3 weeks ago
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In the market for an Apple device? If so, now might be a good time to buy the Apple products that have been sitting in your shopping cart.
Several airlines are offering bonus miles for purchases made on Apple's website for a limited time. (Note: These bonuses only apply to iPads and Macs. Currently, all other eligible Apple purchases will earn 1 mile per dollar spent.)
Unfortunately, this is not the best bonus deal we've seen. We routinely see bonuses of 5 bonus miles or points, so you may want to wait for a better offer. We usually see a new bonus once a month.
Here are the elevated earnings you'll receive on Apple purchases on Monday when you click through these online shopping portals:
- American Airlines: Earn up to 2.5 miles per dollar at Apple (typically 1 mile per dollar).
- Alaska Airlines: Earn up to 2 miles per dollar at Apple (typically 1 mile per dollar).
- Delta Air Lines: Earn up to 2 miles per dollar at Apple (typically 1 mile per dollar).
- Southwest Airlines: Earn up to 2 points per dollar at Apple (typically 1 point per dollar).
- United Airlines: Earn up to 2 miles per dollar at Apple (typically 1 mile per dollar).
When you click through the shopping portals, you'll notice that different portals may offer different rates. For example, on the American AAdvantage shopping portal, you'll earn 2.5 miles per dollar on eligible iPhone products; if you shop via the Alaska Mileage Plan portal, you'll earn up to 2 miles per dollar.
According to Apple, "Rewards not eligible on: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, AirPods 4, Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Vision Pro, all Apple Vision Pro accessories, Apple Pro Display XDR, gift wrap, Apple Developer Programs, AppleCare+ monthly subscription."
Additionally, each customer is only eligible to receive a bonus on up to five units per eligible product — except the iPhone, which is limited to only two units within 30 days.
You should always use a shopping portal aggregator to compare the top earning rates for various retailers before making a big purchase. How you value your miles will affect which offer is best for you overall. These aggregators won't always list bonuses based on spending thresholds.
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How miles can add up
Since you'll earn up to 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible Apple products, if you purchase a base-model 15-inch MacBook Air for $1,199 through the Alaska Airlines portal Monday, you'll earn 2,398 Alaska Mileage Plan miles. Those miles are worth about $35, according to TPG's October 2024 valuations. They could be worth even more if you can find the right flight to redeem them.
It's worth noting that base miles earned through the American Airlines shopping portal count as Loyalty Points. So, the above purchase (earning 2.5 points per dollar) would bring you more than 2,997 Loyalty Points closer to earning (or requalifying for) American elite status. In other words, this single purchase would help you on your way to the 40,000 Loyalty Points required for entry-level AAdvantage Gold status.
Which credit cards to use
Surprisingly, the Apple Card isn't necessarily the best card for Apple purchases.
It offers a decent return, but given the high cost of Apple's devices, you should focus on credit cards with purchase protection and extended warranty benefits instead. Benefits vary from card to card, but you may have success getting compensated if your product is damaged or destroyed during the coverage period. Several TPG staffers have successfully covered their Apple products through credit card protections.
The information for the Apple Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
If you're picking up a pricey new phone (note that iPhones are not included in this particular sale, but you could still earn at least one point per dollar spent), it's good to have a card that will help protect it in case of loss or damage beyond those initial few months when purchase protection is in play. The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a good option.
You might also consider a card that earns more than 1 point or mile per dollar on all purchases, like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Both cards offer 2 Capital One miles per dollar on all purchases. You can then redeem these miles at a fixed value toward travel purchases or transfer them to various travel partners.
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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