How Businesses Can Save Money & Maximize Points on Apple Purchases

Over the past 10 years, Apple has made huge strides when it comes to business. Now more than ever we’re seeing iPhones, iPads, and Macs be used for all types of business tasks, from the enterprise to small business.

But there’s no doubt that Apple products are expensive. So if you’re investing in new Apple technology for you or your employees, you should at least be getting the most travel rewards or cash-back as possible on your purchases.

In turn, the points or cash-back earned can be used to subsidize the Apple products or simply help fund your next family vacation. Whatever the case may be, it’s surprisingly easy to maximize your returns on Apple products if you know where to look.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how you can maximize points-earning on Apple product purchases. We’ll start out by discussing how to find the best deal on Apple products and then move onto earning points with credit cards, shopping portals, and more.

Let’s get started!

Find the Best Price on Apple Products

Before we move into points-earning, it’s important that we discuss how to find the best deal on Apple products.

Oftentimes third-party Apple-authorized resellers will sell products at a discount in order to drive traffic to their stores. These discounts can often be in the hundreds of dollars, especially if you’re buying an older generation product.

Plus, unless otherwise noted, these products come with the same 1-year warranty that you’d get from Apple and are eligible for service and support at Apple Stores, so there’s really no downside in buying from them.

But we get it: searching through every Apple reseller can be a painful task, so we recommend checking out Apple Insider’s prices page.

This website tracks the price of Apple products across a number of resellers and compares them to the Apple Store’s price, clearly showing you the discount (and which store will give you the best deal).

Using the website is simple: just head to the website, select which product you’d like to purchase, and look through the list of available models. You’ll be able to see what price each reseller is selling the product for underneath its respective column, with the best total discount towards the right-hand side of the table.

However, don’t click through the table to actually purchase your Apple product just yet. Instead, just take note of who has the best price and hold onto the name — you’ll need this for when we look for the best shopping portal to use.

Hot Tip: The Apple Insider pricing tool doesn’t show Apple’s refurbished pricing. Apple’s refurbished products are like-new and have the same warranty as any other Apple product — make sure to check them out before you make a purchase.

The Best Credit Cards To Pay for Apple Purchases

Before you make a purchase, consider opening a new business credit card before you buy the Apple product in question. In doing so, you may be able to earn valuable points in the form of a welcome bonus for making a purchase with your new credit card.

A welcome bonus is a lump sum of points that are awarded after you make a set amount of purchases on a new credit card within a certain amount of time of opening your card. For example, a card may earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of opening an account.

You’ll also want to look for a card that offers solid points earning for other business purchases you make. We’ve outlined a few of our favorite business credit cards in the paragraphs below.

The Best Chase Business Credit Cards

Chase’s Ink line of business cards truly has something for every business. The family currently consists of 3 different types of credit cards: the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card, Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card, and Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card.

Each of these cards has a different set of points-earning categories, with the Ink Business Cash card offering up to 5% cash-back at office supply stores (like Staples), up to $25,000 in purchases per year. This can be especially helpful if you find deals on Apple products at your local office supply store.

Note that the Ink Business Cash card and Ink Business Unlimited card earn cash-back, while the Ink Business Preferred card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to the Chase airline and hotel partners like United Airlines, Hyatt, and others.

However, cash-back earned by the Ink Business Cash card or Ink Business Unlimited card can be transferred to Ultimate Rewards points through the Ultimate Rewards portal if you also have an Ink Business Preferred card, Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, or Chase Sapphire Reserve^®.

Finally, all Ink cards have complimentary purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.

Purchase protection covers you from theft or damage within 120 days of purchase and the extended warranty coverage adds a year of warranty coverage to your standard warranty so long as your card is open and in good standing. Learn more about these benefits in our full benefits roundup.

Here’s a look at our preferred cards in the Ink family:

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Welcome Offer

Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

90,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,800

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.24% - 26.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
• Cell phone protection
• Purchase protection

Cons

• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 26.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.

Welcome Offer

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

Up to $750

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $750

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.49% - 25.49% variable thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card has a lot going for it that makes it a compelling choice for small business owners. The card features a very lucrative 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year.

