What the Best Buy Visa Card is and who issues it

The Best Buy Visa Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Citi in partnership with Best Buy. It works like any other Visa card — you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted — but it's designed to reward you for purchases at Best Buy and Best Buy's website.

Best Buy is the card issuer's partner, not the lender. Citi handles the account, sets the interest rates, and manages payments. Best Buy handles the rewards program and decides what perks cardholders receive. Understanding this split matters because if you have a question about your bill or interest rate, you contact Citi. If you have a question about rewards or Best Buy-specific benefits, you contact Best Buy.

The card comes in two versions: the regular Best Buy Visa Card and the Best Buy Visa Card for Business. This guide covers the consumer card. The business version has different rewards rates and is issued to business owners with a business tax ID.

Key Takeaways

  • The Best Buy Visa Card earns rewards points at Best Buy and on all other purchases, with higher rewards rates at Best Buy locations and online.
  • You can use the card anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Best Buy, but the rewards are strongest when you shop there.
  • The card has no annual fee, but you pay interest on any balance you don't pay off in full each month.
  • Citi manages your account and billing, while Best Buy manages the rewards program and member benefits.
  • You need a credit history to be considered, and approval depends on your credit score and income.

Rewards rates and how points work

The Best Buy Visa Card earns points on every purchase. At Best Buy stores and on BestBuy.com, you earn 3 points per dollar spent. On all other purchases — groceries, gas, restaurants, anywhere else Visa is accepted — you earn 1 point per dollar.

Points accumulate in your Best Buy account and can be redeemed for a discount on future Best Buy purchases. One point equals one cent in value, so 100 points equals $1 off. You redeem points at checkout, either in-store or online, by selecting them as a payment method.

Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. If your account is closed for 12 months or longer, Best Buy may remove your points. Points are tied to your Best Buy loyalty account, not to the card itself, so if you lose the physical card, your points stay with your account.

Annual fees and interest rates

The Best Buy Visa Card has no annual fee. You don't pay anything just to hold the card.

Interest rates vary by person and change over time. The card's purchase APR (the rate you pay on purchases if you carry a balance) is not fixed and depends on your creditworthiness when you open the account. Citi will tell you your specific APR when you receive your card. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest.

The card also offers a 0% introductory APR period on purchases for a limited time after opening. The length of this period varies and is disclosed before you open the account. After the introductory period ends, the regular purchase APR applies to any remaining balance.

How to open an account

You can open a Best Buy Visa Card account online at BestBuy.com, in a Best Buy store, or by phone. The online route is fastest.

To open an account online, go to the Best Buy credit card page, select "explore Now," and fill out the process. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and income information. The process takes about 10 minutes. Citi will tell you when ready whether you're approved, denied, or pending review.

If you explore in a store, a Best Buy employee can walk you through the process on a tablet or direct you to a kiosk. You'll get a decision on the spot or within a few days. If you explore by phone, call the number on the Best Buy website to speak with a representative.

Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it online, by phone, or in the Best Buy app before it arrives. Your rewards account is linked automatically, so points start accumulating as soon as you make your first purchase.

Credit score and approval requirements

Citi does not publish a minimum credit score for the Best Buy Visa Card, but the card is generally easier to get than premium rewards cards. Most people approved have a credit score of 650 or higher, though approval is not may provide at any score.

Citi looks at your credit report, income, and existing debts when deciding whether to approve you. If you have recent missed payments, high existing debt, or a very short credit history, you may be denied. If you're denied, you can ask Citi why and reapply after addressing the issue — for example, paying down existing balances or waiting for negative marks to age off your report.

If you're unsure whether you'll be approved, you can check your credit score for free through your bank, a credit card issuer, or a free service like Credit Karma. This is a "soft inquiry" and doesn't affect your credit score. When you actually explore for the card, Citi will do a "hard inquiry," which temporarily lowers your score by a few points.

Using the card outside Best Buy

The Best Buy Visa Card works anywhere Visa is accepted — at restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, online retailers, and thousands of other merchants worldwide. You earn 1 point per dollar on these purchases, compared to 3 points per dollar at Best Buy.

The card has no foreign transaction fees, so you can use it internationally without paying extra charges. The exchange rate is set by Visa, not by Best Buy or Citi, and is the same rate you'd get with any Visa card.

Because the rewards are strongest at Best Buy, the card makes the most sense if you shop there regularly. If you rarely visit Best Buy, a general rewards card with higher rewards on groceries, gas, or dining might be a better fit.

Managing your account and paying your bill

You manage your Best Buy Visa Card account through Citi's website or mobile app. You can view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, and read statements. Your rewards balance appears in your Best Buy account, which is separate from your Citi account.

Payments are due by the date shown on your statement, usually 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in a Best Buy store. If you set up automatic payments, you can choose to pay the full balance, a fixed amount, or the minimum payment each month.

If you miss a payment, Citi charges a late fee and reports the missed payment to credit bureaus, which lowers your credit score. If you're unable to pay, contact Citi as soon as possible to discuss options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Best Buy Visa Card at other retailers?

Yes. The card is a Visa, so it works anywhere Visa is accepted. You earn 1 point per dollar at non-Best Buy merchants, compared to 3 points per dollar at Best Buy. The card has no restrictions on where you use it.

What happens to my points if I close my account?

Your points stay in your Best Buy account as long as the account remains active. If you close your Best Buy loyalty account or don't use it for 12 months, Best Buy may remove your points. Keep your Best Buy account open if you want to keep your points.

Is there a sign-up bonus?

Best Buy occasionally offers sign-up bonuses for new cardholders, such as bonus points after your first purchase or after spending a certain amount in the first few months. These offers change, so check the current offer on BestBuy.com before you open your account.

What's the difference between the regular card and the business card?

The business card is for business owners and has different rewards rates and benefits. The regular card is for personal use. You need a business tax ID to open a business account.

Can I transfer my points to another rewards program?

No. Best Buy points can only be redeemed for discounts on Best Buy purchases. They cannot be transferred to airline miles, hotel points, or other rewards programs.