topic Re: Need some help for purchasing Apple products in Credit Cards

Need some help for purchasing Apple products

SPChaser — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 12:43:11 GMT

Since April, DW and I have been planning on getting a couple of the MacBook Pros with the M1 chip and now the list has increased to upgrading to her Apple Watch to 7 series and a couple air pods at least. Preliminary research showed that for the best cash back return, the Apple Card at 3% was one of the best options. On the other hand, if I wanted to go extended warranty rather than cash back, what would be the better options? Just wanted some feedback on what some better options or other recommendations.

Re: Need some help for purchasing Apple products

NRB525 — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 14:45:14 GMT

I don't buy extended warranties, but if I wanted one for an Apple product, I'd buy Apple Care to be sure it was legit. The term "warranty" sounds good, until you get into the nuances of product support and what sort of repairs may be necessary. Apple products are quality build out of the box, and if they aren't, the hardware is going to reflect that quickly. Software help, and user error however, aren't something that warranty programs cover. My wife's experience with calling Apple to sort out questions of why the Mac Book is doing certain things are out of the warranty period, but could be looked at as part of the warranty that comes with new operating system versions.

From what I've read here most cards that did offer "extended warranty" seem to have dropped that benefit, putting it in the category of "not often used by our members".

Re: Need some help for purchasing Apple products

4sallypat — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 14:55:41 GMT

If you are a Costco member, and you have the Citi Costco VISA, you will not only get a lower purchase price, but the warranty is effectively tripled.

My M1 Mini has a standard 1 yr warranty but thru Costco, I get and extra 2 years coverage that I don't have to spend an extra dime on!

Re: Need some help for purchasing Apple products

SPChaser — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 15:45:58 GMT

@NRB525 wrote:
I don't buy extended warranties, but if I wanted one for an Apple product, I'd buy Apple Care to be sure it was legit. The term "warranty" sounds good, until you get into the nuances of product support and what sort of repairs may be necessary. Apple products are quality build out of the box, and if they aren't, the hardware is going to reflect that quickly. Software help, and user error however, aren't something that warranty programs cover. My wife's experience with calling Apple to sort out questions of why the Mac Book is doing certain things are out of the warranty period, but could be looked at as part of the warranty that comes with new operating system versions.

From what I've read here most cards that did offer "extended warranty" seem to have dropped that benefit, putting it in the category of "not often used by our members".

Thanks @NRB525 And that's what one of the options I was thinking of getting a card that gives extended warranty like the Platinum. Of course, the cards added features would make up for the basically $700 AF with we loving to travel in all, but I didn't want to have to get it for that. I'm on the fence about getting a new card, yet if it's the right play for these products then I would do it. Yeah, plan to do Apple Card on mostly all the items too...🙄🙄🙄 the cost keeps going up 🤣.

Re: Need some help for purchasing Apple products

SPChaser — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 15:49:55 GMT

@4sallypat wrote:
If you are a Costco member, and you have the Citi Costco VISA, you will not only get a lower purchase price, but the warranty is effectively tripled.

My M1 Mini has a standard 1 yr warranty but thru Costco, I get and extra 2 years coverage that I don't have to spend an extra dime on!

Thanks @4sallypat I remember reading here that Costco would be a great place to get Apple products becuase of the additional warranty. Have been a Coscto member for years, yet have never had there affiliated CCs. I'll definitely look into that. DW did mention something about the Citi card feature as a possibility.

Re: Need some help for purchasing Apple products

Red1Blue — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 16:03:32 GMT

You can always buy the Apple Product from any vendor like BestBuy or CostCo. Still you can buy the Apple Care+ from Apple directly for the same product. For instance I bought some MacBooks at BestBuy and bought the AppleCare+ from Apple. I bought Apple iPhone from Verizpn and bought the AppleCare+ from Apple directly. For any Apple product I would buy only AppleCare+ since it covers many features and I can sleep peacefully at night know my Apple Products have AppleCare+. Also if one has Apple GS Card there is a discout on the AppleCare+ and still get 3% cash back. For hardware, I bought Mac Mini couple of days ago with Apple GS Card. I received 0% interest on the purchase, 12 installments and eligbile for 3% Cash back. My suggestion shop around and see who gives you best option. I would not discount the Apple GS card and purchase Apple products using it.