When you factor in that the card has no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 25.49% thereafter, you could be adding big value back into your business for no cost out of pocket.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on all other purchases
• Travel insurance and purchase protection

Cons

• Spending caps in bonus categories
• Low points earning outside of bonus categories

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.49% - 25.49% variable thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

$750

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$750

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.

If so, the Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.

Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
• No annual fee
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.
• Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

• Chase Ultimate Rewards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Ink Business Premier^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn up to 5% cash-back for your business without complex bonus earning categories!

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Premier^® Credit Card

Earn up to 5% cash-back for your business without complex bonus earning categories!

Welcome Offer

Earn $1,000 bonus cash-back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

$1,000

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,000

Annual Fee

$195

APR

Flex for Business Variable APR: 18.49% - 26.49%

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Chase has introduced the Ink Business Premier^® Credit Card to its business credit card lineup. With straightforward cash-back earnings on everyday purchases and large expenses, tools to help you monitor your business, and multiple ways to redeem your rewards, this is a great card option to consider.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 2.5% total cash-back on purchases of $5,000 or more
• Earn 2% cash-back on all other business purchases
• Unlimited 5% total cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Travel

Cons

• $195 annual fee
• Some purchases need to be paid in full each month and don’t qualify for Flex for Business APR

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
• Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
• The only business credit card with 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more.
• Get the buying power you need to make large purchases, cover monthly expenses and help your business grow. While you must pay your Pay In Full balance each month, this card has built-in flexibility. The Flex for Business feature allows for qualifying purchases to be paid over time with interest.
• Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
• There's no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Flex for Business Variable APR: 18.49% - 26.49%
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Best American Express Business Cards

We have 2 favorite American Express business cards for Apple purchases: The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express.

The Amex Blue Business Plus card is a no-annual-fee business credit card that earns 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on all purchases, up to $50,000 in purchases per year (see rates & fees). This means that you’d earn 4,600 points on a $2,300 MacBook Pro purchase.

On the other hand, the Amex Business Platinum card earns 1 Membership Reward point on all purchases and 1.5x for eligible purchases on your Card made at U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers, at U.S. electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and at U.S. shipping providers as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year).

Like the Ink Business Preferred card, the Amex Business Platinum card has great purchase protection benefits. If your new Apple product (purchased with the Amex Business Platinum card) is damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost of fixing or replacing it. Plus, the Amex Business Platinum card will add 1 year of warranty to your purchase so long as your account is open and in good standing.

The Business Platinum has a slew of travel benefits, too, like airport lounge access, an airline incidental fee credit, Dell statement credits, and more. This card is great for businesses that make lots of big-ticket purchases and have employees who travel often.

Both of these cards earn Membership Rewards points which can be transferred to a number of different travel partners, like British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, and more. This means that you can book award travel across all major airline alliances, getting you just about anywhere in the world. Check out our article on the best Membership Rewards redemptions for more info.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.

Welcome Offer

Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.

15,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $330

Annual Fee

No annual fee

APR

0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% - 27.49%.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

As a business owner, getting a credit card that maximizes each dollar you spend does not have to be complicated or expensive. Especially when you opt for The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express.

With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees).

The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.

Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
• Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
• No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost

Cons

• No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
• No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
• You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
• No Annual Fee
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% - 27.49%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

LIMITED TIME TRAVEL OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.

150,000 points + $500 statement credit

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,800

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight and hotel packages booked through Amex Travel
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection (as of 10/2024).
• Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

• High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 10/2024.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required.
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• NEW! Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight + hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com. 1X points on other eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card^®.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 250,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum card. The current public offer is 150,000 points plus a $500 statement credit. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Check for Amex Offers

American Express cards have a special feature called Amex Offers.  These offers give American Express cardholders cash-back or extra points on purchases made from specific merchants.

We’ve seen Best Buy and Amazon run Amex Offers in the past — for example, the author of this article received an offer for 3,000 bonus Membership Rewards points after spending $300+ at Best Buy.

You can find these offers on the bottom of your card page on the American Express website. If you find an offer you’d like to use, click the Add to Card button. Note that you must add the offer to your card before you make your purchase.

In most cases, you’ll receive your bonus points or cash-back within a few days of making your purchase.

We recommend keeping an eye out for Amex Offers you can use when buying an Apple product. If you find an Amex Offer for a merchant that sells Apple products, consider making your purchase at said merchant if the price makes sense.

