Best Buy Credit Card Approval?

Hi guys,

I recently applied for a Best Buy credit card and received a message saying, “Thanks for your application. Please call Citibank N.A. using the numbers below to provide a few more details and receive a decision.” After calling the number and giving the required information, the representative confirmed that I just needed to verify my home address and phone number. He sent me a text for verification and then told me, “Congratulations, you’re approved for the Citi Visa Credit Card with a starting limit of $4,000.” I thanked him and ended the call.

However, when my computer screen refreshed, it showed that I was approved for the “Best Buy store card,” not the Visa card as I was informed.

I’m not too upset, but I’m confused. I contacted Best Buy credit card customer service, and they confirmed that I was approved but couldn’t specify whether it was the Visa or store card version. They advised me to visit a Best Buy store in person to check the type of card I received. If it turns out to be the store card and I want the Visa version, I’d need to apply again, though there’s no guarantee of approval and it might result in another hard pull on my credit report.

Has anyone else experienced this? I didn’t plan on using the card outside of Best Buy, but I’m frustrated by the discrepancy between what I was told and what was actually approved.

It happens sometimes with these applications. Since you mostly plan to use the card at Best Buy, the store card might still work for you. If you really wanted the Visa, though, it could be worth visiting a Best Buy store to clear things up before thinking about reapplying. Just keep in mind that reapplying might affect your credit.

Yeah, you should avoid reapplying right now, as a new account was just opened and it might lead to an immediate denial. It could have been a genuine mistake by the representative, but you won’t know for sure until you either visit the store or wait for the card to arrive. Hope you sort it all out soon.