Quick Answer

Yes, Best Buy hires individuals with felony convictions for many positions. As America's largest consumer electronics retailer with approximately 85,000 employees across more than 1,050 stores in the United States, Best Buy operates as a recognized Fair Chance Employer that has taken the Fair Chance Business Pledge. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a background check conducted after a conditional offer of employment is extended.

The law prohibits companies from having a blanket policy excluding all felons. Instead, they must conduct an individualized assessment of the conviction to determine if it is job-related and consistent with business necessity.

The greatest barriers are created by felonies related to theft, larceny, and fraud (due to cash handling and high-value electronics inventory), violent crimes (customer and employee safety concerns), and financial crimes (customer payment data handling). Recent offenses within the past 7 years face the highest scrutiny regardless of type.

Best entry points include Sales Associate, Warehouse Associate, Inventory Specialist, and Customer Service positions where high-volume hiring creates consistent opportunities. Best Buy's post-offer background check policy provides applicants the chance to demonstrate their qualifications before their record is reviewed.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

• No Blanket Exclusion: Must be aware that Best Buy is not allowed to automatically exclude you solely for being a felon. EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment.

  
  

• Job-Related Assessment: Must be prepared for the company to evaluate whether your felony is related to the job duties using the Green Factors (nature of crime, time elapsed, nature of job).

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs for warehouse roles. Sales positions require standing for extended periods. Some positions require valid driver's license.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass a pre-employment drug test for positions that require it. Best Buy uses a 5-panel urine test screening for opiates, amphetamines, cocaine, and PCP.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about your criminal record when asked (after conditional offer). Lying is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination if discovered later.

  
  

• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to provide required I-9 documentation.

  
  

• Schedule Flexibility: Must be available for retail hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak shopping seasons.

Critical Regulatory Information

Understanding the legal landscape for criminal records in employment is essential for Second Chance applicants. Best Buy operates across all 50 states with varying fair chance hiring laws, but must comply with federal EEOC guidelines nationwide. The company's policy of conducting background checks only after conditional offers provides significant protection for applicants.

EEOC Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advises employers not to automatically refuse to consider an applicant because of a criminal record. Employers must conduct an individualized assessment considering the Green Factors:

(1) Nature and gravity of the offense;

(2) Time elapsed since the offense and/or completion of sentence;

(3) Nature of the job sought and its relationship to the offense. Blanket policies excluding all felons are prohibited.

FCRA Requirements

If a third party conducts the background check and a job offer is denied based on the report, Best Buy must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) adverse action procedures:

(1) Provide pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and summary of FCRA rights;

(2) Allow reasonable time to dispute inaccuracies;

(3) Provide final adverse action notice if decision stands after review.

State-Specific Considerations

Best Buy operates in all 50 states, and many have enacted Ban the Box legislation. California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington have comprehensive fair chance laws. In these states, Best Buy cannot inquire about criminal history until after a conditional offer is made. Some states also limit lookback periods to 7 years or less for certain offenses.

Retail Industry-Specific Considerations

The retail electronics industry involves handling high-value inventory, processing customer payments, and providing in-home services. Theft-related convictions face heightened scrutiny due to inventory shrinkage concerns. Positions involving driving (delivery, Geek Squad field services) require MVR checks and may be affected by DUI convictions. Customer-facing roles require consideration of violent offense history for workplace safety.

Company Overview

Best Buy Co., Inc. is the largest consumer electronics retailer in the United States, offering products and services ranging from computing devices, electronics, appliances, and entertainment products to installation, technical support, and repair services through the Geek Squad. Founded in 1966 as Sound of Music in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the company rebranded as Best Buy in 1983 and has grown to become a Fortune 100 company headquartered in Richfield, Minnesota.

The company employs approximately 85,000 people and operates more than 1,050 stores across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Best Buy generated $41.5 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2025. The company is publicly traded on the NYSE under ticker symbol BBY.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1966 (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

• Headquarters: Richfield, Minnesota

• Employees: Approximately 85,000

• Store Count: 1,050+ locations in U.S., Canada, and Mexico

• Stock Exchange: NYSE: BBY

• CEO: Corie Barry

• Revenue: $41.5 billion (FY 2025)

• Industry Position: Largest consumer electronics retailer in the U.S.

Hiring Policy Analysis

Best Buy has been recognized as a Fair Chance Employer, having signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge. The company's hiring policy states that criminal background investigations are only conducted after a conditional offer of employment has been made. This post-offer approach gives applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their qualifications through interviews before their criminal history is reviewed.

