Maximize points, miles, and coverage with Apple’s new iPhone 16, Watch, AirPods
The annual “iPhone Day” has passed.
On Friday, Apple launched the latest generation of its most popular devices: iPhone 16, Watch Series 10 and AirPods familyThe new models will hit stores on September 20 and as usual, the tech giant created a stir when it launched the products.
At the official Fifth Avenue store in New York, Apple’s top executives, including CEO Tim Cook, greeted excited customers, many of whom had lined up for hours to be the first to own the new devices.
One executive, Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of retail, was particularly excited on Friday.
“We live for today, we really live for today. And you can feel the energy, and it’s hard to sleep the night before,” she told TPG in an exclusive interview on launch day. (She slept about four hours on Thursday night, she told TPG.)
Pre-orders for the new devices began on Friday, September 13, just days after the company’s special keynote event, during which the tech giant announced its latest products, including Brand new AirPods.
From upgrades to the camera, battery, and durability to noise cancellation in the entry-level AirPods, the latest devices will likely appeal to a wide range of consumers, especially those who are always on the go.
And if you’re thinking about spending money on some new tech, O’Brien shared some tips for maximizing your spend. Here’s everything you need to know.
Make a purchase
When it comes time to buy a new Apple device, O’Brien says there’s no better place to shop than Apple’s exclusive retail stores.
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Apple employees know every nook and cranny of new products, and it’s that “connectivity” and “ability to educate customers” that makes the buying experience better, she said. O’Brien emphasized that the stores offer a more comprehensive experience that she believes is better than what third-party retailers can offer.
Apple Store employees (aka experts) will answer questions, set up your device (including activating cellular service), and even offer helpful tips and tricks at what the company calls “Today at Apple” sessions.
Since demand for iPhones often outstrips supply when a new product launches, O’Brien suggests that customers can take advantage by tracking the availability of their preferred device online and then going to a store to pick up the device they want.
Of course, many other stores also sell Apple tech; for example, you can buy an iPhone from your carrier of choice (AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile) or through third party providers such as Best Buy And Walmart.
Sometimes buying an iPhone through a third party can be a better option than buying directly through Apple, especially during limited-time promotions, so it’s worth comparing your options before making a decision.
Exchange options
New iPhones certainly aren’t cheap, and O’Brien’s top tip to make the purchase easier is to trade in your current device.
“First, you have that value,” O’Brien says of Apple Exchange used phone recycling program. “Second, it’s good for the environment, and the environment is a core value for us at Apple.”
If you have any spare devices, Apple will give you a credit (or gift card) toward the purchase of a new phone. The credits range from $40 for an iPhone 7 Plus (2016) to $650 if you turn in last year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max.
You’ll need to purchase directly through Apple to take advantage of this special return offer, although some third-party sellers also offer similar promotions.
Of course, you always want to read the terms and conditions of any trade-in offer.
Shopping portal bonus
While O’Brien shares some tips, there are still other things to consider when purchasing new equipment to maximize its value.
First, check shopping portal bonus. If you start your shopping journey at one of these portals, you’ll still be redirected to purchase the device directly from Apple, but you’ll earn more points or miles. Some devices are restricted from receiving rewards from the portal immediately after launch, although this is definitely something to keep in mind if you decide to make a purchase at a later date.
I recommend you use one shopping portal synthesis like Cashback Monitor to easily determine the biggest profit.
Which card should I use?
The next big question is which credit card to use for purchases.
In O’Brien’s mind, it was Apple Card.
“You can always use Apple Card, and it has a lot of great features,” she said.
The Apple Card isn’t the worst option, as you can take advantage of interest-free monthly installments and get 3% cash back on purchases made directly through Apple. The information about 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.
But this isn’t necessarily the best option for maximizing rewards and extended warranty coverage.
