For a short period, several airlines are offering increased rewards – up to 4 points or miles per dollar spent – on purchases made through Apple’s online store. This is a practical opportunity for those planning to buy Apple products, as it provides a straightforward way to accelerate rewards accumulation.
Understanding the Value
While bonus rates fluctuate, earning 3 to 4 points/miles per dollar is a significant improvement over the standard 1 point/mile offered typically. This means a $1,000 purchase could yield up to 4,000 bonus rewards, potentially covering a short-haul flight or contributing substantially to elite status qualification.
Here’s a breakdown of current offers:
- Alaska Airlines: 4 points per dollar
- United Airlines: 4 miles per dollar
- American Airlines & Delta: 3.5 miles per dollar
What’s Included (and Excluded)
Most popular Apple items – including iPhones and MacBooks – qualify for the bonus. However, certain products are ineligible:
- Apple Vision Pro and related accessories
- Pro Display XDR
- Gift wrapping, developer programs, and monthly subscriptions
- Shipping, taxes, and handling fees
Additionally, bulk orders, resale purchases, gift cards, and purchases using unapproved discount codes will not earn rewards. Customers are typically limited to 5 units per product (2 iPhones within 30 days).
Maximizing Your Rewards
To ensure you get the best deal, compare rates across shopping portals. Some aggregators may not list all bonuses based on spending thresholds, so manual checking is recommended. Using a high-rewards credit card in conjunction with the airline portal can further boost your earnings.
For instance, a $1,199 MacBook Pro purchased through Alaska Airlines yields roughly 4,796 Alaska Atmos Rewards points, valued at around $72 based on current valuations. This purchase alone can get you over 10% of the way to American Airlines AAdvantage Gold status through Loyalty Points.
Beyond Rewards: Protection and Warranty
The Apple Card isn’t necessarily the best option for these purchases. Instead, focus on credit cards offering robust purchase protection and extended warranties. Several cardholders have successfully claimed compensation for damaged or stolen Apple products through these benefits. The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a solid choice, as are the Capital One Venture X and Venture Rewards cards, which offer 2x rewards on all purchases.
Bottom line: This limited-time offer provides a clear way to increase rewards on Apple purchases. By leveraging airline shopping portals and complementary credit card benefits, buyers can maximize returns and protect their investment.
