What the Best Buy Credit Card Does

The Best Buy Credit Card is a store card issued by Citi that you can use at Best Buy and Best Buy's website. It earns rewards on purchases at Best Buy and gives you access to special financing offers on larger purchases. Unlike a general rewards card, it works only at Best Buy — you cannot use it at other retailers or restaurants.

The card comes in two versions: one for regular purchases and one designed for Best Buy's credit line. Both are issued by Citi and carry the Best Buy branding. The main draw is the rewards rate on Best Buy purchases and the promotional financing periods that appear throughout the year.

You do not need to be a Best Buy member to open the card, though Best Buy does offer a paid membership program (My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total) that stacks additional discounts on top of card rewards.

Key Takeaways

  • The Best Buy Credit Card earns rewards points on every purchase at Best Buy, with higher earning rates during promotional periods.
  • The card offers special financing options — typically 0% APR for 12, 18, or 24 months on purchases above a certain amount — but only during promotional windows.
  • You can open the card online, in a Best Buy store, or by phone, and Citi will tell you when ready whether you are approved.
  • The card has an annual fee that varies by version; check the current terms before you open it, as the fee structure changes periodically.
  • Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains open, but closing the card will cause points to disappear.

How to Open a Best Buy Credit Card Account

You can open the card in three ways: online at bestbuy.com, in a Best Buy store at checkout or the customer service desk, or by calling Citi directly. The online process is the fastest route and takes about five minutes.

You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. Citi will run a hard inquiry on your credit report and give you a decision on the spot — approved, denied, or pending review. If you are approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can often use it online when ready through a temporary digital card number.

If you explore in a Best Buy store, a sales associate can walk you through the process on a tablet or computer. The process is the same, and you will get an when ready decision. Some Best Buy locations offer sign-up bonuses for opening the card in-store, so ask before you explore online.

Rewards Rates and How Points Work

The Best Buy Credit Card earns points on every purchase at Best Buy. The base earning rate is typically 1 point per dollar spent, though this varies by card version and changes with promotions. During promotional periods — often around holidays or back-to-school season — the earning rate may jump to 2 or 3 points per dollar on certain product categories like computers, appliances, or audio equipment.

Points are redeemable for discounts on future Best Buy purchases. One point usually equals one cent in value, though the exact redemption rate depends on how you use them. You can also sometimes redeem points for gift cards or special offers, which may give you better value than a straight discount.

Points never expire as long as your account is open and active. However, if you close the card, Best Buy will cancel all remaining points. This is why keeping the card open — even if you do not use it — can be worth it if you have a large point balance saved up.

Special Financing Offers and How They Work

The Best Buy Credit Card comes with access to promotional financing periods that let you make large purchases with 0% APR for a set number of months. These offers change throughout the year and are typically advertised in-store and online. Common offers include 0% APR for 12 months on purchases of $399 or more, or 0% APR for 24 months on purchases of $1,499 or more.

To use a promotional offer, you must make the purchase during the promotional window and use the Best Buy Credit Card to pay. The 0% APR period begins on the purchase date, not when you open the account. If you do not pay off the full balance by the end of the promotional period, the remaining balance will be charged the card's regular APR, which is typically in the mid-20s range.

Read the terms carefully: some offers require you to pay a minimum amount each month, and missing a payment can end the promotional period early. Best Buy will send you statements showing how much you need to pay monthly to clear the balance by the end of the offer period.

Annual Fees and Other Costs

The Best Buy Credit Card does carry an annual fee, though the amount depends on which version of the card you open. The standard card typically has a lower annual fee than the premium version. Citi will disclose the exact fee before you submit your process, so you will know the cost upfront.

There are no other regular fees — no foreign transaction fees (though the card works only at Best Buy, so this is not relevant), no late fees beyond what Citi charges for any missed payment, and no inactivity fees. If you carry a balance beyond a promotional period, you will pay interest at the card's APR.

Some cardholders find the annual fee worth it if they shop at Best Buy regularly and earn enough points to offset the cost. Others close the card after the first year if they do not plan to use it again. The decision depends on your shopping habits and how much you value the rewards rate.

Using Your Card Online and In-Store

Once your card arrives, you can use it at any Best Buy location or on bestbuy.com. In-store, you straightforward hand the card to the cashier like any other credit card. Online, you enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV at checkout.

If your card has not arrived yet but you were approved, Citi will give you a temporary digital card number that you can use when ready for online purchases. You can find this number in your Citi account online or in the Citi mobile app. Some cardholders use this to start earning rewards right away while waiting for the physical card.

You can also link your Best Buy Credit Card to your Best Buy account online. This lets you track your rewards balance, view your statement, and manage your account from one place. Best Buy's website shows your available points and lets you redeem them directly at checkout.

Managing Your Account and Paying Your Bill

Citi handles all billing for the Best Buy Credit Card. You can pay your bill online through Citi's website or mobile app, by phone, or by mail. Most cardholders set up automatic payments so the bill is paid on the same day each month.

Your statement will show all purchases, your current balance, the minimum payment due, and the due date. If you are using a promotional financing offer, the statement will also show how much you need to pay monthly to clear the balance by the end of the promotional period. Missing a payment can trigger late fees and may end your promotional offer early.

You can check your balance and recent transactions anytime through the Citi mobile app or Citi's website. If you have questions about a charge or need to report fraud, Citi's customer service number is on the back of your card.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The Best Buy Credit Card is a store card and works only at Best Buy locations and bestbuy.com. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a different credit card from Citi or another issuer.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

All remaining points will be canceled when you close the account. If you have a large balance of points, it is usually better to keep the card open and use the points before closing it, even if you do not plan to shop at Best Buy again soon.

Do I have to pay the annual fee every year?

Yes, the annual fee is charged once per year on your card anniversary. You can cancel the card anytime to stop paying the fee, but you will lose any remaining points. Some cardholders call Citi to negotiate a fee waiver, though there is no may provide this will work.

Can I use the promotional financing offer on any purchase?

The promotional financing offers have minimum purchase amounts and are only available during specific promotional windows. You must use the Best Buy Credit Card to pay and complete the purchase during the active promotion period. Check Best Buy's website or ask in-store which offers are currently running.

What is the APR if I do not pay off a promotional balance in time?

The regular APR for the Best Buy Credit Card is typically in the mid-20s range, though the exact rate depends on your creditworthiness and current market conditions. Citi will tell you the APR when you open the account. If a promotional period ends and you still owe a balance, that remaining balance will be charged the regular APR going forward.