Best Buy Membership - Budget Seniors

🛒 🔵

Best Buy offers three membership tiers — one free, one for shoppers, and one for anyone who needs tech help or protection. The right tier depends entirely on how often you shop at Best Buy and whether you ever struggle with technology questions. This guide explains every tier, every cost, every perk, and every warning — in language that is easy to understand.

💰 Three Price Points

Free · $49.99 · $179.99

My Best Buy is free. My Best Buy Plus costs $49.99/year. My Best Buy Total costs $179.99/year. All three auto-renew annually unless canceled. Cancel anytime by calling 1-888-237-8289 or through your BestBuy.com account.

🛠️ Geek Squad Bonus

24/7 Tech Help — Total Only

The Total membership ($179.99/yr) includes 24/7 Geek Squad tech support for all your devices — even ones you did not buy at Best Buy. Virus removal alone costs $149.99 as a standalone service for non-members. One use can pay for months of the membership.

📦 Return Window

60 Days for Plus and Total

Standard Best Buy return window is 15 days. Plus and Total members get 60 days — four times longer — on most products. Great for seniors who need more time to decide if a device is right for them. Note: cell phones and activatable devices remain 14 days.

🏷️ All Three Membership Tiers — What You Get at Each Level

Free

per year · always free

Free standard shipping on $35+ orders
Member-only deals and offers
Best Buy app account access
Special financing (with credit card)
Access to purchase history

Plus

$49.99

per year · auto-renews

Everything in Free, plus:
Free 2-day shipping (no minimum)
60-day return window (most items)
Exclusive member pricing (5–15% off thousands)
Early access to sales and events
Exclusive subscription deals (SiriusXM, Discord, etc.)
Bonus rewards on select Apple purchases

Total — Best for Tech Help

$179.99

per year · auto-renews

Everything in Plus, plus:
24/7 Geek Squad support (all devices)
Up to 24 months product protection
AppleCare+ included for Apple devices
Free computer and tablet services
20% off Geek Squad repair labor
VIP priority support lines

⚠️ Important — Both Paid Plans Auto-Renew Automatically

My Best Buy Plus and Total both renew automatically each year. Your credit or debit card is charged on your renewal date without additional notice. To cancel: call 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289) anytime, or go to BestBuy.com → Your Account → Plans and Subscriptions. Cancel within 60 days for a full refund (minus any benefits used). Cancel after 60 days for a prorated refund minus benefits used. Mark a reminder on your calendar one month before your renewal date.

Sources: Best Buy (bestbuy.com confirmed 2026): all three tier details, pricing, benefits, auto-renewal terms confirmed. Best Buy Corporate (confirmed): tiered membership system details. Best Buy FAQs (confirmed 2026): cancellation process, refund terms. NerdWallet (confirmed): 60-day full refund, prorated after 60 days.

🛠️ Geek Squad Tech Support — The #1 Reason Seniors Choose Total

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What “24/7 Tech Support for All Your Tech” Actually Means

With My Best Buy Total, you can call, chat, or visit a Geek Squad agent any time of day or night, 365 days a year — even holidays. The support covers any device you own, not just things bought at Best Buy. That means your old laptop, your smartphone, your tablet, your printer, your Wi-Fi router — all covered. You call or chat, describe your problem in plain language, and a trained technician walks you through the fix remotely or schedules an in-store appointment.

What is included: virus and malware removal, computer tune-ups, software troubleshooting, help setting up devices, Wi-Fi and network problems, and much more. A virus removal done on its own as a non-member costs $149.99 — and that is just one visit. One tech support call per year that takes more than an hour essentially pays for months of the Total membership.