The company conducts individualized assessments as required by EEOC guidelines and complies with state-specific Ban the Box laws where applicable. Best Buy's hiring process typically includes online application, phone screening, in-person interview, conditional offer, background check and drug test, and final offer confirmation.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by customer contact, cash handling responsibilities, access to customer data, and driving requirements.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and company job postings. Actual compensation varies by location, shift, and experience.

Career Path Examples

Best Buy emphasizes internal advancement and offers training programs for career development. Many management positions are filled through internal promotion.

Retail Sales Track: Sales Associate ($16-$21/hr) → Sales Consultant ($18-$22/hr) → Senior Consultant ($20-$24/hr) → Sales Supervisor ($20-$26/hr) → Department Lead → Assistant Store Manager ($50K-$65K/yr). Strong sales performance and product knowledge drive advancement.

Operations Track: Warehouse Associate ($18-$24/hr) → Inventory Specialist ($16-$20/hr) → Product Flow Lead ($19-$23/hr) → Operations Supervisor ($22-$28/hr) → Operations Manager ($45K-$60K/yr). Reliability and organizational skills valued.

Geek Squad Track: Consultation Agent ($15-$19/hr) → Geek Squad Agent ($18-$24/hr) → Advanced Repair Agent ($20-$26/hr) → Geek Squad Supervisor ($25-$32/hr) → Service Manager ($50K-$70K/yr). Technical certifications recommended.

Background Check Process

Understanding Best Buy's background check process helps you prepare mentally and practically for what to expect. The company conducts background checks after a conditional offer of employment, which means you'll have the opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications through the interview process before your record is reviewed.

• What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) at county, state, and federal levels; identity verification through SSN trace and address history; employment history verification; drug screening for applicable positions; MVR check for driving positions.

  
  

• Lookback Period: Standard 7-year criminal lookback in most states. States like California, Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, and Washington limit reporting to 7 years. Employment verification typically extends 5-7 years.

  
  

• Timeline: The hiring process averages approximately 1-2 weeks from application to hire based on employee reports. Background checks typically take 3-7 business days to complete after conditional offer. Some positions may take longer depending on verification requirements.

  
  

• Process Flow: Application submitted → Phone screening → Interview(s) conducted → Conditional offer extended → Background check and drug test authorization signed → Background check conducted → Results reviewed using individualized assessment → Final hiring decision made → Pre-adverse or adverse action notice if applicable → Start date confirmed → Orientation.

Disqualifying Factors

High Risk for Disqualification: Recent theft, larceny, or burglary convictions (inventory and cash concerns); fraud, embezzlement, or financial crimes (customer payment processing); violent felonies including assault, robbery, or weapons charges (customer and employee safety); sexual offenses (customer-facing environment); recent drug trafficking convictions.

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case): Non-violent drug possession (especially older convictions); DUI/DWI (unless applying for driving positions); older non-violent offenses with demonstrated rehabilitation; misdemeanor convictions. All subject to individualized assessment considering rehabilitation evidence.

Your Rights as Applicant

• FCRA Protections: You must receive written notice and provide consent before a background check. If denied based on the report, you're entitled to a copy and the right to dispute inaccuracies.

  
  

• Pre-Adverse Action Notice: Before a final decision, you must receive notice with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. Reasonable time to respond.

  
  

• EEOC Protection: You have the right to an individualized assessment. Blanket exclusions based solely on criminal record are prohibited.

  
  

• Ban the Box: In applicable states, employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Best Buy's policy aligns with this by delaying background checks until after conditional offer.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with the reporting agency. Check your own records beforehand.

Application Strategy

1. Leverage the Post-Offer Check: Focus all effort on securing the conditional job offer by highlighting skills and work ethic in the interview, knowing your record will not be reviewed until after the offer is made. This is a significant advantage Best Buy's policy provides.

   
   

2. Target Entry-Level Positions: Focus on Warehouse Associate, Inventory Specialist, and Sales Associate positions which have the lowest barriers and highest volume hiring needs. Avoid Asset Protection and management roles initially if your record is recent.

   
   

3. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit your application through jobs.bestbuy.com. Check the careers page regularly as retail positions are posted frequently. Apply to multiple locations to maximize opportunities.

   
   

4. Prepare for the Interview: Research Best Buy's products and services. Demonstrate enthusiasm for technology and customer service. Emphasize reliability, teamwork, and willingness to learn.

   
   

5. Be Completely Honest: Never lie about your criminal history when asked. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination even after hire if discovered later. Wait until the appropriate stage (after conditional offer) to discuss your record.

   
   

6. Prepare Your Narrative: Have a brief, honest explanation ready: acknowledge the offense without making excuses, describe what you learned, and explain how you've changed. Focus on rehabilitation, personal growth, and stability. Keep it concise (30-60 seconds).

