
- The card's value depends entirely on how often you shop at Best Buy—occasional shoppers may not earn enough rewards to justify carrying it.
The Two Card Versions and Their Rewards
Best Buy offers the Best Buy Rewards Card, which earns cash back on purchases, and the Best Buy Points Card, which earns points instead. The cash back version typically earns a flat rate on all Best Buy purchases. The points version earns points that you redeem for Best Buy merchandise, services, or gift cards.
The specific earning rates and redemption values change periodically, so you should check Best Buy's website or call their customer service line before opening an account to see the current terms. Both versions earn rewards only on purchases made with the card at Best Buy—you earn nothing on purchases elsewhere.
Promotional offers sometimes appear for new cardholders, such as bonus rewards on your first purchase or after you spend a certain amount in the first few months. These offers vary by time and are not may provide, so read the terms carefully when you receive your card.
APR, Fees, and Financing Options
The Best Buy card charges no annual fee. The APR you receive is not fixed—it depends on your credit score, payment history, and other factors that Citi evaluates when you open the account. Your APR will fall within a range that Citi publishes, but you will not know your exact rate until after you are approved.
If you carry a balance, you pay interest at your APR on the unpaid amount each month. Paying your full statement balance by the due date means you pay no interest. Best Buy frequently offers promotional financing periods—often 0% APR for a set number of months on purchases above a certain dollar amount. These offers are sometimes better for cardholders than for customers paying with other methods, though the terms vary by promotion.
Late payments trigger a late fee and may raise your APR. Missing a payment by 60 days or more can result in a significantly higher penalty APR. Paying on time protects both your account and your credit score.
How to Open an Account
You can open a Best Buy card account online at Best Buy's website, in a Best Buy store, or by phone. The online process is fastest—you provide your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Citi then makes a credit decision, usually within minutes.
You will need a valid government-issued ID and a Social Security number to open an account. If you are approved, you can use your card number to shop online when ready, though your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, you can contact Citi to ask why and whether you can reapply later.
If you already have a Best Buy account with an email address and password, opening a card account is faster because some information is already on file. You will still need to provide financial and identity information that Best Buy does not already have.
Using Your Card and Managing Your Account
Once your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or visiting Best Buy's website. You can then use it at any Best Buy location or on BestBuy.com. Your rewards post to your account automatically with each purchase and appear in your account dashboard.
You can pay your bill online, by phone, by mail, or in a Best Buy store. Setting up automatic payments ensures you never miss a due date. Your statement arrives monthly and shows your balance, minimum payment due, and the date by which payment must arrive to avoid a late fee.
If you lose your card or suspect fraud, call the number on the back of your card or contact Citi directly. Citi will cancel the card and issue a replacement. Unauthorized charges are typically removed from your account while Citi investigates, though the process can take 30 to 60 days.
When the Best Buy Card Makes Sense
The Best Buy card is most valuable if you spend at least several hundred dollars per year at Best Buy. A customer who buys a laptop, a phone, or appliances regularly will earn rewards faster than someone who shops there once a year. The rewards rate and redemption value determine whether the card is worth carrying—a 2% cash back rate on $500 annual spending earns $10 per year, which may not justify a wallet slot.
The card is also useful if you plan to take advantage of promotional financing offers. Best Buy frequently runs 0% APR promotions on large purchases like TVs, computers, or appliances, and cardholders sometimes get better terms than non-cardholders. If you are planning a major purchase, opening the card before you buy can lower your total cost.
The card is less valuable if you shop at Best Buy only occasionally or if you prefer to earn rewards that work at any retailer. A general-purpose cash back card often provides better value for people who split their spending across many stores.
Comparing the Best Buy Card to Other Options
Store cards like the Best Buy card offer higher rewards rates at that specific retailer but earn nothing elsewhere. A general-purpose rewards card earns a lower rate everywhere, including at Best Buy, but the rewards work at any store. The choice depends on where you spend most of your money.
If 80% of your electronics and appliance spending happens at Best Buy, a store card with a 3% or 4% rate beats a general-purpose card earning 1.5% everywhere. If your spending is split between Best Buy, Amazon, Costco, and other retailers, a card that earns rewards at all of them may be better, even if the rate is lower.
Some people carry both—a store card for their primary retailer and a general-purpose card for everything else. This approach maximizes rewards if you have the discipline to track which card to use where and to pay both balances on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Best Buy card anywhere besides Best Buy?
No. The Best Buy card works only at Best Buy locations and on BestBuy.com. You cannot use it at other retailers, and you earn no rewards on purchases outside Best Buy. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a different card.
What happens if I do not pay my balance in full?
Interest accrues on the unpaid balance at your APR. If you carry a balance of $1,000 at 20% APR, you pay roughly $200 per year in interest. Paying your full balance each month avoids interest entirely. If you cannot pay in full, paying as much as possible reduces the interest you owe.
How long does it take to get approved?
Online applications usually receive a decision within minutes. If you explore in a store or by phone, approval may take a few minutes or a few days depending on whether Citi needs additional information. If you are approved, you can use your card number to shop online when ready, though your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I transfer my Best Buy rewards to another card or cash them out?
Rewards are tied to the Best Buy card and can be redeemed only through Best Buy—either as cash back (on the cash back version), as points toward merchandise (on the points version), or as statement credits. You cannot transfer rewards to another card or convert them to cash outside the Best Buy system.
What credit score do I need to open a Best Buy card?
Best Buy and Citi do not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Generally, store cards are easier to open than premium rewards cards, and people with fair credit (scores in the 600s) sometimes get approved. The only way to know if you will be approved is to open an account—a hard inquiry appears on your credit report, but a denial does not prevent you from explore elsewhere.