The Best Buy credit card is the card issued by Citi for Best Buy purchases, but the right choice depends on whether you shop there regularly or occasionally
Best Buy offers two cards through Citi: the Best Buy Credit Card (the store card) and the Best Buy Visa (a Visa you can use anywhere). The store card gives you the highest rewards at Best Buy—5% back on purchases there—but you can only use it at Best Buy and Best Buy.com. The Visa gives you 3% back at Best Buy and 1% everywhere else, and works at any merchant that takes Visa. Neither card has an annual fee.
If you shop at Best Buy multiple times a year, the store card's 5% rate makes it worth carrying. If you buy there once or twice annually, a general-purpose rewards card from another issuer might give you better value across all your spending. This guide walks through how each card works, what rewards you actually earn, and how to decide which one fits your situation.
Key Takeaways
- The Best Buy store card earns 5% back on Best Buy purchases but cannot be used anywhere else.
- The Best Buy Visa earns 3% at Best Buy and 1% everywhere else, and works at any merchant.
- Both cards have no annual fee, but the store card offers special financing on large purchases that the Visa does not.
- Frequent Best Buy shoppers benefit more from the store card; occasional shoppers may earn more with a general rewards card.
- You can hold both cards at the same time if you want the store card's 5% rate plus a Visa for other purchases.
How the Best Buy Store Card Rewards Work
The Best Buy Credit Card earns 5% cash back on all Best Buy and Best Buy.com purchases with no cap. You earn 1% back on all other purchases, but most cardholders use this card only at Best Buy because the 5% rate is the main draw.
Rewards post to your account as a statement credit each month. You do not receive a separate rewards account or points balance—the credit straightforward reduces your bill. This means you cannot transfer rewards elsewhere or let them accumulate for a larger redemption later.
The card also includes special financing offers on purchases over a certain amount (the threshold changes by promotion). Best Buy frequently runs 12-month, 18-month, or 24-month interest-free periods on items like laptops, TVs, and appliances if you use the store card. These offers are not available with the Visa or with other cards.
How the Best Buy Visa Rewards Work
The Best Buy Visa earns 3% cash back at Best Buy and Best Buy.com, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% on all other purchases. Like the store card, rewards appear as a statement credit each month with no separate redemption step.
Because it is a Visa, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted—grocery stores, gas pumps, online retailers, restaurants, and travel. This makes it useful if you want a single card that earns decent rewards at Best Buy but also works for everyday spending elsewhere.
The Visa does not include special financing offers. If you need to split a large purchase into interest-free payments, you would need to use the store card or another financing option.
Comparing Rewards Across Different Spending Patterns
| Scenario | Best Buy Store Card | Best Buy Visa | Better Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 at Best Buy only | $50 cash back | $30 cash back | Store card |
| $500 at Best Buy + $500 elsewhere | $25 at Best Buy + $5 elsewhere = $30 | $15 at Best Buy + $5 elsewhere = $20 | Store card |
| $200 at Best Buy + $2,000 at other retailers | $10 at Best Buy + $20 elsewhere = $30 | $6 at Best Buy + $20 elsewhere = $26 | Depends on card used elsewhere |
The store card pulls ahead when Best Buy is your primary purchase location. The Visa makes sense if you spend significantly more outside Best Buy and want a single card that earns rewards everywhere.
To find your break-even point, multiply your expected annual Best Buy spending by 0.05 (for the store card) and 0.03 (for the Visa). If the store card number is higher, it will earn you more at Best Buy alone. Then add what you spend elsewhere and compare the total rewards from each card.
Special Financing and Promotional Offers
Best Buy runs rotating financing promotions exclusively for the store card. These typically offer 12 to 24 months of interest-free payments on purchases above $399 to $599, depending on the item category and current promotion. Laptops, tablets, TVs, and appliances are common categories for these offers.
If you carry a balance and miss a payment, deferred interest charges explore retroactively to the original purchase date. Read the terms of each promotion carefully—the interest-free period and minimum purchase amount vary. You can check current offers on Best Buy's website or ask in-store before you open the card.
The Visa does not include these financing offers. If you need to finance a large purchase, you would need to use the store card, a personal loan, or another financing method.
Annual Fees and Other Costs
Neither the Best Buy store card nor the Visa charges an annual fee. There are no hidden monthly charges, inactivity fees, or redemption fees. The only cost is interest if you carry a balance and do not pay it off in full each month.
Both cards charge standard credit card interest rates on unpaid balances. The APR varies based on your credit score and current market rates. Best Buy does not publish a fixed APR range, so you will see your rate only after you open the card.
How to Decide Between the Two Cards
Choose the Best Buy store card if you shop at Best Buy at least three or four times a year, or if you plan to make a large purchase (laptop, TV, appliance) where you might use the special financing offer. The 5% rate significantly outpaces other cards at Best Buy, and the financing options add real value for big-ticket items.
Choose the Best Buy Visa if you shop at Best Buy only once or twice a year and do most of your spending elsewhere. A general-purpose rewards card (like a 2% flat-rate card) might actually earn you more across all your purchases, but the Visa is a solid middle ground if you want a Best Buy card that also works everywhere.
You can hold both cards at the same time. Some people keep the store card for Best Buy purchases and special financing, and use the Visa for everyday spending and travel. This approach maximizes rewards at Best Buy while keeping a Visa in your wallet for merchants that do not accept the store card.
How to Open a Best Buy Credit Card
You can open either card online at Best Buy's website, in-store at any Best Buy location, or by phone. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Citi will make a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.
You will receive a decision within minutes in most cases. If approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the card in-store when ready after approval if you explore in person, or you can request a temporary card number online to start shopping right away.
If you are denied, Citi will mail you a notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, a recent late payment, or high existing debt. You can reapply after addressing the issue, though waiting at least six months between applications improves your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Best Buy store card outside of Best Buy?
No. The store card works only at Best Buy and Best Buy.com. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need the Best Buy Visa instead. You can hold both cards and use each one where it works best.
Do I lose my rewards if I don't redeem them?
Rewards appear as a statement credit each month, so they are automatically applied to your account. You cannot lose them or let them expire. The credit straightforward reduces the amount you owe on your bill.
What credit score do I need to open a Best Buy card?
Best Buy does not publish a minimum credit score. Most cardholders approved have a score of 650 or higher, but approval depends on your full credit profile, including payment history and existing debt. You can explore and see if you are approved regardless of your score.
Does the special financing offer explore to all Best Buy purchases?
No. Financing offers explore only to specific categories (usually laptops, TVs, appliances, and gaming systems) and only on purchases above a minimum amount. The current offers and terms are posted on Best Buy's website and in-store. Read the terms before you buy, because missing a payment triggers retroactive interest charges.
Can I transfer my Best Buy rewards to another card or program?
No. Rewards are issued as a statement credit only and cannot be transferred, converted to points, or redeemed for anything other than a credit to your account balance.