Best Buy lets you split a purchase between two payment methods at checkout, but only in specific combinations
You can use two different payment methods on a single Best Buy transaction, but the store does not let you split the total amount however you want. The most common split is a gift card plus a credit or debit card. You can also combine a Best Buy credit card with another card, or use two different credit cards in some cases. The exact options depend on whether you are buying in a store or online.
Best Buy does not allow you to split a payment between two gift cards, and you cannot split between a gift card and cash in-store. If you are trying to use store credit or a previous refund balance, that amount applies automatically before you pay the remainder with another method.
Key Takeaways
- In-store, you can combine a gift card with a credit or debit card, or use a Best Buy credit card with another card.
- Online, Best Buy accepts a gift card plus one other payment method, but the process requires you to enter the gift card code first.
- You cannot split a purchase between two gift cards or between a gift card and cash.
- Store credit from a previous return applies automatically and reduces the amount you owe on your second payment method.
Splitting payment in a Best Buy store
At the register, tell the cashier you want to use two payment methods before they process the first one. The cashier will ring up your total, then you provide the first payment—usually a gift card. They will then process the remaining balance on your second card.
The most reliable combination is a gift card followed by a credit or debit card. If you have a Best Buy credit card (the store's branded Visa card), you can use it as either the first or second payment. Some cashiers report success splitting between two different credit cards, but this is not a documented feature and may depend on the register system at your location.
If you have store credit from a previous return, the register automatically deducts it from your total before you pay. You do not need to ask for this—it happens at checkout if your account is linked to the transaction.
Splitting payment online
Best Buy's website allows you to combine a gift card with a credit or debit card. During checkout, enter your gift card code in the "Gift Card" field before you select your main payment method. The site will deduct the gift card balance and show you the remaining amount due.
You cannot enter two gift card codes in sequence online. If you have multiple gift cards, you will need to use them one at a time across separate transactions, or combine them into a single balance at a Best Buy store and then use that balance online.
Store credit from a previous return appears in your account and reduces the checkout total automatically. You will see the adjusted amount before you enter your payment information.
What happens if your gift card does not cover the full amount
If your gift card balance is less than the total purchase price, the register (in-store) or checkout page (online) will show you the remaining balance after the gift card is applied. You then pay that remainder with your second method. There is no fee for splitting the payment this way.
If your gift card has more value than your purchase, the remaining balance stays on the card. You can use it on a future transaction. Best Buy does not refund the difference to a credit card or cash.
Why some split-payment combinations do not work
Best Buy's payment system is designed to prevent certain combinations for fraud prevention and accounting reasons. Two gift cards cannot be split because the system treats each gift card as a separate transaction type. Cash and gift card combinations are blocked in-store because the register cannot process a partial cash payment followed by a card payment in the same transaction.
If you are trying to use a payment method that the system rejects, the cashier or website will tell you at the moment you attempt it. At that point, you have the option to use a single payment method instead, or complete separate transactions.
Using Best Buy's credit card for split payments
The Best Buy credit card (a Visa issued by Citi) can be your primary payment method or your secondary one when splitting. If you use it as your first payment, the remaining balance goes on another card. If you use it as your second payment, your first payment (usually a gift card) is processed first, then the balance charges to the Best Buy card.
Using the Best Buy card as your second payment does not trigger any special rewards or bonus—you earn the standard rewards rate on the full purchase amount regardless of how you split it. The card's rewards explore to the entire transaction, not just the portion you paid with the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I split a payment between two Best Buy gift cards?
No. Best Buy's system does not allow you to use two gift cards on one transaction. If you have multiple gift cards, you can combine them into a single balance at a store, or use them on separate purchases.
What if I want to use a gift card and pay the rest in cash?
In-store, you cannot split between a gift card and cash. You can use the gift card plus a credit or debit card. Online, you cannot pay with cash at all—you must use a card or gift card.
Does splitting a payment affect my rewards or return policy?
No. The return policy and rewards are based on the purchase itself, not how you paid for it. If you used a Best Buy credit card as part of the payment, you earn rewards on the full amount.
Can I split a payment if I am using a Best Buy protection plan?
Yes. The protection plan is added to your total, and you can split that combined amount between two payment methods the same way you would any other purchase.
What if the cashier says they cannot split my payment?
Some older register systems or certain store locations may have limitations. Ask to speak with a manager, or try a different Best Buy location. If you are buying online, contact Best Buy's customer service to confirm which payment combinations work for your order.