Traditionally, I have made my Apple purchases using The Platinum Card® from American Express. Even though you only earn 1 American Express Membership Rewards points (worth 2 cents, according to TPG September 2024 valuation) for every dollar spent, the card includes purchase protection is a great insurance policy if I break or lose my iPhone.
Plus, Amex offers Mobile phone protection is ongoing. With the Platinum Card, this is my top choice when buying an iPhone.
Finally, given the high cost of Apple’s latest devices, I’ll focus on card offers purchase protection and extended warranty benefits instead of the ones that offer the biggest bang for your buck. Other top purchase protection options include:
| Card | Maximum amount of insurance (per item or claim) | Maximum insurance amount (per card or account) | Insurance period (days) | Apple’s Purchase Earning Rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express® Gold Card* | $10,000 per item (or $500 per disaster event) | $50,000 per card, per calendar year | 90 | 1 Membership Rewards Point per Dollar | $325 (see prices and fees) |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | $10,000 per claim | $50,000 per account | 90 | 2 Capital One miles per dollar | $395 |
| Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | $10,000 per claim | $50,000 per account | 120 | 1% Cashback | $0 |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express* | $1,000 per item (or $500 per disaster event) | $50,000 per card, per year | 90 | 3% cash back on US online retail purchases, up to $6,000 in purchases per year (then 1%) | Annual fee $0 (see prices and fees). |
| Chase Freedom Flex® | $500 per claim | $50,000 per account | 120 | 1% Cashback | $0 |
* Eligibility and benefits vary by card. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Protect your investment
Apple and other third-party retailers sell AppleCare+ and other proprietary warranties. These can be worth considering, especially for accidental damage on non-iPhone devices, but smart spenders with the right credit card can get coverage for damage to their iPhones.
These days, some of our top recommended credit cards also offer ongoing cell phone protection, as long as you pay your carrier bill. with a qualified card offering loss and damage protection. That in itself could cover an annual fee if you damage your device.
Personally I recommend using either one. Amex Platinum Cardthe Chase Freedom Flex or Capital One X Venture FundAll offer both purchase protection and mobile phone protection.
| Card | Coverage/Deductible | Notable exclusions | Income to mobile phone bill ratio | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | Up to $1,000 per claim, with a maximum of three claims within a 12-month period (with a $100 deductible per claim) | Cosmetic damage that does not affect the phone’s ability to function; phone is lost | 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar* | $95 |
| American Express Platinum Card** | Up to $800 per claim, with a maximum of two claims within a 12-month period (with a $50 deductible) | Cosmetic damage that does not affect the phone’s ability to function; phone is lost | 1 Amex Membership Rewards point per dollar | $695 (see prices and fees) |
| Chase Freedom Flex | Up to $800 per claim, with a maximum of two $1,000 claims per 12-month period (with a $50 deductible) | Cosmetic damage that does not affect the phone’s ability to function; phone is lost | 1 Chase Ultimate Rewards point per dollar | $0 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Up to $800 per claim, with up to two claims of $1,600 per 12-month period (with a $50 deductible) | Cosmetic damage that does not affect the phone’s ability to function; phone is lost | 2 Capital One miles per dollar | $395 |
*Earn 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollarIn the first anniversary year, total purchase value reached $150,000 in the categories of travel, transportation deals, internet, cable and phone services, and advertising deals on social media sites and search engines.
**Eligibility and benefits vary by card. Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG company.
Meet minimum spending
Finally, another consideration is to time your spending around the time you open your new card. This way, you’ll be much closer to meeting the minimum spend requirement to earn a significant sign-up bonus. One of our top picks right now is Chase Sapphire Preferred® Cardoffers 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening your account.
You can find the full list of top deals This. Note that not all of these cards include purchase protection and extended warranties, so if you want to prioritize coverage over rewards points, check out the chart above.
Read more related:
For rates and fees for the Amex Platinum Card, click This
For rates and fees for the Amex Gold Card, click This
For pricing and fees for Blue Cash Everyday, click This
