How to Apply for a Best Buy Credit Card
You can apply for a Best Buy credit card online through Best Buy's website, in a Best Buy store, or by phone. The online application takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, annual income, and employment status. Best Buy works with Citi to issue the card, so Citi runs a hard credit inquiry—this will show on your credit report and may lower your score by a few points temporarily.
You'll get a decision within minutes if you apply online or by phone. If approved, you can use the card in-store immediately or wait for the physical card to arrive by mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. If you're denied, Citi will send you a letter explaining why, and you can contact Citi to understand what factors led to the decision.
Key Takeaways
- Best Buy offers two credit cards—the Best Buy credit card for general purchases and the Best Buy Visa for use anywhere—each with different rewards rates and annual fees.
- You need a Social Security number, proof of income, and a valid address to apply, and Citi will check your credit report as part of the approval process.
- Approval decisions come within minutes for online or phone applications, and you can use the card in-store the same day if approved.
- The card carries an annual percentage rate (APR) that varies based on your creditworthiness, and carrying a balance means paying interest on purchases.
What Credit Score You Typically Need
Best Buy does not publish a minimum credit score requirement, but most cardholders approved for the Best Buy card have a score of 650 or higher. This is considered fair to good credit. If your score is below 650, approval is less likely but not impossible—some people with scores in the 600 range have been approved, particularly if they have a short history of late payments or high debt relative to income.
Your credit score is one factor Citi considers. They also look at your payment history, how much debt you already carry, how long you've had credit accounts open, and your income. If you've been denied before, waiting a few months while you pay down balances or make on-time payments can improve your chances on a second application.
Documents and Information You'll Need
Have these items ready before you start the application:
- Your Social Security number
- A valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport)
- Your current address
- Your annual income or household income
- Your employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student, etc.)
- Your phone number and email address
If you're self-employed or have variable income, have a recent tax return or pay stub available—you may need to reference it during the application. Best Buy will not ask you to upload documents during the initial application, but if Citi needs to verify your income, they'll contact you after you apply.
The Two Best Buy Credit Card Options
Best Buy offers the Best Buy credit card and the Best Buy Visa card. The Best Buy card works only at Best Buy and Best Buy's website. It earns 5% cash back on Best Buy purchases, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% everywhere else. There is no annual fee, but the APR ranges from 18% to 27% depending on your creditworthiness.
The Best Buy Visa card works anywhere Visa is accepted. It earns 3% cash back on Best Buy purchases, 1.5% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% everywhere else. This card has a $39 annual fee and carries the same APR range. Choose the Best Buy card if you shop at Best Buy frequently and want to avoid an annual fee. Choose the Visa if you want rewards outside Best Buy and don't mind paying the annual fee.
What Happens After You're Approved
Once approved, you'll receive a confirmation number and can use your card immediately in Best Buy stores by providing your name and last four digits of your Social Security number at checkout. Online, you can add the card to your Best Buy account right away. The physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Your credit limit will be set by Citi based on your credit profile and income. This limit determines how much you can charge. You'll receive a statement each month showing your balance, minimum payment due, and the due date—usually 21 to 25 days after the statement closes. If you carry a balance past the due date, interest accrues daily at your APR.
How Interest and Fees Work on This Card
The Best Buy card charges interest only if you carry a balance—that is, if you don't pay off your full statement balance by the due date. Interest accrues daily on the unpaid balance at your APR. For example, if your APR is 22% and you carry a $1,000 balance for a full month, you'll owe roughly $18 in interest on top of your principal.
The card has no annual fee (Best Buy card) or a $39 annual fee (Best Buy Visa). There is no foreign transaction fee, no late fee if you pay within 60 days of the due date, and no over-limit fee. However, if you pay more than 60 days late, Citi will report the late payment to credit bureaus, which will damage your credit score. Paying at least the minimum payment by the due date avoids late fees and credit damage.
Promotional Offers and Special Financing
Best Buy periodically offers promotional financing on the card—for example, 12 months of 0% APR on purchases of $399 or more, or 0% APR for 24 months on appliances. These offers are advertised in-store and online, and may be able to access depends on your creditworthiness. If you may have access to for a promotional rate, interest does not accrue during the promotional period, but once it ends, the regular APR applies to any remaining balance.
Read the terms carefully: if you don't pay off the balance before the promotional period ends, you'll owe interest retroactively on the full amount from the purchase date, not just going forward. This is called deferred interest. To avoid it, pay off the promotional purchase before the period expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the Best Buy card if I have no credit history?
It's difficult but possible. Best Buy and Citi prefer applicants with at least some credit history—a credit card, car loan, or mortgage. If you have no history, consider becoming an authorized user on someone else's card first, or apply for a secured card to build history before applying for the Best Buy card.
What's the difference between the Best Buy card and the Best Buy Visa?
The Best Buy card works only at Best Buy and earns 5% back on Best Buy purchases with no annual fee. The Best Buy Visa works anywhere and earns 3% back at Best Buy with a $39 annual fee. The Visa is better if you want rewards outside Best Buy; the regular card is better if you shop at Best Buy often and want to avoid the fee.
How long does it take to receive the physical card?
The physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can use the card in Best Buy stores immediately after approval by providing your name and last four digits of your Social Security number, and you can add it to your online account right away.
What happens if I'm denied?
Citi will send you a letter explaining the reason—usually low credit score, insufficient income, or too much existing debt. You can reapply after 30 days, and your chances improve if you pay down balances or make on-time payments in the meantime.
Does applying for the Best Buy card hurt my credit score?
Yes, temporarily. The hard inquiry Citi runs may lower your score by a few points for a few months. Multiple applications in a short time cause more damage, so space out applications if you're also applying for other cards.