In the market for an Apple device? Now is a good time to buy, especially if you’re looking to earn bonus miles with your purchase. Several airlines are offering elevated earnings on Apple purchases made through their online shopping portals for a limited time. While these bonuses do not apply to the latest iPhone 15 models and Apple Watch Series 9, you can still take advantage of the offer for other products.
Here’s a breakdown of the bonus miles you can earn with each airline when you click through their shopping portals:
1. American Airlines: Earn up to 4 miles per dollar at Apple (typically 1 mile per dollar).
2. Alaska Airlines: Earn up to 2 miles per dollar at Apple (typically 1 mile per dollar).
3. Delta Air Lines: Earn up to 2 miles per dollar at Apple (typically 1 mile per dollar).
4. Southwest Airlines: Earn up to 2 miles per dollar at Apple (typically 1 mile per dollar).
5. United Airlines: Earn up to 4 miles per dollar at Apple (typically 1 mile per dollar).
Keep in mind that the earning rates may vary depending on the shopping portal you choose, and different Apple products may have different rates. However, during this promotion, eligible products will earn you 2-4 miles per dollar.
There are some exclusions from earning shopping portal bonuses, such as Apple Vision Pro, Apple Pro Display XDR, iPhone 15 models, Apple Watch Series 9, and more. Additionally, each customer can only receive a bonus on up to five units per eligible product, except for the iPhone, which is limited to two units within 30 days. It’s important to note that there are no shopping portal rewards on the iPhone 15 models.
To ensure you’re getting the best deal, it’s always recommended to use a shopping portal aggregator to compare the top earning rates for various retailers before making a big purchase. Your valuation of miles will also play a role in determining which offer is best for you overall. However, these aggregators may not always list bonuses based on spending thresholds.
If you’re wondering how much miles can add up with an Apple purchase, let’s take a look at an example. If you buy a base-model 15-inch MacBook Air for $1,299 through the AAdvantage Shopping portal on Monday, you’ll earn 5,196 AAdvantage miles. According to valuations by TPG, these miles are worth about $78. If you can find the right flight to redeem them, they could be worth even more.
In addition to earning bonus miles, purchases made through the American shopping portal count as Loyalty Points, bringing you closer to earning or requalifying for American elite status. For example, the purchase of a MacBook Air would earn you nearly 5,200 Loyalty Points, which is a significant portion of the 40,000 Loyalty Points required for entry-level AAdvantage Gold status.
When it comes to credit cards, the Apple Card may not necessarily be the best option for Apple purchases. Instead, you should consider credit cards that offer purchase protection and extended warranty benefits. These benefits can come in handy if your product gets damaged or destroyed within the coverage period. Many TPG staffers have successfully covered their Apple products through credit card protections.
If you’re purchasing a pricey new phone, it’s especially important to have a card that will help protect your phone in case of loss or damage beyond the initial few months when purchase protection is in play. The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is a good choice in this case.
Alternatively, you might consider a card that earns more than 1 point or mile per dollar on all purchases, such as 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, which can be redeemed at a fixed value toward travel purchases or transferred to various travel partners.
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for an Apple device, now is a great time to buy. Take advantage of the bonus miles offered by several airlines through their online shopping portals. Compare the earning rates through shopping portal aggregators and consider the value of miles before making a purchase. Don’t forget to use credit cards with purchase protection and extended warranty benefits to protect your investment. Happy shopping!