What the Best Buy Visa Card Is
The Best Buy Visa Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Citi in partnership with Best Buy. It is a standard Visa card that you can use anywhere Visa is accepted, but it offers rewards specifically tied to Best Buy purchases. You do not need to be a Best Buy member to open one, though the card's main benefit — earning points on Best Buy transactions — matters most if you shop there regularly.
Best Buy offers two versions: the standard Best Buy Visa Card and the Best Buy Visa Card for Business. This guide covers the consumer card. The card earns points on all purchases, but the earning rate is higher at Best Buy than elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- The Best Buy Visa Card earns 5 points per dollar at Best Buy and 1 point per dollar everywhere else Visa is accepted.
- There is no annual fee, and points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active.
- Points can be redeemed for statement credits, Best Buy gift cards, or merchandise, with redemption starting at 100 points.
- You can open the card online through Best Buy's website or in a Best Buy store, and approval decisions usually come within minutes.
- The card reports to the three major credit bureaus, so it will affect your credit score when you open it and as you use it.
How to Open a Best Buy Visa Card
You can open the card online at bestbuy.com/creditcard or in person at any Best Buy location. The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, a valid government ID, your current address, and information about your income and employment.
When you submit the process, Citi will pull your credit report and make a decision. Most applicants receive an when ready decision on screen. If you are approved, you can use the card number when ready for online purchases, though the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If the decision is pending, Citi will call or email you within one business day.
If you explore in store, a Best Buy employee can walk you through the process on a tablet. The process is the same, and you still receive the card by mail. In-store approval is useful if you have questions during the process or want to make a purchase the same day using the temporary card number.
Earning and Redeeming Points
The card earns 5 points per dollar spent at Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile, and Best Buy.com. It earns 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. There are no bonus categories beyond Best Buy, and no sign-up bonus when you open the card.
Points accumulate in your account and do not expire as long as the card account stays open and you use it at least once every 12 months. If your account is closed or inactive for 12 consecutive months, Best Buy may cancel the card and points may be forfeited — check your cardholder agreement for the exact policy, as it can vary.
You redeem points through your Best Buy account online or in the Best Buy mobile app. The minimum redemption is 100 points. You can redeem for a statement credit (usually 100 points = $1), a Best Buy gift card, or Best Buy merchandise. The redemption value is the same across all three options in most cases, so choose whichever is most useful to you.
Fees, Interest Rates, and Credit Impact
The Best Buy Visa Card has no annual fee. Like all credit cards, it charges interest on balances you carry month to month. The interest rate (APR) depends on your creditworthiness and is disclosed in your approval documents. Citi also charges standard fees for late payments, returned checks, and cash advances — these are listed in your cardholder agreement.
When you open the card, Citi reports the new account to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score by a few points temporarily. Over time, the card helps your credit if you pay on time and keep your balance low relative to your credit limit. Missed payments or high balances will hurt your score.
You can view your account online through Citi's website or the Best Buy mobile app. Both let you check your balance, make payments, view statements, and manage your rewards.
Who Should Consider This Card
The Best Buy Visa Card makes sense if you shop at Best Buy regularly — at least a few times a year. The 5-point earning rate at Best Buy is competitive, and points accumulate quickly on larger purchases like electronics. If you rarely shop at Best Buy, the card's value is much lower, since the 1-point rate elsewhere is standard and available on many other cards.
The card is also useful if you want a no-annual-fee Visa that reports to credit bureaus and helps you build credit history. If you are new to credit or rebuilding, the card is straightforward to use and manage.
The card is less useful if you prefer to earn cash back instead of points, or if you want a sign-up bonus. Best Buy does not offer either on this card. If those features matter to you, other Visa cards may be a better fit.
How to Manage Your Account
Set up online access as soon as your card arrives. Go to citi.com, click "Register," and enter your card number and personal information. Once registered, you can pay your bill, view your balance, read statements, and update your contact information.
Pay your bill on time each month to avoid late fees and interest charges. You can set up automatic payments through your Citi account, have the payment deducted from your bank account, or pay by phone. The due date is listed on your statement.
Monitor your account regularly for unauthorized charges. If you see a transaction you did not make, contact Citi's fraud department when ready — the number is on the back of your card. Citi will investigate and may issue a temporary credit while they look into it.
Comparing the Best Buy Visa to Other Cards
The Best Buy Visa Card's main competitor is the Best Buy Visa Card for Business, which is designed for business owners and has different earning rates and benefits. For consumer shoppers, the standard Best Buy Visa Card is the only consumer option from Best Buy.
If you want to compare it to other no-annual-fee cards, look at the earning rates on categories you actually use. A card that earns 2% cash back on all purchases will earn faster than the Best Buy card if you do not shop at Best Buy often. A card with a sign-up bonus may be worth more upfront if you plan to spend a lot in the first few months. Read the terms of any card you consider to understand the earning rates, fees, and redemption options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Best Buy Visa Card outside the United States?
Yes, it is a standard Visa card and works anywhere Visa is accepted internationally. However, Citi charges a foreign transaction fee (usually 3% of the purchase amount) on transactions made outside the US. Check your cardholder agreement for the exact fee, as it may change.
What happens if I close my Best Buy Visa Card?
When you close the card, any remaining points in your account may be forfeited. Before closing, redeem your points for a statement credit or gift card. Closing the card also removes it from your active credit accounts, which can affect your credit score slightly.
Can I transfer my Best Buy points to another rewards program?
No, Best Buy points can only be redeemed through Best Buy for statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise. They cannot be transferred to airline miles, hotel points, or other loyalty programs.
How long does it take to receive my physical card in the mail?
The physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can use the card number for online purchases when ready after approval, even before the physical card arrives.
What is the credit limit on the Best Buy Visa Card?
Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Citi will tell you your limit when you are approved. You can request a credit limit increase after you have used the card responsibly for several months.