Re: Need some help for purchasing Apple products

4sallypat — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 17:38:43 GMT

@SPChaser wrote:
@4sallypat wrote:
If you are a Costco member, and you have the Citi Costco VISA, you will not only get a lower purchase price, but the warranty is effectively tripled.

My M1 Mini has a standard 1 yr warranty but thru Costco, I get and extra 2 years coverage that I don't have to spend an extra dime on!
Thanks @4sallypat I remember reading here that Costco would be a great place to get Apple products becuase of the additional warranty. Have been a Coscto member for years, yet have never had there affiliated CCs. I'll definitely look into that. DW did mention something about the Citi card feature as a possibility.

If you go into your local Costco store, there is always a pop up tent with a sign up bonus if you apply for the Costco VISA card...

I use it all the time - especially gasoline and groceries - also got a $75 rebate check back this month!

Re: Need some help for purchasing Apple products

cashorcharge — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 21:08:09 GMT

Not really credit related...but I wonder if when the NEW Macbook Pros get released in 14" and 16" with the supposed M1X or M2 chip (rumors on the name) if the M1 Macbook Pro will be discounted in price. If you have time, waiting another 30 days to see when the new Macbook's come out...which is expected before the Thanksgiving Holiday may save you some money

Re: Need some help for purchasing Apple products

SPChaser — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 21:29:44 GMT

@Red1Blue wrote:
You can always buy the Apple Product from any vendor like BestBuy or CostCo. Still you can buy the Apple Care+ from Apple directly for the same product. For instance I bought some MacBooks at BestBuy and bought the AppleCare+ from Apple. I bought Apple iPhone from Verizpn and bought the AppleCare+ from Apple directly. For any Apple product I would buy only AppleCare+ since it covers many features and I can sleep peacefully at night know my Apple Products have AppleCare+. Also if one has Apple GS Card there is a discout on the AppleCare+ and still get 3% cash back. For hardware, I bought Mac Mini couple of days ago with Apple GS Card. I received 0% interest on the purchase, 12 installments and eligbile for 3% Cash back. My suggestion shop around and see who gives you best option. I would not discount the Apple GS card and purchase Apple products using it.

Thanks @Red1Blue I wasn't aware of the discount given with Apple Card when getting Apple Care plus; that's great to know. Apple Card is certainly first option and intend on using the shopping trick method to ensure I get the SL to cover all the products we plan on getting.

Re: Need some help for purchasing Apple products

SPChaser — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 21:37:51 GMT

@cashorcharge wrote:
Not really credit related...but I wonder if when the NEW Macbook Pros get released in 14" and 16" with the supposed M1X or M2 chip (rumors on the name) if the M1 Macbook Pro will be discounted in price. If you have time, waiting another 30 days to see when the new Macbook's come out...which is expected before the Thanksgiving Holiday may save you some money

Thanks @cashorcharge We've waited been waiting since April lol so a few more days won't hurts us. We both want the 16" Pros so no rushing here. Unfortunately, we wouldn't be mostly likely getting any discounts because the 13" MacBook Pro currently out with the M1 isn't one we're getting.

Re: Need some help for purchasing Apple products

4sallypat — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 15:37:24 GMT

@cashorcharge wrote:
Not really credit related...but I wonder if when the NEW Macbook Pros get released in 14" and 16" with the supposed M1X or M2 chip (rumors on the name) if the M1 Macbook Pro will be discounted in price. If you have time, waiting another 30 days to see when the new Macbook's come out...which is expected before the Thanksgiving Holiday may save you some money

With the existing M1 Macs doing so well, and lots of organizations, commercial and education customers who buy in bulk will want to be able to affordably buy the 13" M1 at a lower price point.

I can see a higher price points for the 14" and 16" new Macs.

Maybe the resellers (B&H, Micro, CDW, etc) might sell the M1 at a discount, but I think Apple will keep the 13" M1 as their "Bread & Butter" line.

When I got my 16" Intel Macbook Pro, I noticed Apple did not drop the 13 or 15" Macbooks - they kept it along with their "premium" 16" models.

I for one was very disappointed with the 16" Intel MBP that costed $2800 with Apple Care and it runs hot, battery life stinks, and is sluggish compared to my base M1s...

Re: Need some help for purchasing Apple products

show_hell — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 16:19:31 GMT

US Bank Cash+ and Elan MCP offer 5% on electronic stores but only on the first $2000 each quarter.

Citi Rewards+, Citi Premier offer 2 years extended warranty.