   
   

7. Document Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes since your conviction: completion of treatment programs, educational certificates, vocational training, stable housing, employment history, community involvement, and references.

   
   

8. Check Expungement Eligibility: Research whether your offense qualifies for sealing or expungement in your state. Many states now have Clean Slate laws. Contact local legal aid organizations for assistance. Sealed records cannot be reported on background checks.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Retail Has Constant Hiring Needs: Consumer electronics retail has consistent turnover in entry-level positions. Best Buy operates over 1,050 stores nationwide. Don't be discouraged by individual rejections—keep applying to different locations.

   
   

2. Start Entry-Level, Advance Within: Many successful careers at Best Buy begin in warehouse or sales floor positions. Prove reliability by showing up on time, working hard, and learning products. Internal training and promotion pathways provide advancement into higher-paying positions.

   
   

3. Run Your Own Background Check First: Know what will appear before the employer sees it. Order your own criminal background check from a consumer reporting agency. Dispute any errors or outdated information in advance.

   
   

4. Address Theft Convictions Proactively: If your conviction is theft-related, prepare a brief, honest explanation focusing on the time elapsed and your current stable lifestyle. Emphasize changes you've made and trustworthiness demonstrated since.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: If you have substance issues, address them completely before applying. Best Buy's 5-panel test screens for opiates, amphetamines, cocaine, and PCP. You must complete testing within 2 business days of conditional offer.

   
   

6. Highlight Stability and Reliability: Emphasize stable housing, reliable transportation, and any consistent work history—even informal work shows you can be counted on. Retail employers especially value dependability and punctuality.

   
   

7. Network and Use Employee Referrals: Current Best Buy employees can provide referrals. Employee referrals often receive priority consideration. Network through LinkedIn or local workforce development programs to connect with current employees.

   
   

8. Be Flexible on Schedule: Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays increases your chances significantly. Retail peaks during holiday seasons. Many positions offer shift differentials for less desirable hours.

Benefits Overview

Best Buy offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Benefits eligibility typically begins after meeting hours requirements, with full-time employees having immediate access to most benefits.

• Compensation: Hourly pay ranging from $15-$30/hr depending on position. Competitive starting wages with annual merit increases. Some positions offer incentive pay based on performance.

  
  

• 401(k) and Retirement: 401(k) plan with company match up to 5% of eligible compensation. Both traditional and Roth 401(k) options available. No vesting period for company match.

  
  

• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options. Prescription drug coverage. Virtual care options. Mental health support through Employee Assistance Program. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

  
  

• Time Off: Paid time off (PTO) accrual. Paid holidays. Paid parental leave. Well-being sabbatical program launched in 2024 offers four-week sabbatical for tenured employees.

  
  

• Employee Discount: Employee discount at cost plus 5% on most products. Vendor accommodation programs provide additional discounts from partner brands like Sony and Samsung. Significant savings on electronics and appliances.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Life insurance and disability coverage. Tuition assistance program for educational pursuits. Adoption and surrogacy assistance. Backup childcare. Legal services plan. Pet insurance discounts.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Great employee discount and vendor accommodation programs; flexible scheduling for part-time workers; opportunity to learn about technology; generally supportive team environment; good entry point for retail careers.

Cons: Health insurance can be expensive for families; hours can be inconsistent for part-time employees; pay considered low for workload by some; heavy emphasis on credit card and membership sales; holiday season scheduling demands.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Best Buy hire people with felonies?

   Yes, Best Buy has hired individuals with felony convictions. As a Fair Chance Employer, Best Buy conducts individualized assessments rather than blanket exclusions. The company delays background checks until after a conditional offer is extended, giving applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their qualifications first. Success depends on the nature of the conviction, time elapsed, demonstrated rehabilitation, and relevance to the position. Theft-related convictions face higher scrutiny due to inventory and cash handling responsibilities.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Best Buy?

   Best Buy conducts background checks only after extending a conditional offer of employment. The process includes criminal history verification at county, state, and federal levels, identity verification through SSN trace, and employment history verification. Driving positions require MVR checks. Best Buy uses third-party background check providers and must comply with FCRA requirements, including providing pre-adverse action notice if the check affects the hiring decision.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at Best Buy—what is the lookback period?

   The standard lookback period is 7 years for criminal history, which is the maximum allowed under the Fair Credit Reporting Act for most positions. However, some states limit reporting to fewer years. California, Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, and Washington restrict reporting of convictions older than 7 years. Employment verification typically extends 5-7 years. Certain serious felonies may be reported indefinitely in some jurisdictions.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Best Buy?

