Call Best Buy's card issuer to close the account
The Best Buy credit card is issued by Citi, so you contact Citi to close it, not Best Buy directly. Call the number on the back of your card — that's the fastest way to reach the right department. Have your card number ready when you call.
When you reach a representative, tell them you want to close the account. They will ask why you're closing it (you don't have to give a detailed reason), confirm your identity, and process the closure. The call usually takes five to ten minutes. Ask the representative to confirm the account is closed and note the date.
You can also close the account by logging into your Citi online account, though the phone route is more direct because you get immediate confirmation. If you use the online method, look for account settings or account management, then find the option to close or deactivate the account. You'll still need to follow up with a call to confirm the closure went through.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Best Buy card to reach Citi, the card issuer, and request closure over the phone.
- Pay off any remaining balance before closing, because the account will stop accruing rewards once it's closed.
- Ask the representative to confirm the closure date and note it yourself for your records.
- Check your credit report a few weeks later to verify the account shows as closed, since reporting delays sometimes occur.
- Keep the card itself until you receive written confirmation that the account is closed, then cut it up or shred it.
Pay off your balance before you close
If you have a balance on the card, pay it off before closing the account. You can still make payments after closure, but the account will stop earning rewards once it's closed. If you're carrying a balance specifically to earn rewards on the payoff, close the account after the final payment posts.
If you have a promotional 0% APR offer still running, closing the account won't end the promotion — you can keep paying down the balance at 0% interest. However, some card issuers do reserve the right to end a promotional rate if the account is closed, so ask the representative about this before you hang up.
What happens to your rewards after closure
Any rewards points you've already earned stay in your account for a set period after closure. With the Best Buy card, you typically have 60 days to use your points after the account closes. You can redeem them for Best Buy purchases, gift cards, or statement credits during that window.
If you don't use your points within that timeframe, they expire and you lose them. Log into your account right after closure to check your points balance, then decide how to use them. Some cardholders close their account specifically to force themselves to spend the points rather than let them sit unused.
How closure affects your credit score
Closing a credit card can lower your credit score slightly, usually by a few points. This happens because closing an account reduces your total available credit, which changes your credit utilization ratio — the amount of credit you're using compared to what's available. If you have other cards with balances, your utilization on those cards will appear higher after closure.
The impact is typically temporary. Your score usually recovers within a few months as long as you keep other accounts in good standing and don't miss payments. If you're planning to apply for a loan or mortgage soon, close the card at least three to six months beforehand to let your score stabilize.
Timing: when to close before or after your statement date
The timing of your closure doesn't matter much, but closing right after your statement closes is slightly cleaner. This way, your final statement is complete and you can see exactly what you owe. If you close mid-cycle, you'll still receive a final statement showing any charges made before closure.
Don't close the account if you have a pending transaction that hasn't posted yet. Wait for all charges to clear, then close. This prevents confusion about whether a charge went through and ensures your final balance is accurate.
Confirming the closure in writing
After you close the account by phone, the representative will give you a confirmation number. Write this down along with the date and time of your call. Ask the representative to send you written confirmation by mail or email — some will do this automatically, others require you to request it.
Check your credit report two to four weeks after closure to verify the account shows as closed. You can check your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If the account still shows as open after a month, call Citi again to confirm the closure was processed.
What to do with the physical card
Once you have confirmation that the account is closed, destroy the card. Cut it in half or shred it — don't just throw it in the trash. This prevents someone from finding the card and attempting to use the account number, even though the account is closed and shouldn't accept new charges.
If you want to keep the card for your records, that's fine too. A closed card can't be used, so there's no security risk. Some people keep old cards in a file to track their credit history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen the Best Buy card after I close it?
You can contact Citi to ask about reopening the account, but they're not required to reopen it. If you closed it recently and in good standing, they may reopen it. If you closed it years ago or had missed payments, they'll likely decline. Your best option is to reapply as a new customer if you want the card back.
Will closing the card hurt my credit score permanently?
No. The score dip from closure is temporary, usually recovering within a few months. The account will remain on your credit report for seven to ten years after closure, which actually helps your score because it shows a long history of on-time payments.
What if I have a balance I can't pay off right now?
You can close the account and keep paying the balance. Citi will send you bills for the remaining balance, and you'll continue making payments. The account will be closed to new charges, but you can still pay down what you owe. Interest will continue to accrue on the balance unless you have a promotional rate.
Do I need to close the account in person at Best Buy?
No. Best Buy stores don't handle credit card closures. You must contact Citi by phone or online. Best Buy has no involvement in closing the account once it's issued.
How long does it take for the closure to show up on my credit report?
Usually two to four weeks. Citi reports to the credit bureaus monthly, so the closure will appear on your next reporting cycle. If it hasn't shown up after a month, contact Citi to confirm the closure was processed correctly.