Your Best Buy credit card works at Best Buy stores and Best Buy's website, but not at other retailers

The Best Buy credit card is a store card, which means it's issued by Citi on behalf of Best Buy and works only at Best Buy locations and BestBuy.com. You cannot use it at Target, Walmart, Amazon, or any other retailer. If you try to swipe it at another store, the transaction will be declined.

Best Buy also issues a Citi Visa card that works anywhere Visa is accepted — at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and online retailers worldwide. The two cards are different products with different rewards and terms. Make sure you know which one you have before you head to checkout.

Key Takeaways

  • The Best Buy store card works only at Best Buy stores and BestBuy.com, not at other retailers.
  • Best Buy also offers a Citi Visa card that works anywhere Visa is accepted, including other stores and online.
  • Both cards earn rewards on purchases, but the rewards rates and redemption rules differ between the two.
  • If you need to use your card outside Best Buy, check which version you have by looking at the card itself or your account.

How to tell which Best Buy card you have

The easiest way is to look at the card in your wallet. The store card has the Best Buy logo and says "Best Buy Credit Card" on the front. The Citi Visa card has the Visa logo and says "Citi Visa" or "Best Buy Visa" on the front.

You can also log into your Best Buy account online or call the customer service number on the back of your card. They can tell you which product you hold and what the terms are. If you have the store card and need a card that works everywhere, you can request the Citi Visa version, though Best Buy will run a credit check and you'll have a separate account for it.

What the Best Buy store card covers

The store card earns rewards points on all purchases at Best Buy and BestBuy.com. The exact rewards rate depends on what you're buying — electronics, appliances, and other items earn different point values. You can redeem points toward future Best Buy purchases or sometimes toward statement credits.

The store card also comes with financing offers. Best Buy frequently runs promotions like "12 months special financing on purchases of $399 or more" or "24 months special financing on appliances." These deals are only available to cardholders and only at Best Buy. If you don't pay off the balance before the promotional period ends, you'll owe interest on the full original amount.

What the Best Buy Citi Visa card covers

The Citi Visa card earns cash back or points on all purchases everywhere — at Best Buy, other stores, gas stations, restaurants, and online. The rewards rate is typically lower on non-Best Buy purchases than on Best Buy purchases. For example, you might earn 3% cash back at Best Buy but only 1% cash back everywhere else.

Because it's a Visa card, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted worldwide. You can also use it to withdraw cash from ATMs, though that usually comes with a fee and a higher interest rate than regular purchases. The card has no annual fee, but interest rates and other terms are set by Citi, not Best Buy.

Using your store card online outside Best Buy

The Best Buy store card will not work on other retailers' websites, even if you enter the card number manually. The card is locked to Best Buy's payment system. If a website asks for a card number and you enter your Best Buy store card, the transaction will fail.

Some people try to use their store card number on third-party sites that sell Best Buy gift cards, hoping to earn rewards. This usually doesn't work because those sites don't accept the store card directly. Your best option is to buy a Best Buy gift card directly from Best Buy using your store card, then use the gift card on other sites if they accept it.

International use and currency

The Best Buy store card cannot be used outside the United States. If you travel internationally, you'll need a different card — the Citi Visa version works in most countries, though you may be charged a foreign transaction fee.

The store card also cannot be used to make purchases in foreign currency online. If a website is based outside the U.S. and charges in a different currency, the store card will be declined. Again, the Citi Visa card is your option for international purchases.

What happens if you try to use it somewhere it doesn't work

If you swipe or insert your Best Buy store card at another retailer, the terminal will show a decline message. The cashier will ask for a different payment method. This won't hurt your credit score — a declined card is not reported to credit bureaus.

If you've been charged by mistake at a store that shouldn't have accepted your card, contact Best Buy's customer service right away. Explain where the charge happened and they can investigate. Most of the time, the charge will be reversed within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Best Buy store card at other electronics retailers like Target or Walmart?

No. The Best Buy store card works only at Best Buy and BestBuy.com. It will be declined at any other retailer, including other electronics stores. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need the Best Buy Citi Visa card instead.

Can I use my Best Buy card to buy a gift card at another store?

No. Your Best Buy store card can only be used at Best Buy. You cannot use it to buy gift cards from other retailers, even if you're shopping online. You would need a different card or payment method.

What if I have both the store card and the Citi Visa card?

You can use whichever card makes sense for each purchase. Use the store card at Best Buy to earn higher rewards, and use the Citi Visa card everywhere else. They are two separate accounts with separate balances and statements.

Will my Best Buy store card work if I'm traveling in Canada?

No. The Best Buy store card only works in the United States. If you're traveling internationally and need a card, you would need the Citi Visa version, which works in most countries outside the U.S., though foreign transaction fees may explore.

Can I use my Best Buy card to pay my phone or utility bill?

Only if the company accepts the Citi Visa version. The store card will not work for bills or any purchases outside Best Buy. Most utility and phone companies accept Visa, so the Citi Visa card would work, but the store card would be declined.