What the Citi Best Buy Card Does
The Citi Best Buy Card is a rewards card issued by Citibank that earns points on purchases at Best Buy and other retailers. You earn 3 points per dollar at Best Buy, 1 point per dollar everywhere else, and those points convert to Best Buy certificates you can spend in-store or online. The card has no annual fee, which means you pay nothing to hold it as long as you want.
The card comes in two versions: one for people new to Citi credit, and one for existing Citi cardholders. Both work the same way for earning and redeeming points. The main difference is the welcome offer — new cardholders typically get a larger initial point bonus than existing customers.
Points never expire as long as your account stays open and in good standing. If you close the card, you keep the points you have already earned, but you cannot earn new ones. The points sit in your Citi account until you convert them to a Best Buy certificate, which you can then use like a gift card.
Key Takeaways
- You earn 3 points per dollar at Best Buy and 1 point per dollar at all other merchants, with no annual fee.
- Points convert to Best Buy certificates at a rate that varies — typically 100 points equals a $1 certificate, though promotional rates sometimes offer better value.
- The welcome offer gives you bonus points after you spend a certain amount in the first few months, and the bonus size depends on whether you are new to Citi or an existing cardholder.
- You manage the card and redeem points through your Citi online account or the Citi mobile app.
- Points do not expire as long as your account remains open, but closing the card stops you from earning new points.
How to Open the Citi Best Buy Card
You can open the card online through Citibank's website or through Best Buy's website — both routes lead to the same Citi process. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment details. Citi will pull your credit report to make a decision.
You will get an when ready decision in most cases. If Citi approves you, you can start using the card right away through a temporary digital card number while you wait for the physical card to arrive by mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days. If Citi needs more information, they will call you or send a message to your email.
Before you open the card, check the current welcome offer on Citi's website or Best Buy's site — the bonus points change throughout the year. The offer typically requires you to spend between $500 and $1,000 in the first three months to earn the bonus, so make sure that spending level is realistic for you.
Earning and Redeeming Points
Every purchase you make with the card earns points automatically. At Best Buy, you earn 3 points per dollar. Everywhere else — groceries, gas, restaurants, online shopping — you earn 1 point per dollar. There is no cap on how many points you can earn, and points post to your account within a few days of the transaction.
To redeem points, log into your Citi account online or through the mobile app and look for the rewards section. You will see your total points balance and the option to convert points to a Best Buy certificate. The standard rate is 100 points per $1 certificate, though Citi sometimes runs promotions where you get more value — for example, 80 points per $1 certificate. Check the redemption page to see if a promotion is active before you redeem.
Once you convert points to a certificate, Citi emails you a code you can use at Best Buy.com or give to a cashier in-store. The certificate works like a gift card and does not expire. You can also use points to pay your statement balance directly, though this usually gives you less value than converting to a Best Buy certificate.
Paying Your Bill and Managing Your Account
Your statement closes on a date Citi assigns to you when you open the card — usually between the 1st and the 28th of each month. Your payment is due 21 days after the statement closes. You can pay online through your Citi account, through the mobile app, by phone, or by mail.
If you pay the full statement balance by the due date, you pay no interest. If you carry a balance, Citi charges interest at the card's purchase APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. You can see your APR on your statement or in your online account.
Set up automatic payments through your Citi account to avoid missing a due date. You can choose to pay the full balance automatically, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount you set yourself. Missing a payment can damage your credit score and trigger a late fee, so automatic payment is worth the few minutes it takes to set up.
Comparing the Citi Best Buy Card to Other Rewards Cards
The Citi Best Buy Card is strongest if you shop at Best Buy regularly and want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee. The 3 points per dollar at Best Buy is higher than most general rewards cards offer at any single retailer. However, the 1 point per dollar everywhere else is standard — many no-annual-fee cards offer the same rate across all purchases.
If you rarely visit Best Buy, a flat-rate rewards card like the Citi Double Cash Card (2 points per dollar everywhere) might give you more value. If you shop at multiple retailers and want category bonuses, cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or the American Express Blue Cash Preferred offer higher rewards in rotating categories or specific spending areas like groceries and gas.
The Best Buy card makes sense if your spending is concentrated at Best Buy, or if you like the idea of earning bonus points there while getting standard rewards everywhere else. The lack of an annual fee means there is no cost to keeping the card open even if you do not use it regularly.
What Happens If You Close the Card
You can close the Citi Best Buy Card at any time by calling Citibank's customer service number on the back of your card. There is no penalty for closing it, and you do not lose the points you have already earned — they stay in your Citi account indefinitely.
However, once the card is closed, you cannot earn new points with it. If you have points sitting in your account when you close the card, convert them to a Best Buy certificate before you call to close it, because the certificate is easier to use than points in a closed account.
Closing a credit card can affect your credit score in two ways: it lowers your total available credit, which can raise your credit utilization ratio, and it removes an account from your credit history. If the Best Buy card is one of your older accounts, closing it might lower the average age of your accounts. These effects are usually temporary, but they are worth considering before you close the card.
Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
If your points are not showing up after a purchase, wait a few days — points typically post within 3 to 5 business days. If more than a week has passed, log into your Citi account and check that the transaction posted. If the transaction is there but the points are missing, contact Citi customer service and they can investigate.
If you cannot redeem your points, check that you have at least 100 points in your account — that is the minimum for a $1 certificate. If you have enough points but the redemption button is not working, try a different browser or the mobile app, as technical glitches sometimes affect one platform but not another.
If you forget your Citi online password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. If you cannot access your account through the app or website, call the customer service number on the back of your card and they can help you regain access or answer questions about your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the card at Best Buy to earn the welcome bonus?
No. The welcome bonus requires you to spend a certain amount in the first three months, but that spending can happen anywhere the card is accepted — Best Buy, groceries, gas, online retailers, anywhere. You do not have to make any Best Buy purchases to earn the bonus.
Can I use my Best Buy certificate online and in-store?
Yes. Once you convert points to a Best Buy certificate, you get a code that works both at Best Buy.com and at physical Best Buy locations. You can use it for any product Best Buy sells, including electronics, appliances, movies, and gift cards.
What is the difference between the two versions of this card?
The card works the same way regardless of which version you have. The only real difference is the welcome offer — new Citi customers typically get a larger bonus than existing Citi cardholders. Both versions earn 3 points per dollar at Best Buy and 1 point per dollar everywhere else.
Can I transfer my points to another card or another program?
No. Points earned on the Citi Best Buy Card can only be redeemed for Best Buy certificates or used to pay your statement balance. You cannot transfer them to another rewards program, another Citi card, or a travel partner.
What happens to my points if I miss a payment?
Missing a payment does not erase your points, but it can trigger a late fee and damage your credit score. Your points stay in your account as long as it remains open. Pay your bill on time to avoid these consequences.