Where to make a Best Buy credit card payment
You can pay your Best Buy credit card through three main channels: the Citi online portal (since Citi issues the card), the Best Buy website, or by phone. The fastest route depends on whether you want to set up a one-time payment or recurring automatic payments.
The Citi portal at citi.com is where your account actually lives. Log in with your username and password, navigate to your Best Buy card, and you can pay when ready from a bank account or schedule a future payment. This method shows your exact balance and due date in real time.
The Best Buy website has a payment option under your account settings, but it typically redirects you to Citi's system anyway. Some people find it easier to start there if they're already logged into Best Buy for shopping.
Paying by phone means calling the number on the back of your card. A representative can process a payment over the phone from your checking or savings account, though this route takes longer than online and you'll need to verify your identity.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Citi account at citi.com to pay your Best Buy card online, which is the fastest way to make a one-time payment.
- You can set up automatic monthly payments through Citi so the full statement balance or a fixed amount withdraws on your chosen date.
- Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day usually post the same day; payments after that post the next business day.
- The phone number on the back of your card connects you to Citi customer service, where you can pay by phone if you don't have online access.
- Your due date appears on your statement and in your online account; paying at least the minimum by that date prevents late fees and protects your credit score.
Setting up automatic payments through Citi
Automatic payments remove the risk of missing a due date. Log into citi.com, select your Best Buy card, and look for "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments" in the account settings menu.
You'll choose how much to pay each month: the full statement balance, a fixed dollar amount, or just the minimum payment. Most people choose the full balance to avoid interest charges. You'll also pick the payment date—many choose the due date itself, though you can select any date that works for your budget.
Once set up, the payment withdraws automatically from the bank account you link. You can change or cancel the automatic payment anytime through your Citi account, so there's no lock-in if your situation changes.
How long payments take to post
Timing depends on when and how you pay. Online payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day (Monday through Friday) usually post to your account the same day. Payments made after 8 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day.
Phone payments take slightly longer because a representative has to process them manually. Allow one to two business days for a phone payment to show in your account.
The key date is your statement due date, not when the payment posts. As long as your payment is received by the due date, you won't be charged a late fee. Citi counts a payment as received on the day it arrives at their processing center, not the day it posts to your account.
Paying from outside the United States
If you're traveling or living abroad, you can still pay through Citi's online portal using the same login. International wire transfers are possible but expensive and slow—Citi charges a wire fee and the payment takes several business days.
The online payment method is almost always cheaper and faster. You'll need a U.S. bank account linked to your Citi profile, or you can use a service like Wise or OFX that converts foreign currency and sends the payment to a U.S. account.
Call the number on the back of your card if you're unsure whether your foreign bank account can process an online payment. Citi's international customer service can walk you through alternatives.
What to do if your payment doesn't post
If you paid online and the money left your bank account but hasn't appeared on your Citi statement after two business days, log back into citi.com and check your payment history. Look for the payment in the "Recent Payments" or "Payment Status" section—it should show as pending, processed, or posted.
If the payment shows as processed but your balance hasn't changed, wait one more business day. Sometimes there's a lag between when Citi receives the payment and when it updates your balance.
If the payment doesn't appear in your payment history at all, it may not have gone through. Check that your bank account information was correct and that your bank didn't reject the transfer. Call Citi at the number on your card to confirm whether they received it. Have your account number and the payment amount ready.
Late payments and what happens next
If your payment doesn't arrive by the due date, Citi charges a late fee. The amount varies but typically ranges from $25 to $40 for the first late payment. A second late payment in the same billing cycle costs more.
More importantly, a payment that's 30 days late gets reported to the credit bureaus and damages your credit score. This mark stays on your credit report for seven years, even after you pay the balance.
If you miss a payment, contact Citi as soon as possible. Some cardholders can request a one-time late fee waiver if they have a good payment history. The sooner you pay, the less interest accrues on the unpaid balance.
Paying more than the minimum
You can pay any amount above the minimum without penalty. Paying more than the minimum reduces the interest you owe on any carried balance, since interest is calculated daily on whatever balance remains.
If you carry a balance month to month, paying extra principal saves money. For example, if you owe $1,000 at 20% APR and pay only the minimum, you'll pay hundreds in interest over time. Paying an extra $100 or $200 per month cuts that interest sharply.
You can make multiple payments in a single billing cycle if you want. Some people pay weekly or biweekly to stay on top of their balance. There's no limit to how many payments you can make, and each one posts within one to two business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Best Buy credit card with a debit card or another credit card?
No. Citi only accepts payments from a linked bank account (checking or savings). Paying a credit card with another credit card is treated as a cash advance and incurs fees and higher interest rates. You'll need to transfer money to your bank account first, then pay from there.
What if I pay online but my due date is tomorrow?
If you pay before 8 p.m. Eastern time today, it posts today and you're safe. If you pay after 8 p.m. or it's already past business hours, the payment posts tomorrow, which is still before your due date. Citi counts the day the payment is received, not the day it posts. Call if you're cutting it extremely close and want confirmation.
Do I have to pay the full balance or can I pay just the minimum?
You can pay any amount from the minimum up to your full balance. The minimum is listed on your statement. Paying only the minimum keeps you current and avoids late fees, but you'll owe interest on the remaining balance at your card's APR.
Is there a fee to pay my Best Buy credit card online?
No. Citi does not charge a fee for online payments made from a linked bank account. Phone payments are also free. Wire transfers and third-party payment services may charge their own fees, but Citi's standard payment methods are free.
Can I get my due date changed?
You can request a due date change through your Citi account or by calling the number on your card. Citi may move your due date by a few days, though they won't move it by weeks. This can help if your paycheck arrives on a different schedule.