   Theft, larceny, burglary, and fraud convictions face the highest scrutiny due to Best Buy's inventory of high-value electronics and cash handling responsibilities. Violent crimes including assault and robbery create safety concerns in the customer-facing environment. Sexual offenses are typically disqualifying for customer service roles. DUI convictions significantly impact eligibility for driving positions. Recent convictions of any type face more scrutiny than older offenses with demonstrated rehabilitation.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Best Buy for applicants with a record?

   Warehouse Associate ($18-$24/hr) and Inventory Specialist ($16-$20/hr) positions offer the best opportunities as they involve less direct customer contact and cash handling than sales floor roles. Product Flow Specialist positions also provide backend work with good pay. These roles allow you to establish a track record before moving to customer-facing positions. Sales Associate positions are also attainable depending on the nature and age of your conviction.

   
   

6. Does Best Buy drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Best Buy requires pre-employment drug testing for positions that require it, particularly warehouse and driving roles. The company uses a 5-panel urine drug test screening for opiates, amphetamines, cocaine, PCP, and related substances. Candidates must schedule and complete testing within 2 business days of accepting a conditional offer. Positive results result in the offer being rescinded. Medical Review Officers review positive results to determine if there's a legitimate medical explanation.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Best Buy ask about criminal history?

   Best Buy's policy states that criminal background investigations are only conducted after a conditional offer of employment has been made. This means you will not be asked about your criminal history on the initial application or during interviews. The inquiry comes only after you've been selected as the preferred candidate and received a conditional job offer. This post-offer approach aligns with Fair Chance Hiring best practices and Ban the Box requirements.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Best Buy if they have a felony?

   Yes, advancement to management is possible, though it may involve additional scrutiny during promotion consideration. Many successful managers at Best Buy started in entry-level positions and advanced through consistent performance. Focus on building a strong track record in your initial role, demonstrating leadership qualities, and completing available training programs. Supervisory positions may require renewed background checks, so continued positive behavior is essential.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take?

   The typical hiring timeline from application to start date is approximately 1-2 weeks for most positions based on employee reports. After completing the interview process and receiving a conditional offer, background checks typically take 3-7 business days to complete. Drug testing must be completed within 2 business days of the conditional offer. The process may take longer for positions requiring MVR checks or additional verification. High-volume hiring periods around holidays may expedite the process.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Best Buy?

    Key strategies include:

    (1) Apply to warehouse and inventory positions first as they have lower barriers;

    (2) Be completely honest when asked about your record—dishonesty is disqualifying; (3) Prepare a brief narrative explaining your past and demonstrating rehabilitation; (4) Gather documentation of positive changes including certificates, references, and stable employment history;

    (5) Show enthusiasm for technology and customer service during interviews;

    (6) Be flexible with scheduling, especially for evenings, weekends, and holidays;

    (7) Apply to multiple locations to increase opportunities;

    (8) Research expungement or sealing options for your conviction.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If Best Buy doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring practices in retail and related industries:

Conclusion

Best Buy offers genuine opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in warehouse, inventory, and entry-level sales positions. As America's largest consumer electronics retailer with over 1,050 stores and 85,000 employees, the company provides accessible pathways to stable employment with competitive benefits and advancement potential. The company's Fair Chance Employer status and post-offer background check policy provide meaningful protections for second chance applicants.

The work environment involves retail demands including weekend and holiday availability, standing for extended periods, and meeting sales expectations. However, the compensation is competitive for retail ($15-$30/hr depending on position), and the benefits package includes health insurance, 401(k) matching, generous employee discount, and tuition assistance. Career advancement is achievable through internal promotion—many supervisors and managers began in entry-level roles.

Key Success Factors: Target warehouse and inventory positions initially; be completely honest about your record; prepare a concise rehabilitation narrative; demonstrate reliability and enthusiasm for technology; maintain flexibility with scheduling; build a strong track record for advancement.

Biggest Barriers: Recent theft or fraud convictions create significant challenges due to inventory and cash handling responsibilities; violent offense history faces scrutiny in customer-facing environment; DUI convictions impact driving positions; Asset Protection and management roles have highest barriers.

Best Buy's commitment to Fair Chance Hiring, combined with its scale and continuous hiring needs, makes it a viable option for motivated individuals seeking stable employment in the consumer electronics retail industry. Focus on demonstrating your qualifications during the interview process, and come prepared with documentation of rehabilitation when the background check occurs.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Hiring policies vary by position, location, and individual circumstances. While we strive for accuracy using publicly available sources including company websites, job postings, employee reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), and salary databases (PayScale, ZipRecruiter), employment information and company policies may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with Best Buy.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Background check laws, expungement procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by state and should be confirmed with legal professionals. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation.

Apply Now: https://jobs.bestbuy.com