The Best Buy Credit Card is a store card that gives you rewards on purchases at Best Buy and other retailers

Best Buy offers two credit cards: the Best Buy Credit Card (for in-store and online purchases) and the Best Buy Visa Card (which works anywhere Visa is accepted). Both cards earn rewards points on purchases, but the structure and earning rates differ. The Best Buy Credit Card earns points faster at Best Buy itself, while the Visa version offers more flexibility because you can use it outside Best Buy.

The cards are issued by Citi and come with no annual fee. You do not need to be a Best Buy member to open one, though Best Buy+ members get additional benefits. The main trade-off is that store cards typically carry higher interest rates than general-purpose cards, so carrying a balance becomes expensive quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • Best Buy offers two cards: a store-only card and a Visa card that works everywhere, each with different earning rates and benefits.
  • Both cards have no annual fee, but interest rates are typically higher than standard credit cards, making them risky to carry a balance on.
  • Rewards points expire after 24 months of inactivity, so you need to use the card regularly or lose accumulated points.
  • The Best Buy Credit Card offers promotional financing (usually 0% APR for 12–24 months on large purchases), which is the main reason most people open one.
  • You can open either card through Best Buy's website or in-store, and approval decisions usually come within minutes.

How the two Best Buy cards differ in earning and benefits

The Best Buy Credit Card earns 5 points per $1 spent at Best Buy, 2 points per $1 at gas stations and restaurants, and 1 point per $1 everywhere else. The Best Buy Visa Card earns 3 points per $1 at Best Buy, 1.5 points per $1 at gas stations and restaurants, and 1 point per $1 elsewhere. If you shop at Best Buy frequently, the store card earns faster. If you want a card for everyday spending outside Best Buy, the Visa card makes more sense.

Both cards let you redeem points for Best Buy gift cards or statement credits. Points are worth roughly 1 cent each when redeemed, though the exact value depends on the redemption method. Best Buy+ members get a bonus: they earn an extra point per $1 at Best Buy on the store card, bringing the rate to 6 points per $1.

The promotional financing offer is where most cardholders find value. Best Buy regularly runs 0% APR promotions on purchases over a certain amount (typically $399 or $499) for 12 to 24 months, depending on the item category. This is useful if you are buying a laptop, TV, or appliance and want to spread payments interest-free. Outside of these promotions, the card's regular APR is high — usually in the 20–27% range — so you should not carry a balance at regular rates.

Interest rates and fees to understand before opening the card

The Best Buy Credit Card has no annual fee, which is standard for store cards. However, the regular purchase APR (the interest rate you pay if you do not pay in full each month) typically ranges from 20% to 27%, depending on your credit score. This is significantly higher than most general-purpose credit cards, which average 15–20%.

If you carry a balance outside of a promotional period, interest accrues quickly. For example, a $1,000 balance at 24% APR costs about $20 per month in interest alone if you make no payments. The promotional 0% APR periods are the card's main advantage — they let you finance large purchases without interest, as long as you pay off the balance before the promotion ends.

Late payments trigger a penalty APR, which can be even higher than the regular rate. Missing a payment also affects your credit score. If you plan to use this card, commit to paying the statement balance in full each month or paying off any promotional purchase before the period ends.

How promotional financing works and what happens if you miss the important date

When you make a purchase that qualifies for a promotional offer (such as 0% APR for 18 months), that specific purchase is placed on a separate promotional plan. You can make regular purchases on the card outside the promotion, which accrue interest at the regular APR. The promotional purchase must be paid off by the end date to avoid interest charges.

If you do not pay off the promotional purchase in full by the important date, Best Buy applies interest retroactively to the entire promotional period. This means you owe not just future interest, but all the interest that would have accrued from the purchase date forward. For a large purchase, this can be hundreds of dollars. Always set a reminder for the promotion end date and plan to pay it off before then.