Geek Squad Service	Cost Without Membership	With Total Membership
Virus removal and OS repair (computer)	$149.99 (standalone)	✅ Free (included)
Computer diagnostic	~$84.99	✅ Free (included)
24/7 phone and chat tech support	Not available without membership	✅ Unlimited, included
Remote computer and tablet services	Pay per incident	✅ Free (included)
In-store computer and tablet help	Pay per incident	✅ Free (included)
Geek Squad labor on repairs (20% off)	Full price (varies by device)	✅ 20% off labor (applies to devices from anywhere)
In-home Geek Squad visits	Pay per visit	❌ NOT included in Total — in-store and remote only

💡 Senior Customer Review — Best Buy Total Rating 4.5 Stars

“I worked with three members of the Geek Squad. Excellent service, advice, and most importantly, explanations and patience. Unless you are a hardware and software expert, this is a great investment in personal sanity!” — verified Total member review on BestBuy.com

Another long-term member wrote: “I have been a Totaltech member for three years. I call them primarily to help me out with technical issues with either my laptop, my printer, or my phone. They are polite, easy to talk with, and they in turn are easily understood, making sure that you are completely satisfied before ending the connection.”

Sources: Best Buy (bestbuy.com confirmed 2026): Geek Squad Total benefits confirmed — 24/7/365, all devices, remote and in-store, free computer/tablet services, 20% off repair labor. NerdWallet (confirmed): virus removal $149.99 standalone for non-members; in-home NOT included. BestBuy.com reviews (confirmed): senior member testimonials.

🛡️ Product Protection — Automatic Coverage on Almost Everything You Buy

Total Members — Protection Adds Itself Automatically

Up to 24 Months of Coverage at No Extra Charge

When you are a My Best Buy Total member and buy most new products at Best Buy, a protection plan is added to your purchase automatically — at no additional cost. This means mechanical failures are covered beyond the standard manufacturer warranty. For Apple products (iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods), this is AppleCare+ — normally $99–$279 depending on the device. You simply keep your Total membership active and your coverage stays in place. If you cancel the membership, the remaining protection months are also canceled.

📱 Apple Products — AppleCare+

Included for iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods

AppleCare+ on its own costs $99–$279 depending on the device. With Total membership, it is automatically added to eligible Apple purchases at Best Buy at no extra charge for up to 24 months. Covers mechanical failures and some accidental damage (service fees may apply). Apple products must be purchased from Best Buy.

📺 Other Electronics

Best Buy Protection on Most Devices

TVs, laptops (non-Apple), tablets, cameras, headphones, and most other electronics purchased at Best Buy get Best Buy Protection added automatically. Typically covers mechanical or electrical failures. Loss and theft are NOT included. Check the specific plan terms for the device category.

⚠️ What Is NOT Covered

Know Before You Buy

Loss, theft, and intentional damage are not covered. Products purchased from other retailers are NOT covered — protection only applies to Best Buy purchases. Best Buy Marketplace products are also excluded. If you cancel your Total membership, your remaining months of protection are immediately canceled too.

💰 The Real Dollar Value

Protection Alone Can Justify Total

AppleCare+ for an iPhone Pro: ~$199 standalone. Add AppleCare+ for a MacBook: ~$249 standalone. Together that is $448 in protection for products you already planned to buy — more than double the $179.99 Total membership cost, before any tech support or other benefits are counted.

Sources: Best Buy (bestbuy.com confirmed 2026): protection plan details — up to 24 months, automatic on eligible purchases, AppleCare+ for Apple products, Best Buy Protection for others, canceling membership cancels protection. NerdWallet (confirmed): protection covers mechanical failures; loss/theft extra; Marketplace products excluded. PropelRC (Dec 2025): real-value examples for Apple protection plans.

📦 Plus Membership Perks — Shipping, Returns, and Exclusive Deals

📦 Free 2-Day Shipping With No Minimum Order

This is the centerpiece of the Plus membership. With a free My Best Buy account, you only get free standard shipping on orders $35 and over. With Plus, any order ships in 2 days for free — even if you are ordering a $10 cable. Since Best Buy online orders typically cost $8.99 for shipping, the math works out if you place more than about 6 orders per year. Place 7 or more orders annually and Plus pays for itself on shipping savings alone.

🔄 60-Day Returns (Most Products)

vs. Standard 15 Days

Standard Best Buy return window is 15 days. Plus and Total members get 60 days on most products. For seniors who need extra time to decide if a new TV, laptop, or appliance fits their life — this is genuinely valuable. Exception: activatable devices like cell phones remain at 14 days regardless of membership tier.

