How the Best Buy credit card works and what to expect
Best Buy offers two credit cards through Citi: the Best Buy credit card and the Best Buy Visa card. Both cards give you rewards on purchases at Best Buy and other retailers, but they work differently depending on where you shop. The main difference is that the standard Best Buy card only earns rewards at Best Buy, while the Visa version earns cash back everywhere Visa is accepted.
When you open either card, you get a credit line that you can use when ready. The card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a welcome offer — typically bonus points or cash back if you spend a certain amount in the first few months — though the exact offer changes throughout the year.
Both cards charge an annual fee. The standard Best Buy card costs $0 the first year and $39 after that, though the fee is waived if you don't use the card during a 12-month period. The Best Buy Visa card has no annual fee. Interest rates vary based on your credit score and credit history, and you'll see your rate when you review your offer before you confirm.
Key Takeaways
- Best Buy offers two cards through Citi: one that earns rewards only at Best Buy, and a Visa that earns cash back everywhere.
- You can start the process online at bestbuy.com or in a Best Buy store, and you'll know within minutes whether you're approved.
- The standard Best Buy card has a $39 annual fee after the first year; the Visa card has no annual fee.
- Your credit score, income, and existing debt all affect whether you're approved and what interest rate you receive.
Where to start: online or in store
You can open a Best Buy credit card online at bestbuy.com/creditcard or in person at any Best Buy location. The online process is faster — you fill out a short form with your name, address, income, and Social Security number, and you get a decision in seconds or within a few minutes.
If you explore in store, a Best Buy employee can walk you through the form, but the approval process is the same. You'll need your Social Security number and a valid ID. Some stores can print a temporary card number on the spot so you can use it when ready, though the physical card still arrives by mail.
Before you start, have your most recent pay stub or tax return handy so you can enter your income accurately. Lenders use income to determine how much credit they'll offer you, so overstating it can cause problems later if you're audited or if the lender verifies the number.
What information you'll need to provide
The process asks for personal and financial details. You'll need your full name, date of birth, current address, phone number, and email address. You'll also provide your Social Security number, which the lender uses to pull your credit report.
On the financial side, you'll enter your annual income, employment status, and current employer. You may also be asked about other credit accounts you hold, your monthly rent or mortgage payment, and whether you own or rent your home. This information helps the lender assess your ability to pay.
Be honest on every field. Lenders verify income through tax returns and employment records, and providing false information can result in the card being closed and legal consequences.
How your credit score affects approval and your rate
Your credit score is the single biggest factor in whether you're approved and what interest rate you receive. Best Buy credit cards typically go to people with good to excellent credit — usually a score of 670 or higher, though approval is possible with lower scores depending on other factors.
If your score is lower, you have a few options. You can wait a few months while you pay down existing debt and make all payments on time, which raises your score. You can also explore for the Best Buy Visa card, which sometimes has slightly more lenient approval standards than the standard card. Or you can explore in store, where a representative may have access to different approval rules than the online system.
Your interest rate — called the APR, or annual percentage rate — depends on your credit score and credit history. Someone with a score of 750 might receive 18% APR, while someone with a score of 680 might receive 24% APR. You'll see the rate you're being offered before you confirm the process, so you can decline if it's higher than you expected.
What happens after you're approved
Once you're approved, you'll receive a confirmation email with your new account number and a temporary card number you can use online or by phone. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can set up online access to your account at any time to check your balance, make payments, and view your rewards.
Your credit limit is set at approval and appears in your account details. You can request a higher limit after you've had the card for at least six months and have made payments on time. Best Buy also periodically increases limits automatically if you use the card responsibly.
Rewards post to your account automatically. With the standard Best Buy card, you earn points on every purchase at Best Buy. With the Visa card, you earn cash back on all purchases. You can redeem rewards for statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise at Best Buy.
What to do if you're denied
If you're denied, Citi will send you a letter explaining the reason — usually a low credit score, high existing debt, or a recent negative mark on your credit report. You have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) through annualcreditreport.com.
Review your report for errors. If you find a mistake — a late payment that wasn't yours, an account you didn't open, or a balance that's wrong — you can dispute it with the bureau. Removing errors can raise your score and improve your chances on a future process.
If there are no errors, focus on raising your score before you explore again. Pay all bills on time, pay down existing credit card balances to below 30% of your limits, and wait at least three to six months before explore again. Each process creates a small, temporary dip in your score, so spacing them out matters.
Best Buy card rewards and how to use them
The standard Best Buy card earns points on every purchase at Best Buy. The exact earning rate varies — you might earn 1 point per dollar on most items and 5 points per dollar on Best Buy branded products or during promotional periods. The Visa card earns 3% cash back at Best Buy and 1% cash back everywhere else.
Points and cash back accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for a statement credit (which reduces your bill), a Best Buy gift card, or merchandise. There's no expiration date on points, so you can let them build if you want to save for a larger purchase.
Best Buy cardholders also get early access to sales, special financing offers on large purchases, and exclusive member events. These perks vary by card type and change throughout the year, so check your account or ask in store for current offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for a Best Buy credit card?
You'll know within seconds or a few minutes if you explore online. If you explore in store, the decision is usually when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use a temporary card number right away.
Can I use the card before it arrives in the mail?
Yes. Once you're approved, you receive a temporary card number via email or in person that you can use online, by phone, or in store. The physical card arrives later but doesn't need to arrive before you start using the account.
What's the difference between the Best Buy card and the Best Buy Visa card?
The standard Best Buy card earns rewards only at Best Buy and has a $39 annual fee after the first year. The Visa card earns cash back at any store that accepts Visa and has no annual fee. Choose the Visa if you want rewards everywhere; choose the standard card if you shop mostly at Best Buy and want higher earning rates there.
What if my process is still pending after a few minutes?
Some applications need manual review and take 24 to 48 hours. You'll receive an email with a decision. If you don't hear back within two business days, contact Citi customer service at the number on the Best Buy website to check the status.
Can I increase my credit limit after I'm approved?
Yes. After six months of on-time payments, you can request a higher limit through your online account or by calling the number on the back of your card. Best Buy may also increase your limit automatically if you use the card responsibly.