Best Buy's website shows your promotional balance and end date clearly in your account, so you can track progress. Some cardholders set up automatic payments to may support they do not miss the important date.

Rewards points: how they work and when they expire

Points accumulate on every purchase and are deposited into your account within a few days. You can check your balance anytime through Best Buy's website or app. Points can be redeemed for Best Buy gift cards (in any amount from $5 up) or as a statement credit to your card.

The critical rule: points expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Inactivity means no purchases, no redemptions, and no account logins. If your card sits unused for two years, your points disappear. This is a real risk if you open the card for a promotional purchase and then forget about it. To keep points active, make at least one small purchase every 24 months or redeem your points before they expire.

Points are worth roughly 1 cent per point when redeemed, though the exact value can vary slightly. If you earn 5,000 points, you can typically redeem them for a $50 gift card. This is not a high earning rate compared to premium travel cards, but it is reasonable for a no-annual-fee store card.

Opening the card: what to expect and what you will need

You can open a Best Buy Credit Card online at bestbuy.com, through the Best Buy mobile app, or in-store at any Best Buy location. The online process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and income information. Best Buy runs a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.

Approval decisions are usually when ready or within a few minutes. If approved, you can use the card when ready for online purchases (a temporary card number is issued). A physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, Best Buy will tell you why — usually due to insufficient credit history, recent negative marks, or a very low credit score.

There is no minimum credit score requirement published by Best Buy, but approval is easier with a score of 650 or higher. If your score is lower, you may still be approved, but at a higher APR. If you are denied, you can reapply after 6 months or after improving your credit profile.

When the Best Buy card makes sense and when it does not

The Best Buy Credit Card is worth opening if you plan to make a large purchase (laptop, TV, appliance, gaming console) and want to use the 0% APR promotion to spread payments over time. The card pays for itself through the interest you avoid. For example, financing a $1,000 laptop at 0% APR for 18 months saves you roughly $180 in interest compared to paying cash and putting the money in a savings account.

The card is not worth opening if you plan to carry a balance at the regular APR or if you rarely shop at Best Buy. The earning rate is modest compared to cash-back cards (which offer 2–5% back on all purchases), and the high regular APR makes it expensive to use for everyday spending. If you already have a strong general-purpose credit card, opening a store card just for points is rarely the best move.

The card also makes sense if you are a Best Buy+ member and shop there regularly. The extra point per $1 at Best Buy (6 points total) adds up faster, and Best Buy+ members get exclusive promotions and early access to sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Best Buy Credit Card outside of Best Buy?

The Best Buy Credit Card itself works only at Best Buy and bestbuy.com. If you want a card that works everywhere, you need the Best Buy Visa Card instead. The Visa version earns fewer points at Best Buy (3 per $1 instead of 5), but it works at any merchant that accepts Visa.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Points remain in your account for 24 months after the last purchase or redemption, even if the card is closed. After 24 months of inactivity, they expire. If you plan to close the card, redeem your points first or make a small purchase to reset the inactivity clock.

Does the Best Buy card hurt my credit score?

Opening the card triggers a hard inquiry, which lowers your score by a few points temporarily. The impact fades within a few months. Carrying a high balance or missing payments will hurt your score more significantly. If you pay on time and keep your balance low, the card will not harm your credit long-term.

Can I get the promotional 0% APR if I have fair credit?

Approval for the card and the promotional offer depend on your credit score and history. You may be approved for the card but at a higher APR, or you may not may have access to for the 0% promotion. Best Buy does not publish exact thresholds, so the only way to know is to explore. If you are denied, you can ask Best Buy why and reapply after improving your credit.

What is the difference between the Best Buy card and the Best Buy Visa card?

The Best Buy card works only at Best Buy and earns 5 points per $1 there. The Visa card works everywhere and earns 3 points per $1 at Best Buy, 1.5 at gas and restaurants, and 1 elsewhere. Choose the store card if you shop at Best Buy frequently; choose the Visa if you want everyday flexibility.