🏷️ Exclusive Member Pricing

5–15% Off Thousands of Items

Plus and Total members see lower prices on thousands of items throughout the store — typically 5–15% below the regular retail price. These savings appear automatically when you are signed into your account. Major appliances, electronics, and accessories often carry member-only prices that save more than the annual membership cost on a single purchase.

🎟️ Subscription Deals

Real Money Off Popular Services

Plus and Total members get access to deeply discounted subscriptions and services: 6 months of SiriusXM All Access free, 1 month of Discord Nitro free, discounts on Fubo TV, 50% off Shutterfly orders, $60 off first ButcherBox order, and more. These change regularly — check BestBuy.com/member-deals often.

🍎 Bonus Apple Rewards

$25–$100 Extra on MacBooks

Plus and Total members earn bonus reward certificates on Apple purchases: $25 on MacBook Neo, $50 on MacBook Air M5, $100 on MacBook Pro M5. These stack on top of any existing credit card rewards and member pricing. If you planned to buy an Apple laptop anyway, these bonuses directly offset your membership cost.

Sources: Best Buy (bestbuy.com/member-deals confirmed 2026): SiriusXM 6 months free, Discord Nitro 1 month free, Fubo, Shutterfly, ButcherBox, Apple bonus rewards confirmed. Best Buy (bestbuy.com confirmed 2026): 2-day shipping no minimum, 60-day return window, exclusive member pricing 5–15% typical. Best Buy FAQs (confirmed): activatable devices 14-day return regardless of tier.

💳 The Best Buy Credit Card — 5% Back on Every Purchase

✅

No Annual Fee on Either Best Buy Credit Card

Neither Best Buy credit card charges an annual fee. The My Best Buy Credit Card (store card, Best Buy purchases only) and the My Best Buy Visa Card (use anywhere Visa is accepted) both earn 5% back in rewards on qualifying Best Buy purchases when you choose Standard Credit — and neither card costs you anything just to hold. They are separate from the membership tiers and available regardless of which membership you have.

Feature	My Best Buy Credit Card	My Best Buy Visa Card
Annual fee	$0	$0
Rewards at Best Buy	5% back (2.5 pts/$1)	5% back (2.5 pts/$1)
First day of purchases (within 14 days of opening)	10% back total	10% back total
Gas stations	Not applicable	3% back
Groceries and dining	Not applicable	2% back
All other purchases	Not applicable	1% back
Where can you use it?	Best Buy stores and BestBuy.com only	Everywhere Visa is accepted
Reward certificate issued	$5 certificate per 250 points (auto-emailed)	$5 certificate per 250 points (auto-emailed)
Purchase APR (variable)	27.74%–30.74%	14.24%–30.74%

🚨 Deferred Interest Warning — Read Before You Finance

Best Buy offers promotional financing plans on large purchases — such as “no interest for 18 months” on appliances or “no interest for 24 months” on unlocked phones. These plans use deferred interest, not true 0% APR. The difference is critical: if you do not pay off the entire balance before the promotional period ends, Best Buy charges you interest on the full original purchase amount, back to the day you bought it — not just on the remaining balance. One missed payment at the end can result in hundreds of dollars in unexpected interest charges. Only use financing if you are 100% certain you will pay the full balance before the deadline.

Sources: Best Buy (bestbuy.com confirmed 2026): 5% back confirmed, $5 per 250 points, reward certificate expiration, no annual fee on either card. Citi.com (confirmed): Visa vs. store card reward categories confirmed. U.S. News/WalletHub (confirmed 2026): APR ranges confirmed; deferred interest warning. Best Buy (confirmed): financing terms — deferred interest, not true 0% APR.

🧮 Which Tier Is Right for You? An Honest Guide

✅ The Free Tier Is Right for You If…

You shop at Best Buy fewer than 4–5 times a year and mostly for small items. Free standard shipping on $35+ orders is adequate for occasional shoppers.
You already have Amazon Prime and its free 2-day shipping — the Plus membership’s main benefit duplicates what you already have.
You are comfortable with technology and rarely need help setting things up or fixing software problems.
You plan to buy no major electronics this year. Without significant purchases, neither the protection plans nor the exclusive pricing deliver enough value.

