What the Best Buy Credit Card Does
The Best Buy credit card is a store card issued by Citi that you can use to make purchases at Best Buy stores and on bestbuy.com. When you use it, you earn rewards points on those purchases — the exact earning rate depends on what you buy and whether you are a My Best Buy member. The card also comes with special financing offers on larger purchases, which means you can pay over time without interest if you meet the terms.
This is not a general-purpose credit card. You cannot use it at other retailers. It works only at Best Buy, so it is useful mainly if you shop there regularly for electronics, appliances, or software.
Key Takeaways
- The Best Buy credit card earns rewards points only on Best Buy purchases, and the earning rate is higher for My Best Buy members than for non-members.
- You can manage your account online through bestbuy.com or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
- Special financing offers let you pay for large purchases over time without interest, but you must meet the minimum purchase amount and pay on time to avoid interest charges on the full amount.
- Your card statement and payment due date work the same way as any other credit card — you receive a bill and must pay by the due date to avoid late fees and interest.
- Rewards points expire if you do not use them within a set period, so check your account regularly to see your balance.
How to Sign Up for the Best Buy Credit Card
You can start the sign-up process online at bestbuy.com or in a Best Buy store. On the website, look for the credit card offer near the top of the page or in the account menu. In-store, ask a cashier or customer service associate for an process.
You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income information. Citi will check your credit and make a decision right away or within a few minutes. If you are approved, you can use your card number to shop online when ready, and a physical card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you are denied, you can call the customer service number provided in the denial letter to ask why and whether you can reapply later.
Logging Into Your Account and Checking Your Balance
To view your account online, go to bestbuy.com and sign in with your Best Buy account username and password. Once you are logged in, click on "Account" or "My Account" in the top menu, then select "Credit Card" or "Manage Your Card." From there you can see your current balance, recent transactions, and rewards points balance.
You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card to speak with a representative. They can tell you your balance, recent charges, and rewards points over the phone. This is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone directly.
Your online account also shows your statement due date and minimum payment amount. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar so you do not miss the important date.
Making Payments on Your Best Buy Credit Card
You have several ways to pay your bill. The easiest is to pay online through your Best Buy account — log in, go to your credit card section, and click "Make a Payment." You can pay the full balance, the minimum amount, or any amount in between. The payment posts when ready if you pay before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day.
You can also set up automatic payments so the same amount is withdrawn from your bank account on the same day each month. This prevents missed payments and late fees. To set this up, log into your account and look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" in the payment section.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check to the address shown on your statement, or call the customer service number to pay by phone with a debit card or bank account. Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days to arrive, so send them early if your due date is coming up.
Understanding Rewards Points and How to Use Them
Every time you use your Best Buy credit card at Best Buy, you earn points. The earning rate varies: My Best Buy members earn more points per dollar than non-members, and some product categories earn bonus points. You can see the current earning rates on bestbuy.com or ask in-store.
Points accumulate in your account and appear in your online dashboard. You can redeem them toward purchases at Best Buy — either in-store or online — by selecting "Redeem Rewards" at checkout. Points are worth one cent each, so 100 points equals $1 off your purchase.
Points do expire, usually after a set period of inactivity on your account. Check your account regularly to see how many points you have and when they expire. If you have not used your card in a while, your points may be about to disappear.
Special Financing Offers and How They Work
Best Buy regularly offers special financing deals on the credit card — for example, "12 months special financing on purchases of $399 or more." This means if you buy something that qualifies and pay it off within the promotional period, you pay no interest. If you do not pay it off in time, interest charges explore to the full original amount, not just the remaining balance.
When you see a financing offer in-store or online, it will show the minimum purchase amount and the number of months you have to pay. Make sure you understand both before you buy. If you are not sure whether your purchase qualifies, ask a cashier or check your receipt — it will say whether the financing offer was applied.
To avoid interest charges, set a reminder for a few days before the promotional period ends so you can pay the remaining balance in full. If you think you cannot pay it off in time, do not use the financing offer — pay with cash or another card instead.
What to Do If You Lose Your Card or Notice Unauthorized Charges
If your card is lost or stolen, call the customer service number on the back of your card right away. If you do not have the card, search your email for a statement or receipt that shows the number. A representative will cancel your card and send a replacement, usually within 7 to 10 business days.
If you see charges on your statement that you did not make, call customer service and report them as soon as you notice. Citi will investigate and may issue a temporary credit while they look into it. Do not ignore unauthorized charges — the sooner you report them, the faster the issue is resolved.
You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report them promptly, but you must act quickly. Check your statement at least once a month to catch problems early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Best Buy credit card anywhere other than Best Buy?
No. The Best Buy credit card works only at Best Buy stores and on bestbuy.com. It cannot be used at other retailers or restaurants. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a different credit card.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A late fee will be added to your account, and interest will start accruing on your balance if it is not paid within 30 days. Your credit score may also be affected. If you miss a payment, call customer service as soon as possible to discuss your options — they may be able to waive a single late fee if you have a good payment history.
How long do rewards points stay in my account?
Points usually expire after a period of inactivity, though the exact timeframe varies. Check your account or call customer service to find out when your points expire. Using your card regularly or redeeming points before they expire keeps your rewards from disappearing.
Can I transfer my rewards points to another account or person?
No. Rewards points are tied to your account and cannot be transferred. They can only be redeemed toward Best Buy purchases on your own account.
What should I do if I want to close my Best Buy credit card account?
Call customer service and ask to close the account. Make sure you have paid off any remaining balance first. Once the account is closed, you cannot earn or redeem points, but any points you had before closing may still be redeemable for a limited time — ask the representative about this before you hang up.