Call Best Buy's card issuer to request closure
To close a Best Buy credit card, you must contact Citi, the bank that issues the card on Best Buy's behalf. Call the customer service number on the back of your card — it routes directly to Citi's account team. Have your card number and account details ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will confirm your identity, review your account balance, and process the closure request on the call.
Citi will not close the account if you have an outstanding balance. You must pay what you owe in full before the closure goes through. If you have a balance, ask the representative for the exact amount due and the payment methods available. Some cardholders pay over the phone during the same call; others prefer to pay online or by mail first, then call back to confirm closure once the balance reaches zero.
The closure is effective immediately after the representative confirms it. You will receive written confirmation in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep this letter for your records — it documents the account closure date and final balance.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Best Buy card to reach Citi customer service, which handles all Best Buy credit card accounts.
- You cannot close the account while carrying a balance; Citi requires full payment before processing the closure.
- The account closes immediately after you confirm the request with the representative, though written confirmation arrives by mail within 7 to 10 days.
- After closure, the card stops working for new purchases, but you remain responsible for any remaining balance or fees until they are paid.
- Closing the card does not remove it from your credit report; it will remain visible for up to seven years.
What happens to your balance after you close the account
Closing the account does not erase what you owe. If you have paid the full balance before closure, you have nothing further to pay. If you close the account with a zero balance and then a fee posts (such as an annual fee, if applicable, or a late fee from a missed payment before closure), you must pay that fee when it appears on your statement.
Best Buy's card does not carry an annual fee, so the most common post-closure charge is interest on a remaining balance or a late fee if a payment was missed before you called to close. Any interest that accrued before closure continues to accrue at the card's standard APR until the balance is paid. Interest does not stop when the account closes — it stops only when the balance reaches zero.
You will receive statements for as long as a balance remains. Citi will mail statements or make them available online through your account portal. Pay by the due date shown on each statement to avoid additional late fees.
How closure affects your credit report and score
Closing a credit card account does not remove it from your credit report immediately. The closed account remains on your report for up to seven years from the closure date. During that time, it continues to affect your credit score, though the impact depends on your overall credit profile.
The closure itself may cause a small, temporary dip in your score because it reduces your total available credit. If the Best Buy card was one of your older accounts, closing it may also lower the average age of your accounts, which can lower your score slightly. However, if you carry balances on other cards, closing an unused card can improve your score by reducing your total credit utilization — the percentage of available credit you are using across all accounts.
The account will show as "closed" on your credit report, not as delinquent or in default, as long as you paid the balance in full or continue to pay any remaining balance on time. Lenders can see that you closed the account, but they can also see that you did so in good standing.
Paying off the balance before closure
If you have a balance on the card, you have three payment options: pay in full during the closure call, pay online through Citi's website or mobile app, or mail a check to the address shown on your statement. Paying during the call is fastest — the representative can confirm the payment immediately and process the closure in the same conversation.
To pay online, log into your Citi account at citi.com or through the Citi Mobile app. Select the Best Buy card account, choose "Make a Payment," and enter the amount. You can pay from a linked bank account or debit card. The payment typically posts within one to two business days. Once it posts and your balance is zero, call back to confirm the closure.
If you mail a check, write your account number on the check and send it to the address on your statement. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the check to arrive and post. Once the payment clears and your balance shows zero online, call to complete the closure request.
What to do if you have pending transactions or disputes
Do not close the account if you have pending transactions that have not yet posted. Pending transactions are charges you made but that have not yet appeared on your statement. These transactions will post after closure, and you will be responsible for paying them. Wait for all pending transactions to post and appear on your statement before you call to close.
If you have a dispute with a charge on the account, resolve it before closure. Once the account is closed, disputing a charge becomes more difficult because Citi may treat it as a dispute on a closed account rather than an active one. Contact Citi's dispute department through the number on your statement, explain the charge in question, and ask them to investigate. Once the dispute is resolved and you have paid any balance, you can proceed with closure.
Removing the card from your wallet and online accounts
After the account closes, remove the physical card from your wallet to prevent accidental use. You can cut it up or shred it. The card will no longer work for purchases even though it is still in your possession — Citi deactivates it immediately upon closure — but destroying it removes any risk of confusion.
If you have the Best Buy card saved in online shopping accounts, digital wallets, or subscription services, remove it from those places as well. Log into each account where you stored the card details and delete it. This prevents you from accidentally trying to use the closed card for a purchase and receiving a decline.
If you have autopay set up for any recurring charges using the Best Buy card, update those subscriptions to use a different payment method before you close the account. Autopay attempts will fail after closure, which may result in service interruptions or late fees from the merchant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Best Buy card online or through the app?
No. Citi requires you to close the account by phone. Call the number on the back of your card and speak with a representative. Online account management tools let you view your balance and make payments, but they do not include a closure option.
What if I have a promotional 0% APR offer when I close?
Closing the account does not cancel a promotional rate, but it does stop you from making new purchases under that rate. Any balance you carry at the time of closure will continue to accrue interest at the promotional rate (if the promotional period has not ended) or the standard APR (if it has). Pay the balance before closure to avoid ongoing interest charges.
Will closing the card hurt my credit score?
Closing a credit card may cause a small, temporary decrease in your score because it reduces your available credit and may lower the average age of your accounts. The impact is usually minor and temporary. If you carry balances on other cards, closing an unused card can actually improve your score by lowering your overall credit utilization.
How long does it take for the account to close after I call?
The account closes immediately after you confirm the request with the representative. You can stop using the card right away. Written confirmation arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The account will show as closed on your credit report within 30 to 60 days.
What if I want to reopen the account after closing it?
Once closed, the account cannot be reopened. If you want a Best Buy credit card again, you would need to apply for a new account. A new application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report and you start with a new account number and history. Contact Citi if you are unsure whether reopening is possible in your specific situation.