Apple Card

The Apple Card is not a business card, but our tutorial on purchasing Apple products wouldn’t be complete without mentioning it.

If you’re an iPhone 6, or newer, user and utilize Apple Pay on a regular basis, the Apple Card might be an additional consideration for Apple purchases.

The card is available to qualifying applicants in the U.S., is issued by Goldman Sachs, and utilizes the MasterCard payment network. You can apply using the Wallet on your iPhone, and once approved, you’ll receive instant access to your card information and be able to use your card immediately.

One unique aspect of the application process is that there will not be a hard pull on your credit until after you’re approved and have accepted the card.

Find the Best Shopping Portal

Once you’ve selected the merchant you’d like to buy your new Apple product from and picked out a credit card to charge it to, it’s time for the final step: picking a shopping portal to shop through.

Shopping portals award bonus airline miles, transferable points, or cash-back when you click through the portal before making a purchase online. Most major airlines and transferable points currencies have their own shopping portal.

Further, the Apple Store and most major resellers are on these portals, meaning that you can earn bonus points and miles on nearly all of your Apple product purchases. However, each of these portals may earn at slightly different rates.

One word of caution though: the Apple Store usually doesn’t offer cash-back or points through portals on just-released products. If you’re looking for a product released within the past month or 2, you’ll have to purchase through a reseller to earn points. This will be clearly noted in the Apple Store’s terms and conditions of whatever portal you choose to use.

You’ll earn points through these portals based on how much you spend. For example, the American Airlines AAdvantage shopping portal may award 2 points per $1 spent at MacMall or another retailer. So if you buy a $500 iPad, you’ll earn a cool 1,000 AAdvantage miles.

You can compare all shopping portal earning rates using Cash Back Monitor. Just head over to its website, enter the name of your merchant, and you’ll see how many points per dollar spent each portal is offering.

Hot Tip: Shopping through Rakuten? You can choose to earn Amex Membership Rewards instead of cash-back if you have a personal American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points. Just switch to earning points at your account settings page.

We generally recommend going with a shipping portal that has the highest earning rate for points you can actually use. So, don’t shop through a portal just because it’s offering 1 more point per dollar if you can’t actually use said points.

Bottom Line: You’ll earn maximum points on Apple purchases by combining a shopping portal with a points-earning credit card.

Examples of Reward Earnings on Apple Products

To illustrate how beneficial stacking credit card points with discounts and shopping portals is, here’s an example of using all 3 to get a nice discount on a 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro.

First, it’s important to pick which credit card you’d like to use for your purchase. For this example, we’ll use the Amex Business Blue Plus card to earn 2 points per dollar spent on this purchase.

Now, we’ll start on the Apple Insider prices tool and search for the best price from the included authorized resellers. In this case, the best price is offered by Adorama — a camera and electronics store in New York City that ships around the U.S.

Take note of this price and head over to Cash Back Monitor and search for the best rates for earning points or cash-back on Adorama purchases. In this case, the best rate is 1 point per dollar spent across all airline portals (or Rakuten, if you want Membership Rewards points).

We value Membership Rewards points at 2.2 cents per point, so we’ll use the Rakuten portal to earn 1 extra Membership Reward point per dollar on our computer purchase. We’ve navigated to Rakuten’s Adorama page and clicked the Shop Now button to go to the Adorama store to make our purchase.

We spent $2,347.91 on our computer after sales tax (8.75% in New York City). In the end, we’d earn the following number of points and save the following amount of money on our purchase by following the steps outlined in this article:

• Credit card points: 4,696 Membership Rewards points (worth $103.31)
• Portal points: 2,347 Membership Rewards points (worth $51.65)
• Money saved: $240

So if you agree with our points valuation, you’ll see that we saved $394.96 by using the right credit card and shopping portal and purchasing our MacBook Pro from the right reseller. Not too bad for just a few minutes of work!

Final Thoughts

In this article, we showed you how to find the best deals on Apple products, the best credit card to use for your purchase, and how to identify a shopping portal to earn the most points and miles possible in the process. Follow the steps in this article and you’ll undoubtedly get the best deal on your next Apple purchase.

Remember, you can follow the steps we’ve outlined for non-business purchases, too! Keep this in mind when buying a computer for personal use or as a gift.