Call Best Buy's card issuer to request closure
To close your Best Buy credit card, you need to contact Citi, the bank that issues the card on Best Buy's behalf. Call the customer service number on the back of your card — this is the fastest way to close the account. Have your card number ready when you call.
When you reach a representative, tell them you want to close the account. They will ask you why you're closing it (you don't have to give a detailed reason), confirm your identity, and process the closure. The call usually takes five to ten minutes. Ask the representative to confirm the account is closed and note the date in case you need it later.
You can also mail a written request to Citi, but calling is faster and gives you when ready confirmation. If you choose to write, address your letter to the address on your statement and include your card number and full name.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Best Buy card to reach Citi customer service, where you can request closure directly.
- Pay off any remaining balance before or during the call — you cannot close an account with an outstanding balance.
- After closure, your card stops working when ready, but Citi will continue to report the closed account to credit bureaus for up to ten years.
- Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it with your records in case questions arise later.
Pay your balance before you call
You cannot close a credit card account that still has a balance. Before you contact Citi, make sure you have paid off everything you owe on the card. Check your most recent statement or log into your online account to see the exact amount due.
If you have a large balance, you can set up a payment plan with Citi before closing, or you can close the account after you've paid it down. Either way, the representative will not process a closure request if money is still owed.
What happens to your account after closure
Once Citi closes your account, the card stops working when ready. You will not be able to use it for new purchases. Any pending transactions may still process, but new charges will be declined.
The closed account will remain on your credit report for up to ten years. This is normal — credit bureaus keep a record of closed accounts as part of your credit history. A closed account in good standing (paid on time, no missed payments) actually helps your credit score because it shows responsible account management.
If you had an automatic payment set up on this card for any bills or subscriptions, you need to update those payments to a different card or bank account before you close the account. Otherwise, those payments will fail.
Destroy your card after closure
After the account is closed, cut up your physical card or shred it. Do not throw it away whole — someone could find it and attempt to use it, even though the account is closed.
If you have multiple cards (such as a primary cardholder card and an authorized user card), all of them will stop working once the account closes. Make sure anyone who uses an authorized card on your account knows the account is being closed.
Reasons to close versus reasons to keep the account open
Closing a credit card is permanent. Before you call, consider whether you might want to keep the account open. An open account with a zero balance helps your credit score in two ways: it lowers your overall credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you're using compared to your total available credit), and it shows a longer credit history.
If you're closing the card because you don't use it, you could instead keep it open and use it occasionally for a small purchase. This keeps the account active without costing you anything. If you're closing it because of high interest rates or annual fees, closing makes more sense.
If you're closing it because you're concerned about fraud or identity theft, contact Citi when ready and ask about fraud protection before you close. You may be able to get a replacement card instead.
What to do if you can't reach customer service
If you call and cannot reach a representative, try calling during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday). Wait times are usually shorter in the morning.
You can also visit a Best Buy store and ask a customer service representative to help you contact Citi, though they cannot close the account for you — they can only provide the phone number and account information you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Best Buy card hurt my credit score?
Closing a card can lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your total available credit and may raise your credit utilization ratio. However, the impact is usually small and temporary. If the card has a high interest rate or annual fee, closing it may be worth the short-term score dip.
Can I reopen the account after I close it?
Once closed, the account cannot be reopened. If you change your mind later, you would need to open a new Best Buy credit card account, which would be treated as a new process. This triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report.
What if I have a pending refund on the card?
If you're expecting a refund from Best Buy or another retailer to post to this card, wait until the refund appears before you close the account. Refunds can take five to ten business days. If you close the account before the refund posts, contact Citi to find out where the refund went.
Do I need to close the account in person at Best Buy?
No. You can close the account entirely by phone with Citi. You do not need to visit a store or speak to Best Buy directly. Best Buy does not manage the card account — Citi does.
What if the card is in someone else's name?
If you are an authorized user on someone else's Best Buy card, you cannot close the account yourself. Only the primary cardholder can request closure. If you want to remove yourself as an authorized user, the primary cardholder can call Citi and request that.