The Best Buy credit card is the fastest way to earn rewards on purchases there, but it is not the only card worth considering
Best Buy offers its own branded credit card through Citi, called the Best Buy Credit Card. If you shop at Best Buy regularly, this card gives you points on every purchase — 1 point per dollar spent in-store and online, plus bonus points during promotional periods. The card also unlocks same-day delivery on may be able to access items and early access to sales.
Whether this card is right for you depends on how often you shop there and whether you want rewards only at Best Buy or across all your spending. A general-purpose rewards card might earn you more value if you split your tech purchases between Best Buy and other retailers, or if you rarely visit Best Buy at all.
Key Takeaways
- The Best Buy Credit Card earns 1 point per dollar at Best Buy and 1 point per dollar everywhere else, with points worth roughly 1 cent each toward Best Buy purchases.
- The card has no annual fee and offers same-day delivery on may be able to access items, which can save you money if you need tech quickly.
- A flat-rate rewards card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One SavorOne may earn you more value if you shop at multiple retailers or rarely visit Best Buy.
- Best Buy also accepts all major credit cards, so you can use a cash-back card from your bank if that earns a higher rate on electronics.
- The Best Buy card requires a credit check and approval, which takes a few minutes online but does not may provide acceptance.
How the Best Buy Credit Card rewards work
The Best Buy Credit Card earns 1 point for every dollar you spend, whether you use it in a Best Buy store or online at bestbuy.com. You can redeem points toward purchases at Best Buy — typically 100 points equals $1 in store credit, though Best Buy runs periodic promotions that increase point value.
The card also earns bonus points during special promotional events, usually around major shopping seasons like Black Friday or back-to-school. Best Buy sends cardholders early notice of these events and sometimes offers double or triple points on specific product categories.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the account, you lose any unspent points, so keep that in mind if you are considering canceling.
What the Best Buy card costs and what it includes
The Best Buy Credit Card has no annual fee. You pay nothing to hold the card, which makes it low-risk to open if you think you will use it.
The card includes same-day delivery on may be able to access items at most Best Buy locations. If you order before a certain time in the morning (usually 10 a.m.), your item ships the same day. This can be valuable if you need a laptop, phone, or other tech on short notice and do not want to pay a rush shipping fee.
Cardholders also get early access to Best Buy sales, usually 24 to 48 hours before the general public. During major sales events, this head start can mean the difference between getting a discounted item and seeing it sell out.
When a different card might earn you more
If you shop at multiple electronics retailers — Amazon, Costco, Walmart, or local computer stores — a general-purpose rewards card usually earns you more total value. The Chase Freedom Unlimited, for example, earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which is 1.5 cents per dollar. On a $1,000 laptop purchase, that is $15 back, compared to $10 in Best Buy points (assuming 100 points = $1).
The Capital One SavorOne card earns 3% cash back on dining and entertainment, 1% on all other purchases, and has no annual fee. If you use it for groceries, gas, and tech purchases across different stores, you may come out ahead.
If you have a rewards card from your bank — a Chase Sapphire or American Express Blue card, for instance — check what rate it earns on electronics purchases. Some cards offer bonus categories that include tech or department stores, which can match or beat the Best Buy card's value.
How to open a Best Buy Credit Card account
You can open a Best Buy Credit Card online at bestbuy.com/creditcard or in a Best Buy store. The online process takes about 5 to 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information.
Best Buy and Citi will run a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. You will receive a decision within minutes in most cases — either approved, denied, or pending review. If pending, you may receive a call or email within one to two business days.
Once approved, you can use the card when ready for online purchases at bestbuy.com. Your physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some Best Buy locations allow you to pick up a temporary card in-store on the day you open the account, which lets you use it right away in the store.
What credit score you typically need
Best Buy does not publish a minimum credit score requirement, but the card generally goes to people with good to excellent credit — usually a score of 670 or higher. If your score is below 650, approval is less likely but not impossible, especially if you have a short history of missed payments or high debt.
Your approval odds also depend on your income, how much existing debt you carry, and how many credit inquiries you have had recently. If you have been denied for credit cards in the past few months, wait at least 30 days before explore for the Best Buy card.
You can check your credit score for free through your bank, your credit card issuer, or a service like Credit Karma or AnnualCreditReport.com. Knowing your score before you explore helps you decide whether to move forward or wait to build your credit first.
Best Buy card versus store credit options
Best Buy also offers a store credit card through Citi with slightly different terms. The store card earns the same 1 point per dollar but may have different promotional financing offers — for example, 12 months interest-free on purchases over $399. The store card is harder to use outside Best Buy and carries a higher interest rate if you carry a balance.
The regular Best Buy Credit Card is a Visa, so you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Best Buy. This makes it more flexible if you want a card that works for both Best Buy purchases and everyday spending.
If you are considering the store card for a promotional financing offer, read the terms carefully. Interest-free periods usually explore only to the specific purchase amount and only if you pay it off by the important date. Missing the important date means you owe interest on the full amount from the original purchase date, not just the remaining balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Best Buy card outside Best Buy?
Yes. The Best Buy Credit Card is a Visa, so you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted — grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and online retailers. You earn 1 point per dollar on all purchases, not just at Best Buy. However, you only redeem points at Best Buy, so the card works best if you use it for all your spending and cash in the points there.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
You lose any unspent points when you close the account. If you have accumulated points you plan to use, redeem them before you cancel. Once the account is closed, Best Buy cannot restore them.
Does the Best Buy card have an introductory bonus?
Best Buy occasionally runs sign-up bonuses for new cardholders — typically 50 to 100 bonus points after your first purchase or after you spend a certain amount in the first few months. These offers change, so check bestbuy.com/creditcard to see what is current when you explore.
What interest rate does the Best Buy card charge?
The Best Buy Credit Card charges a variable APR that depends on your creditworthiness. Rates typically range from 16% to 24%, though your actual rate may be higher or lower. If you carry a balance, you will owe interest on the full amount until it is paid off. The card works best if you pay the full balance each month.
Can I transfer my Best Buy points to another rewards program?
No. Best Buy points can only be redeemed at Best Buy toward purchases or gift cards. You cannot transfer them to airline miles, hotel points, or another credit card's rewards program.