💡 The Plus Tier ($49.99) Is Right for You If…

You order from Best Buy online 6 or more times per year — free 2-day shipping on every order (no $35 minimum) covers the membership cost in shipping savings alone by your seventh order.
You sometimes need more time to decide on a large purchase. The 60-day return window gives you four times longer than the standard 15 days to make sure a new TV, laptop, or tablet is right for you.
You buy a big-ticket item once a year — exclusive member pricing on appliances and electronics often saves more than the $49.99 fee on a single purchase.
You do not need ongoing tech support or device protection. Plus does not include Geek Squad 24/7 support or protection plans — only Total does.

🛠️ The Total Tier ($179.99) Is Right for You If…

Technology frustrates or confuses you and you would benefit from someone to call any hour of the day when your phone, laptop, or printer stops working. The 24/7 Geek Squad support alone can be worth far more than $179.99/year in peace of mind and avoided stress.
You own Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac). AppleCare+ on an iPhone costs $99–$199 on its own. If you plan to buy any Apple device at Best Buy while a Total member, the protection is automatic and the membership cost can be fully covered by that one benefit.
You regularly buy electronics at Best Buy. Protection plans that automatically add to every purchase add up quickly when you consider TVs, laptops, tablets, and appliances bought throughout the year.
You have had tech problems before that cost you money. A single laptop repair at $300–$500 in labor costs, reduced by 20% through Total membership, saves $60–$100 on one incident alone.

Sources: NerdWallet (confirmed): Plus membership tougher sell if you already have Prime; Total meaningful if tech-dependent or buying expensive devices. PropelRC (Dec 2025): membership ROI analysis confirmed. Best Buy (confirmed): exclusive pricing, protection plan value, Geek Squad support scope.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

✅ Cancel Anytime — Refund Rules Depend on Timing

To cancel: call 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289) anytime, or go to BestBuy.com → sign in → Account → Plans and Subscriptions → cancel. Both methods work 24/7. Refund rules: cancel within the first 60 days of your membership and you get a full refund, minus the dollar value of any benefits you used (discounts, protection, services). Cancel after 60 days and you get a prorated refund based on unused time, minus the value of benefits used. If you received significant Geek Squad support or used your 60-day return window, your refund may be reduced accordingly.

✅ Yes — All Your Tech, From Anywhere, Covered

My Best Buy Total covers tech support for all your devices, regardless of where you bought them. That means your smartphone, your smart TV, your laptop, your tablet, your printer, your Wi-Fi router — all eligible for 24/7 Geek Squad support. You do not need to have purchased anything at Best Buy to use the support. The support is done remotely (over the phone or internet) and in-store. What is NOT included: in-home Geek Squad visits. If a technician needs to come to your house, that is a separate paid service not included with Total.

✅ Yes — Upgrade Anytime, Pay Only the Prorated Difference

You can upgrade from Plus to Total at any point during your membership year. Best Buy charges you only the prorated difference for the remaining months. For example, if you are 6 months into your Plus membership, you have 6 months remaining. The difference between Plus ($49.99) and Total ($179.99) is $130 — half of that prorated amount is about $65. Your Total benefits activate immediately after upgrading. To upgrade: sign into BestBuy.com → My Account → Membership → Upgrade Now.

⚠️ Most Products — But Cell Phones and Activatable Devices Are Different

The 60-day return window for Plus and Total members applies to “most products” — but there is one important exception. Activatable devices, including cell phones and devices tied to a cellular carrier, still have a 14-day return window regardless of your membership tier. All other standard Best Buy return policy conditions still apply alongside the extended window. Best Buy’s full return policy covers items like TVs, laptops, tablets, cameras, headphones, appliances, and accessories at 60 days for Plus/Total members. When in doubt, ask at the store before purchasing.

🚨 Yes — Canceling Membership Cancels Your Protection Plans

This is one of the most important things to understand before joining Total. When you cancel your My Best Buy Total membership, any remaining months on your product protection plans — including AppleCare+ — are immediately canceled. This means if you buy a laptop in Month 1, get 24 months of protection, and then cancel the membership in Month 8, your laptop loses protection in Month 8. Before canceling, consider whether any active protection plans are still covering expensive devices you own.

