What the My Best Buy Credit Card Visa is and who should consider it

The My Best Buy Credit Card Visa is a rewards card issued by Citi that gives you points on purchases at Best Buy and other retailers. You earn points on every dollar you spend, and those points convert to Best Buy certificates you can use in-store or online. The card is designed for people who shop at Best Buy regularly and want to stack rewards on top of any existing Best Buy loyalty membership.

This is not a store card that only works at Best Buy — it is a Visa that works anywhere Visa is accepted. The main benefit is the accelerated earning rate at Best Buy itself, where you earn more points per dollar than you would with a standard cash-back card. If you rarely visit Best Buy or shop there only once or twice a year, the card may not be worth the annual fee.

Key Takeaways

  • The card earns points at Best Buy and other retailers, with a higher earning rate at Best Buy locations and Best Buy's website.
  • Points convert directly to Best Buy certificates that you redeem for purchases, not cash back.
  • The card charges an annual fee, which you should weigh against how much you plan to spend at Best Buy each year.
  • You need a Citi online account to track your points and redeem certificates, separate from your Best Buy account.
  • The card is a Visa, so it works at any merchant that accepts Visa, not just Best Buy.

How to earn and redeem points with the My Best Buy Credit Card Visa

Every time you use the card, you earn points. The earning rate is higher at Best Buy than elsewhere — the exact rates vary and change periodically, so check your cardholder agreement or log into your Citi account to see the current structure. Points accumulate in your Citi account and do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

To redeem points, log into your Citi account online or through the Citi mobile app, find your rewards balance, and select the option to convert points to a Best Buy certificate. The certificate is sent to your email and can be used when ready at Best Buy in-store or online. You cannot convert points to cash, airline miles, or other rewards — they are locked to Best Buy only.

If you have a Best Buy loyalty membership (My Best Buy), you can link it to your credit card account so that both your membership rewards and credit card rewards stack on the same purchases. This means you earn points twice on the same transaction — once from the card and once from the membership program.

Annual fee and when it makes financial sense

The My Best Buy Credit Card Visa charges an annual fee. Whether the card pays for itself depends on how much you spend at Best Buy each year. If you spend enough to earn certificates worth more than the annual fee, the card is worth keeping. If you spend very little, the fee will outweigh any rewards you earn.

Calculate your break-even point by dividing the annual fee by the earning rate at Best Buy. For example, if the fee is $40 and you earn 1 point per dollar at Best Buy, you need to spend $4,000 at Best Buy in a year just to break even. If you typically spend less than that, consider whether the card is still worth it for the convenience of having a Visa in your wallet.

You can cancel the card at any time by calling the customer service number on the back of your card or logging into your Citi account online. If you cancel, any points you have already earned remain in your account for a limited time — check your cardholder agreement for the exact window — so redeem them before you close the account.

How to open a My Best Buy Credit Card Visa account

You can request the card through Best Buy's website, through Citi's website, or in a Best Buy store. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Citi will check your credit report to make a decision.

You will receive a decision within a few minutes to a few days. If you are approved, the card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your new Citi account online. Your points will start earning as soon as the card is activated and you make your first purchase.

If you already have a Best Buy account or My Best Buy membership, you can link your new credit card to that account during setup or afterward through your Best Buy profile. This connection lets you see all your rewards — membership and card — in one place.

What happens if you miss a payment or carry a balance

The My Best Buy Credit Card Visa is a regular credit card, not a store card, so it reports to the three major credit bureaus and follows standard credit card rules. If you miss a payment, it will be reported to the bureaus and can damage your credit score. Late payments also trigger late fees and may increase your interest rate.

If you carry a balance month to month, you will pay interest on that balance at the card's variable interest rate. The rate is not fixed and can change over time. You can avoid interest entirely by paying your full statement balance by the due date each month.

You can make payments online through your Citi account, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments set up in your account. Most people set up automatic payments so they never miss a due date.

How the My Best Buy Credit Card Visa compares to other rewards cards

The main difference between this card and a general rewards card is that your rewards are locked to Best Buy. A cash-back card or a card that earns points you can transfer to multiple partners gives you more flexibility — you can use rewards anywhere. The My Best Buy card only makes sense if you are committed to spending at Best Buy and want the higher earning rate there.

If you shop at Best Buy but also want rewards flexibility, a general Visa rewards card might be better, even if the earning rate at Best Buy is lower. You would earn fewer points per dollar at Best Buy, but you could use those points or cash back anywhere.

If you shop at Best Buy regularly and have a My Best Buy membership, the combination of membership rewards plus card rewards can add up faster than a standalone rewards card would. Run the math on your own spending to see which option saves you more money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a My Best Buy membership to use the credit card?

No, the credit card works on its own. However, if you have a My Best Buy membership, you can link it to your card account so that both membership rewards and card rewards earn on the same purchases. This stacking can increase your total rewards faster.

Can I use the card outside of Best Buy?

Yes, it is a Visa and works anywhere Visa is accepted. You earn points on all purchases, but the earning rate is higher at Best Buy than at other merchants. Check your cardholder agreement to see the exact earning rates for different categories.

What if I do not use all my points before I close the account?

Points remain in your account for a limited time after you close the card — typically 60 to 90 days, though this varies. Redeem any remaining points to a Best Buy certificate before that window closes, or they will be lost.

Can I transfer my points to someone else?

No, points are tied to your account and cannot be transferred. However, you can redeem points to a Best Buy certificate and give that certificate to someone else as a gift.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Citi does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Generally, credit card issuers look for a score in the good to excellent range, but approval depends on your full credit history, income, and other factors. You can request the card and see if you are approved.