Best Buy offers two main credit cards, each with different rewards and fees

Best Buy has two branded credit cards: the Best Buy Credit Card and the Best Buy Visa Card. The main difference is where you can use them. The Best Buy Credit Card works only at Best Buy and Best Buy.com. The Best Buy Visa Card works anywhere Visa is accepted — at other retailers, restaurants, gas stations, and online.

Both cards offer rewards on purchases, but the structure and earning rates differ. Neither card charges an annual fee. The cards are issued by Citi, and approval depends on your credit history and current credit score.

Before you consider either card, understand what rewards actually mean for your wallet. A card that earns 5% back on electronics sounds good until you realize you're only using it once or twice a year. The real value depends on how much you actually spend at Best Buy and whether the rewards rate beats what you'd earn with a general-purpose card you use everywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • The Best Buy Credit Card earns rewards only at Best Buy, while the Best Buy Visa Card earns rewards anywhere Visa is accepted.
  • Rewards rates vary by card and purchase category — some categories earn 5% back, while others earn 1% or 2%.
  • Neither card has an annual fee, but both require approval based on your credit history.
  • The card's value depends on your actual spending at Best Buy and how often you shop there compared to other retailers.
  • Rewards are not the same as discounts — you earn points or cash back that you must redeem or use later, not savings at checkout.

Best Buy Credit Card rewards and earning rates

The Best Buy Credit Card earns rewards only when you shop at Best Buy stores or Best Buy.com. The earning rate depends on what you buy. You earn 5% back on Best Buy purchases when you use the card, 2% back on gas and groceries, and 1% back on all other purchases.

Rewards are issued as Best Buy points. You can redeem points for discounts on future purchases at Best Buy. The conversion rate is typically 100 points equals $1 in Best Buy credit, though this can vary. You do not earn rewards on taxes, shipping, or service plan purchases.

The card also offers special financing promotions — typically 0% interest for 12 to 24 months on purchases over a certain amount, depending on the promotion running at the time. These promotions change frequently, so check Best Buy's website for current offers before you explore.

Best Buy Visa Card rewards and earning rates

The Best Buy Visa Card earns rewards on all purchases, anywhere. You earn 3% back at Best Buy, 2% back at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on all other purchases. Because this card works everywhere, it can be useful as a general-purpose rewards card if you shop at Best Buy regularly but also want rewards on everyday spending.

Rewards are issued as cash back, which is more flexible than points. Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, transferred to a bank account, or used to make a purchase. You can also choose to keep the cash back as a balance on your card to use toward future purchases.

The Visa Card also includes special financing offers on Best Buy purchases, though the terms may differ from the Best Buy Credit Card. Check the current promotions before you explore.

How to decide between the two cards

Choose the Best Buy Credit Card if you shop at Best Buy frequently and rarely use other retailers for electronics or tech. The 5% earning rate at Best Buy is higher than the Visa Card's 3%, so if you spend $1,000 per year at Best Buy, you'd earn $50 in rewards instead of $30. Over time, that difference adds up.

Choose the Best Buy Visa Card if you shop at multiple retailers and want a single card that earns rewards everywhere. The 1% to 3% earning rates are lower than the Best Buy Credit Card at Best Buy, but you earn rewards on groceries, gas, restaurants, and other stores. This card makes sense if Best Buy is only part of your spending.

If you rarely shop at Best Buy or only buy there once a year, neither card is worth carrying. A general-purpose rewards card from another bank — such as a card that earns 2% cash back on all purchases — would serve you better.

What to know about credit approval and credit score

Both Best Buy cards are issued by Citi and require a credit check. Approval depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Citi typically approves applicants with good to excellent credit (usually a score of 670 or higher), though approval is not may provide at any score level.

explore for a credit card results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score by a few points temporarily. If you are denied, you can ask Citi for the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, high existing debt, or recent late payments.

If you are approved, your credit limit depends on your creditworthiness. You can request a higher limit after you've used the card responsibly for several months.

Annual fees and other costs to consider

Neither the Best Buy Credit Card nor the Best Buy Visa Card charges an annual fee. This means you can keep the card open without paying anything, even if you don't use it.

However, the cards do charge interest on balances you don't pay off each month. The interest rate (APR) varies based on your credit score and current market rates. Check the card's terms before you explore to see the range of rates Citi offers.

Late payments result in late fees, typically $25 to $40 depending on how late the payment is. Paying on time each month is the most important way to avoid extra costs and protect your credit score.

How rewards compare to other shopping strategies

A 5% rewards rate sounds good, but context matters. If you spend $2,000 per year at Best Buy and earn 5% back, you earn $100 in rewards. That's real money, but it's also a 5% discount on your purchases — only if you actually redeem the rewards. If you earn points and never use them, the rewards have no value.

Compare this to other strategies: waiting for Best Buy sales, using a price-matching service, or buying refurbished items instead of new. A sale that cuts 20% off a laptop is worth far more than 5% rewards. Rewards work best when they're a bonus on top of your normal shopping, not the reason you shop.

Also consider whether you'd carry a balance on the card. If you charge $2,000 and pay interest at 18% APR for six months, you'll pay roughly $180 in interest — erasing the $100 in rewards and costing you $80 more. Rewards only make financial sense if you pay the full balance each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The Best Buy Credit Card works only at Best Buy stores and Best Buy.com. If you need a card that works everywhere, the Best Buy Visa Card is the option. The Visa Card earns 3% at Best Buy and 1% to 2% at other retailers.

What happens to my rewards if I close the card?

Rewards typically remain in your account for a set period after you close the card, usually 90 days to one year depending on the card's terms. Check your cardholder agreement or contact Citi to confirm the timeframe. After that period, unused rewards may expire.

Do I have to pay interest if I use the special financing offer?

Special financing offers (like 0% for 12 months) charge no interest if you pay the full amount within the promotional period. If you don't pay it off by the end of the promotion, interest applies to the remaining balance at the card's regular APR, sometimes retroactively to the purchase date. Read the terms carefully before you use the offer.

Is it better to get the rewards card or wait for a Best Buy sale?

Both strategies can work together. A 5% rewards rate is useful if you shop at Best Buy regularly, but a 20% off sale is worth far more. Use the card for regular purchases and watch for sales on big-ticket items. The combination gives you the most value.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Citi typically approves applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher, though approval depends on multiple factors including income and credit history. There's no may provide minimum score. If you're denied, you can reapply after improving your credit or waiting a few months.