Where your Best Buy credit card payment goes
When you send a payment to your Best Buy credit card, it goes to Citi, the bank that issues the card on Best Buy's behalf. Citi holds your account, sets your interest rate, and decides what happens to the money you send. Best Buy itself does not receive or process your payments — you are paying a bank, not the retailer.
The payment reduces your balance with Citi. If you pay the full statement balance by the due date, you owe no interest. If you pay less than the full balance, Citi charges interest on the remaining amount at your card's annual percentage rate (APR), which varies by person and can change over time.
Key Takeaways
- Best Buy credit card payments go to Citi, not to Best Buy, because Citi is the bank that issued your card.
- You can pay online through your Citi account, by phone, by mail, or in person at Best Buy stores that accept payments.
- The payment due date is printed on your statement, and paying after that date triggers a late fee and may raise your APR.
- Payments typically post to your account within one business day if you pay online or by phone, but mail payments take five to seven business days.
- Setting up automatic payments through Citi prevents missed due dates and late fees.
How to pay online through Citi
Log in to your Citi account at citi.com or through the Citi Mobile app. Select your Best Buy card from the list of accounts. Click "Make a Payment" and enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between.
Choose your payment date. If you select a date within the next business day, the payment posts when ready. If you schedule it further out, Citi holds the payment and posts it on the date you choose. Review the details and confirm. You will see a confirmation number on screen and receive an email receipt.
The payment typically shows in your account within one business day. If you are close to your due date, pay at least one business day before the important date to may support it posts on time.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your Best Buy card. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then process the payment over the phone. Payments made by phone post within one business day, the same as online payments.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Citi and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your statement under "Payment Address" — this address is different from the mailing address for questions or disputes. Mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive and post, so send them at least a week before your due date to avoid a late payment.
Paying in person at Best Buy
Some Best Buy locations accept credit card payments at the customer service desk. Call your local store before you go to confirm they offer this service, because not all locations do. Bring your Best Buy card or account number and the cash or debit card you want to use to pay.
In-store payments are processed by a third party and typically post within one to two business days. This method is slower than paying online or by phone, so use it only if you cannot pay through other channels and your due date is still several days away.
What happens if you miss the due date
If your payment does not post by the due date shown on your statement, Citi charges a late fee. The fee amount depends on your account history — first-time late payers typically pay $25 to $35, and repeat late payers may pay up to $40. The late fee is added to your balance and you owe interest on it.
A late payment also triggers a higher APR on future purchases. Citi may raise your rate by several percentage points, and the higher rate stays in place for at least six months. If you miss a payment by more than 30 days, the late payment appears on your credit report and damages your credit score.
If you realize you will miss the due date, call Citi before the important date. Some representatives can waive a single late fee as a courtesy, especially if your account has been in good standing. Asking does not hurt and sometimes works.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments prevent missed due dates. Log in to your Citi account, go to "Manage Payments," and select "Automatic Payments." Choose the amount — you can set it to pay the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount. Select the date each month when you want the payment to post.
Citi will pull the payment from your bank account on that date every month until you cancel. If your bank account does not have enough money on the scheduled date, the payment fails and you may face overdraft fees from your bank plus a late fee from Citi. To avoid this, make sure your account has a buffer above the payment amount.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your Citi account. If you cancel, you are responsible for making manual payments on time.
Understanding your statement and payment important date
Your statement shows the due date in large print near the top. This is the date Citi must receive your payment to avoid a late fee. The statement also shows your statement balance (what you owe for purchases made during that billing cycle) and your current balance (what you owe right now, including previous balances and interest).
If you pay only the minimum payment, the rest of your balance carries over to next month and you owe interest on it. The minimum is usually 1 to 3 percent of your total balance. Paying only the minimum means you will owe interest for months or years, depending on how much you owe.
Your statement also lists the APR you are being charged. This rate can change if you miss a payment or if Citi adjusts rates for other reasons. Check your statement each month to watch for rate changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Best Buy credit card at a Best Buy store?
Some Best Buy locations accept payments at customer service, but not all. Call ahead to confirm your store offers this service. In-store payments take one to two business days to post, so they are slower than online or phone payments.
What is the difference between my statement balance and my current balance?
Your statement balance is what you owe for purchases made during the current billing cycle. Your current balance includes that plus any previous balances, interest charges, and fees. If you pay only the statement balance, you still owe interest on older balances.
Do I have to pay the full balance, or can I pay part of it?
You can pay any amount between the minimum payment and the full balance. Paying less than the full balance means you owe interest on what remains. Paying the minimum keeps your account current but costs you the most in interest over time.
How long does it take for a payment to show up in my account?
Online and phone payments post within one business day. Mail payments take five to seven business days. In-store payments take one to two business days. If you are near your due date, use online or phone payment to may support it posts on time.
What should I do if I cannot pay by the due date?
Call Citi before the due date and explain your situation. Some representatives can defer the due date by a few days or waive a late fee as a one-time courtesy. Calling ahead is better than missing the important date and paying a late fee.