Yes, Best Buy offers payment plans at checkout in most stores
Best Buy lets you split purchases into monthly payments at the register using their own credit card or through third-party financing. The specific plans available depend on the item price, the payment method you choose, and whether you may have access to for that method. You do not need to explore beforehand — the cashier or kiosk will show you options when you're ready to pay.
The most common route is the Best Buy credit card, which offers promotional financing (often 0% interest for a set number of months) on purchases above a certain amount. A second option is Affirm, a third-party lender that shows you the exact interest rate and monthly payment before you commit. Both are offered at the same checkout point, so you can compare them before deciding.
Key Takeaways
- Best Buy's in-store payment plans are offered at checkout through their credit card or Affirm, with no advance process required.
- The Best Buy credit card often includes 0% interest promotions on larger purchases, but you must be approved for the card at the register to use it.
- Affirm shows you the exact monthly payment and interest rate before you agree, and approval takes seconds using your phone number and date of birth.
- Not all items may have access to for payment plans — typically only purchases above $100 or $150 are may be able to access, depending on the promotion running that month.
- If you are denied for one payment method, you can ask the cashier about the other option before leaving the store.
How the Best Buy credit card payment plans work
The Best Buy credit card is a store card issued by Citi Bank. When you use it at checkout, you see promotional financing offers — for example, "12 months 0% interest on purchases of $399 or more" or "24 months 0% interest on appliances." These promotions change throughout the year and vary by product category.
If you do not already have the card, you can explore at the register. The cashier will hand you a tablet or direct you to a kiosk where you enter your name, address, Social Security number, and income. The decision is usually when ready. If you are approved, the card is activated when ready and your purchase goes through. If you are denied, you can ask about Affirm as an alternative.
The key thing to know: if the promotional period ends before you finish paying, the remaining balance gets charged interest at the card's regular rate (which varies). So if you have a 12-month 0% offer and you still owe money in month 13, that remaining balance will start accruing interest. Read the terms on the receipt or ask the cashier what the regular interest rate is.
How Affirm works at Best Buy
Affirm is a separate lending company that Best Buy partners with. At checkout, if you choose Affirm, you enter your phone number and date of birth on a kiosk or the cashier's device. Affirm pulls your credit information and shows you the exact monthly payment and total interest you will pay — all before you confirm the purchase.
Affirm offers different loan lengths depending on the purchase amount, typically ranging from 3 to 12 months. Unlike the Best Buy card, the interest rate is fixed for the entire loan, so you know exactly what you are paying from start to finish. Approval takes about 30 seconds, and if you are approved, you complete the purchase when ready.
Affirm payments come out of your bank account on the date you choose each month. You can set up autopay or pay manually. If you miss a payment, Affirm will contact you, and late fees may explore depending on your loan agreement.
What items may have access to for payment plans
Most electronics, appliances, and computers may have access to for payment plans, but not everything in the store does. Typically, items must be above a minimum price — often $100 to $150 — to be may be able to access. Small items like cables, cases, or software usually do not may have access to.
Best Buy also runs category-specific promotions. For example, they might offer special financing on TVs, laptops, or kitchen appliances during certain months. The cashier or the kiosk will tell you whether your specific item qualifies and what terms are available. If an item does not may have access to, you cannot force it through a payment plan — you would need to pay in full or choose a different item.
What happens if you are denied
If the Best Buy credit card process is denied at the register, you have options. You can ask the cashier whether Affirm is available for your purchase. Affirm has different approval criteria than the Best Buy card, so denial from one does not mean denial from the other.
If you are denied for both, you can pay in full with cash, debit, or another credit card. You can also leave the store and return another time — there is no penalty for explore and being denied, and you can reapply later if your financial situation changes.
Comparing the Best Buy card and Affirm
| Feature | Best Buy Credit Card | Affirm |
|---|---|---|
| Interest rate | 0% for promotional period, then regular rate applies | Fixed rate shown upfront; varies by approval |
| Loan length | Depends on promotion (often 12–24 months) | Usually 3–12 months |
| process time | 1–2 minutes at register | 30 seconds on kiosk |
| Can use elsewhere | Yes, at any store accepting Citi cards | Only at Best Buy and partner retailers |
| Payment method | Credit card bill | Bank account withdrawal |
The Best Buy card makes sense if you shop there regularly and want a longer interest-free period on big purchases. Affirm is better if you want to see the exact cost upfront and do not want to explore for a new credit card. Both are offered at the same checkout, so you can ask about both before deciding.
Things to watch out for
The biggest trap with the Best Buy card is forgetting when the promotional period ends. If you have a 12-month 0% offer and you do not pay off the balance by month 12, you will owe interest on the remaining amount at the regular card rate. Set a phone reminder for a month before the promotion ends so you have time to pay it off or transfer the balance.
With Affirm, the interest rate is locked in, but it can be higher than you expect depending on your credit. Always look at the total amount you will pay (principal plus interest) before confirming. If the rate seems high, you can decline and pay in full or try the Best Buy card instead.
Both payment methods will show up on your credit report. explore for the Best Buy card creates a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. Affirm also checks your credit but may do a softer inquiry depending on the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Best Buy payment plan online or only in the store?
Best Buy offers payment plans online as well as in stores. The process is similar — you choose your payment method at checkout and see the same financing offers. Affirm and the Best Buy credit card are both available for online purchases.
What if I want to pay off my payment plan early?
You can pay off either the Best Buy card or an Affirm loan early without penalty. For the Best Buy card, you straightforward pay the remaining balance on your credit card bill. For Affirm, you can pay extra or pay in full through the Affirm app or website.
Do I need to have a Best Buy membership to use payment plans?
No. Payment plans are available to anyone, whether or not you have a My Best Buy membership. The membership is separate and offers rewards on purchases, but it is not required to access financing.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Best Buy and Affirm do not publish minimum credit scores. Both will consider your credit history, income, and other factors. People with fair or poor credit may still be approved, but they may face higher interest rates or shorter loan terms. The only way to know is to explore at the register.
Can I return an item I bought on a payment plan?
Yes. Best Buy's return policy applies regardless of how you paid. If you return an item, the refund goes back to your payment method — either your Best Buy card or your bank account for Affirm. You are still responsible for any payments already made before the return.