Best Credit Card to Use Making Apple Purchases

[credit8502020]

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@CreditCuriosity wrote:

Eligible for educational discount also using a CC?   Back when I worked for a university that possibly was the cheapest way to get one at one point in time.  Although not a student worked for university/medical center and got said discount.  Also some states have tax free days or a few of them a year that could be 9-10% off right there depending on state, just another thought.  Usually those days happen before a semester.

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@CreditCuriosity Yes, I'm eligible for an educational discount and will be using my credit card. Thanks for mentioning tax free days because that definitely may be a good option for many. It's great to remember those days for other large purchases as well if they're eligible in the state.

[SPChaser]

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@credit8502020 wrote:

UPDATE: So it appears that, at this time, buying from the Apple Store directly using the Elan Card may be the best way to get the most cash back. Elan offers 5% on Electronic Stores.

Of course, please feel free to share any other alternatives. I haven't found anything higher than 5%. With Elan you earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter. Anything (accessories, etc.) over $2,000, I can easily purchase with another card to maximize cash back. 

Thanks! 

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Thanks @credit8502020 for the update. Still planning on getting a couple MacBooks this year. 

[SPChaser]

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@CreditCuriosity wrote:

Eligible for educational discount also using a CC?   Back when I worked for a university that possibly was the cheapest way to get one at one point in time.  Although not a student worked for university/medical center and got said discount.  Also some states have tax free days or a few of them a year that could be 9-10% off right there depending on state, just another thought.  Usually those days happen before a semester.

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@CreditCuriosity Forgot bout them tax free days for purchasing laptops 😅

[credit8502020]

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@SPChaser wrote:

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@credit8502020 wrote:

UPDATE: So it appears that, at this time, buying from the Apple Store directly using the Elan Card may be the best way to get the most cash back. Elan offers 5% on Electronic Stores.

Of course, please feel free to share any other alternatives. I haven't found anything higher than 5%. With Elan you earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter. Anything (accessories, etc.) over $2,000, I can easily purchase with another card to maximize cash back. 

Thanks! 

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Thanks @credit8502020 for the update. Still planning on getting a couple MacBooks this year. 

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@SPChaser You're welcome! If you purchase those on different cards or at different times, you'll definitely probably maximize your cash back! 

[joltdude]

One thing going for the Appe Card.. is you can get the cashback and finance at 0 .. have your cake and eat it too..

_J

[credit8502020]

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@joltdude wrote:

One thing going for the Appe Card.. is you can get the cashback and finance at 0 .. have your cake and eat it too..

_J

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@joltdude That's one way to look at it. The concern for many is that if you do not get a high credit limit, you will have a high utilization amount which will negatively impact your credit score. 

[KLEXH25]

I'll do you all one better. I got 7% back on my MacBook Air this March at Costco using my AFCU visa. I realize this doesn't help anyone now, but Jan - March, AFCU had super markets and wholesale clubs as a Hi5 category, meaning you earn an additional 5% on top off whatever their normal cashback is. Costco codes as grocery with this card, which is usually 2% + 5% Hi5 and you get 7% back. Score! Not to mention Costco had it discounted for $100 off the Apple store price. 

[credit8502020]

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@KLEXH25 wrote:

I'll do you all one better. I got 7% back on my MacBook Air this March at Costco using my AFCU visa. I realize this doesn't help anyone now, but Jan - March, AFCU had super markets and wholesale clubs as a Hi5 category, meaning you earn an additional 5% on top off whatever their normal cashback is. Costco codes as grocery with this card, which is usually 2% + 5% Hi5 and you get 7% back. Score! Not to mention Costco had it discounted for $100 off the Apple store price. 

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@KLEXH25 That's exciting! I'm so glad you were able to get 7%!!! I'll keep this in mind for other expenses. I considered joining AFCU in the past, but the credit card didn't fit what I was looking for at the moment. How early do they announce their quarterly spending categories? 

[KLEXH25]

@credit8502020 They don't seem to announce the categories too far ahead of time. I've only noticed it just before it will start (unless it's posted elsewhere and I haven't noticed). This is new for them...I think the Hi5 only started last year, so I'm wondering if they will repeat categories again.

[Anonymous]

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@KLEXH25 wrote:

I'll do you all one better. I got 7% back on my MacBook Air this March at Costco using my AFCU visa.

I think only a shoplifter could beat that.

Costco usually has 10% off the Apple store price all year long. Between Black Friday and Christmas it can get close to 30%, which is when I bought a Macbook Air as a gift for my dad. You could buy the $60 membership just for a single purchase and still save a lot of money during that time.