✅ Yes — The Free Tier Costs Nothing and Has Real Benefits

Joining the free My Best Buy tier is a smart move for almost anyone who ever shops at Best Buy. You get free standard shipping on orders $35+ (which most electronics purchases exceed), access to member-only deals, a full purchase history for easy returns and warranty claims, and access to special financing through the Best Buy credit card. If you hold the My Best Buy Credit Card, you are automatically enrolled in the free tier and earn 5% back in rewards. There is absolutely no reason not to join the free tier if you shop at Best Buy at all.

❌ No Age-Based Senior Discount — But Several Ways to Save

Best Buy does not offer an age-based senior discount on memberships or purchases. However, seniors can still get significant value without paying full price. Watch for promotional offers during major sales events (Black Friday, Presidents Day, back-to-school) when Best Buy sometimes discounts first-year membership fees. The free tier is always available at no cost. Using the Best Buy Credit Card with 5% back in rewards effectively reduces the cost of every purchase you make. And if you are a Best Buy employee or Geek Squad employee (or know one), ask whether employee pricing extends to family — it sometimes does.

✅ Valid at All Best Buy Locations, BestBuy.com, and the App

Your My Best Buy membership — free, Plus, or Total — is valid at all Best Buy retail store locations nationwide, BestBuy.com, and the Best Buy mobile app. It also covers select other Best Buy properties. When shopping in store, simply provide your phone number or membership ID at checkout to access member pricing and log your purchase. When shopping online, sign into your BestBuy.com account to automatically see member prices and shipping benefits. Note: Best Buy Marketplace products sold by third-party sellers on BestBuy.com do NOT qualify for free shipping or member pricing regardless of your tier.

Source: All FAQ answers verified against Best Buy (bestbuy.com confirmed 2026), Best Buy FAQs (confirmed 2026), NerdWallet (confirmed), PropelRC (Dec 2025).

📊 Complete Benefit-by-Benefit Comparison

Benefit	Free	Plus ($49.99/yr)	Total ($179.99/yr)
Annual cost	$0	$49.99/yr	$179.99/yr
Free standard shipping (orders $35+)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Free 2-day shipping (no minimum)	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Return window	15 days (standard)	60 days (most items)	60 days (most items)
Exclusive member pricing and deals	Limited	✅ Full access	✅ Full access
Exclusive sales and event access	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Subscription deals (SiriusXM, Discord, etc.)	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
24/7 Geek Squad tech support (all devices)	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Up to 24 months product protection	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes (Best Buy purchases only)
AppleCare+ on Apple devices	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes (Best Buy purchases)
Free computer and tablet services	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
20% off Geek Squad repair labor	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes (devices from anywhere)
VIP priority support line	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
In-home Geek Squad visits	❌ Not included	❌ Not included	❌ Not included (pay separately)

Source: Best Buy (bestbuy.com confirmed 2026): all benefit details per tier confirmed. NerdWallet (confirmed): in-home visits not included in Total confirmed. Best Buy Q&A forum (confirmed): Plus does not include 24/7 tech support or protection — Total only.

📍 Find Best Buy Stores and Geek Squad Near You

Allow location access when prompted for nearest results. Use the buttons below to find your nearest Best Buy store, Geek Squad service center, or Best Buy Tech Hub.

Finding locations near you…

📞 Key Best Buy Contacts

Best Buy Customer Service

1-888-237-8289

1-888-BEST BUY. Membership help, cancellations, returns, orders, and general questions. Also chat at BestBuy.com (7 a.m. – 11 p.m. CT).

Geek Squad 24/7 Support

1-888-237-8289

Same number as customer service. Say “Geek Squad” when prompted. Available 24/7/365 for Total members. Also chat anytime at BestBuy.com/geek-squad.

Membership Signup

BestBuy.com/membership

Join free My Best Buy, or subscribe to Plus ($49.99/yr) or Total ($179.99/yr). All plans available online or in any Best Buy store at the membership desk.

Cancel or Manage Subscriptions

BestBuy.com/Services/PlanList

Sign into your account and go to Plans and Subscriptions to cancel or modify memberships. Or call 1-888-237-8289. Cancel anytime to avoid next renewal charge.

My Best Buy Credit Card

BestBuy.com/creditcards

Apply for the store card (Best Buy only, no annual fee, 5% back) or Visa card (use anywhere, 5% at Best Buy, 3% gas, 2% dining). Issued by Citibank.

Member Deals Hub

BestBuy.com/member-deals

Current Plus and Total member deals on subscriptions, tech, and appliances. Deals change frequently — check before every major purchase. SiriusXM, Shutterfly, ButcherBox, and more.

✅ Key Takeaways — Best Buy Membership

Three tiers: Free ($0), Plus ($49.99/yr), Total ($179.99/yr). All three auto-renew annually. Cancel anytime by calling 1-888-237-8289 or through your BestBuy.com account.
The free tier is worth joining for anyone who shops at Best Buy — free standard shipping on $35+ orders, member deals, and purchase history tracking cost nothing.
Plus is best for frequent online shoppers — free 2-day shipping on any order (no minimum), 60-day returns on most items, and exclusive member pricing on thousands of products.
Total is best for seniors who need tech help or buy Apple devices. 24/7 Geek Squad support for all your tech, automatic product protection (including AppleCare+) on Best Buy purchases, and 20% off repair labor can easily save more than the $179.99 annual cost.
Canceling Total cancels your active protection plans. Do not cancel while you still have expensive devices covered under your membership protection.
Cell phones have a 14-day return window regardless of membership tier. The 60-day extended return applies to most other products only.
The Best Buy Credit Card (no annual fee) earns 5% back in rewards on qualifying purchases. Choose between rewards OR promotional financing on each purchase — you cannot use both at the same time.
Deferred interest financing is risky — if you do not pay the full balance by the end of the promotional period, interest is charged back to the original purchase date on the full amount.
In-home Geek Squad visits are NOT included with Total or any tier — they are a separate paid service.
Upgrade from Plus to Total anytime — you pay only the prorated difference for your remaining membership months.

⚕️ Disclaimer

This widget is educational reference only — not financial or technology advice. Best Buy membership pricing, benefits, availability, and terms are subject to change without notice. Always verify current pricing, terms, and benefit details directly at BestBuy.com or by calling 1-888-BEST BUY before subscribing. Credit card APRs, reward rates, and financing terms are subject to change; see Citi.com for current credit card terms. This site is not affiliated with Best Buy Co., Inc., Geek Squad, or Citibank.

Primary sources: Best Buy (bestbuy.com confirmed 2026): all three tier details — Free, Plus $49.99/yr, Total $179.99/yr — pricing, benefits, auto-renewal terms, cancellation process (1-888-237-8289 or BestBuy.com/Services/PlanList), 60-day full refund within first 60 days, prorated after, free shipping thresholds, 60-day return window, 2-day shipping no minimum, exclusive member pricing, Geek Squad 24/7/365 support for all devices (phone/chat/in-store), free computer/tablet services, 20% off labor on repairs, VIP priority support, up to 24 months protection (Best Buy Protection or AppleCare+ for Apple), canceling membership cancels protection, Best Buy Marketplace excluded from shipping/pricing, activatable devices 14-day return regardless of tier, in-home visits not included. Member deals (bestbuy.com/member-deals confirmed 2026): SiriusXM 6 months free, Discord Nitro 1 month free, Fubo, Shutterfly 50% off or free calendar, ButcherBox $60 off, Apple bonus rewards ($25/$50/$100). Best Buy Corporate (confirmed): tiered membership structure 2023 launch; Patrick McGinnis quote confirmed. Best Buy FAQs (confirmed 2026): refund terms, upgrade process, Marketplace exclusion. NerdWallet (confirmed): virus removal $149.99 standalone; in-home visits not included; 60-day refund rules. PropelRC (Dec 2025): prorated upgrade ($65 for 6 months remaining Plus→Total); real ROI examples; 5–15% exclusive pricing typical. Best Buy Credit Card (bestbuy.com / citi.com / U.S. News / WalletHub confirmed 2026): 5% back qualifying purchases Standard Credit; 10% first day; Visa card: 3% gas, 2% groceries/dining, 1% elsewhere; $5 per 250 points; reward certificates expire; no annual fee; deferred interest warning; APR 27.74%–30.74% (store card) / 14.24%–30.74% (Visa).

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