Here Are the Best 7 Credit Cards for Apple Purchases

The majority of Americans own at least one Apple tablet, smartphone, or computer. In fact, there are now more than 1 billion active iPhones and 1.65 billion Apple devices in active use overall, according to The Wire. Of course, these sleek electronics can be quite pricey, leading many consumers to wonder which credit card they should use to optimize their Apple purchases.

While some credit cards are on top exclusively because of rewards, others make the list for their various benefits offered. But whether you're after a cashback card or one of the best rewards credit cards for travel, we have something for you. So let’s take a look at which credit card you should consider using for your next Apple purchase, whether you’re shopping for a new MacBook or you’re first in line for the latest iPhone.

The best credit cards for Apple purchases

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

Apple Card

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

U.S. Bank Altitude^® Reserve Visa Infinite^® Card

American Express^® Business Gold Card

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

Why using a credit card for Apple purchases could be a great idea

When making a big purchase, consider whether or not a credit card is your best payment method. After all, the right card will not only reward you but also protect you. This is especially true for Apple purchases.

The first reason is simply due to cost. By using the best credit card to buy Apple products, you can rack up substantial miles or cashback rewards just for spending the money as you normally would. As long as you pay your statement balance in full (and don’t accrue interest charges), this essentially means free money in your pocket.

You may also want to use a credit card for an Apple purchase because it can offer protections that your debit card or cash cannot. For instance, you may be able to take advantage of an introductory 0% interest rate offer, allowing you to spread out repayment without worrying about interest charges.

The right credit card may also give you certain purchase protections. Let’s say you used a specific credit card to buy a new iPhone, then dropped the device a few weeks later, shattering the screen. If your card provides cell phone protection, that repair or replacement could come at no cost to you.

The 5 best credit cards for Apple purchases

Card name	Welcome bonus	Rewards rate	Annual fee
The Platinum Card® from American Express	Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months	5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases	$695 (terms apply)
Apple Card	Earn up to 3% cash back on eligible purchases	3% cash back on Apple purchases and when you use Apple Pay for purchases from select partners, 2% on other purchases made with Apple Pay, and 1% cash back on everything else	$0
Chase Freedom Unlimited®	Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back	5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases	$0
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card	Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening	1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)	$0
U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card	Earn a 50,000 point bonus after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days	5X on prepaid hotel and car rentals booked in the Altitude Rewards Center; 3X points on eligible travel and mobile wallet purchases; and 1X points for all other eligible purchases	$400

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

Looking for a travel rewards card that provides many excellent benefits and also rewards you for your purchases? Look no further than The Platinum Card from American Express.

With the American Express Platinum Card, you’ll earn 5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

In addition to rewards points for purchases, though, this credit card offers:

• $100 fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment
  
• Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounges, as well as access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Up to $200 a year in Uber credits, plus Uber VIP status where available
• Up to $100 annual credit at Saks Fifth Avenue
• No foreign transaction fees

Note: Enrollment required for select benefits.

While the American Express Platinum Card does come with a $695 annual fee, this can be easy to recoup if you take advantage of all the available Amex Platinum benefits.

Of course, Amex’s purchase protections — covering everything from your iPhone to your MacBook and beyond — could also make up for the annual cost, if you even had to use them once. This card is an excellent choice for Apple veterans and iNewbies alike, offering coverage such as:

• 90 days of purchase protection for your items, up to $10,000 per occurrence. This covers you if items you purchase with your card are damaged, lost, or stolen. 
• Up to 1 additional year of warranty on purchases you make using your card.
• 90 days of return protection on items purchased with your card, even if the store refuses to accept your return request.

The American Express Platinum Card isn’t for everyone, especially with the hefty annual fee. However, if you’re a fan of airport lounges, travel often, or are looking for a card that provides a premium level of service (for Apple purchases and beyond), it might be the right choice for you.

This is your card if you want a premium experience that pays for itself in enviable benefits and protections.

Learn more at our American Express Platinum Card review.

Apple Card

Of course, we couldn’t write an article about Apple purchases and credit cards without mentioning the Apple Card. The Apple Card is as sleek and feature-packed as the Apple devices you buy.

Apple Card isn’t any old credit card, either. It’s a no-fee product that aims to make budgeting easier, rewards simpler, and spending safer. Oh, and its etched titanium look is sure to be a show-stopper when you pull it out at dinner.

The Apple Card offers:

• Zero account fees — no annual fees, no late fees, no foreign transaction fee, and no fees for going over your limit. (Of course, interest charges are still fair game if you don’t pay your statement balance on-time and in full.)
• Daily Cash Back on everything you spend and cash back is available for use almost immediately.
• Added account security, by using all of the same features that your existing Apple devices already do (such as Face ID, Touch ID, and unique transaction codes).
• Seamless integration into your mobile wallet.
• A full-blown, 24/7 support system that’s available via text whenever you have a question.

No one can deny the beauty of using an Apple credit card to pay for an Apple product. Thanks to budget-friendly account tracking and 3% back on Apple purchases and purchases with select partners when using Apple Pay, though, it’s easy to see why this card should be in the running next time you’re shopping around and why it makes our list of the best credit cards for Apple purchases.

This is your card if you’re a huge fan of Apple, don’t like fees, and want to earn 3% back on every Apple purchases and purchases with select partners when using Apple Pay you make.

Get all the details at our Apple Card review.

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

If you're looking for a cashback credit card that offers a generous welcome offer and even more generous rewards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited might be the perfect option for you. With this card, you'll earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back, which can be used to offset the cost of your next phone upgrade. Cardholders also earn 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. 

While you might earn bigger rewards on Apple purchases with a different card, the extras that you get with this card make it worth considering. In addition to cashback rewards, you also get added protections like:

• New purchases made with your card are covered against theft and damage for 120 days, up to $500 per claim. So if your new iPhone gets stolen, you may be able to get reimbursed for at least a portion of the cost. 
• Chase Freedom Unlimited cardholders can receive a one-year-long extension on eligible manufacturer's warranties of three years or less. 

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is worth a look if you want to earn big rewards in common spending categories — and get some extras to give you added peace of mind after your next tech upgrade. 

This is your card if you want hefty cashback rewards and valuable added protections. 

Learn more at our Chase Freedom Unlimited review.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

We get it — not everyone likes keeping track of which card offers what cashback on what purchases. That’s why cards like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards shine: With this card, you’ll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). 

Even better, you can redeem those rewards in any amount whenever you need them most, opting for a statement credit, gift cards, or as credit for a specific recent purchase. This card also has a very easy-to-achieve sign-up bonus. You can earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening after account opening. And did we mention that there’s a $0 annual fee?

This card is excellent for Apple purchases in particular because it offers extended warranty coverage on the things you buy. If your device stops working after your Apple coverage has expired, your Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card can step in to help. Additionally, you’ll enjoy access to Capital One Shopping Price Protection, a price protection software designed to search recent purchases for price drops.  

This is your card if you don’t want to worry about tracking complex rewards rates, and want to spend your cash back as you choose.

For more info, go to our Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards review.

U.S. Bank Altitude^® Reserve Visa Infinite^® Card

Whether you have the newest Apple devices or are still rocking that iPhone 6, you may use Apple Pay to pay on the go. With a card like the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa, you’ll earn 5X on prepaid hotel and car rentals booked in the Altitude Rewards Center; 3X points on eligible travel and mobile wallet purchases; and 1X points for all other eligible purchases. 

You'll also enjoy added protections for your purchases. This card offers purchase benefits such as:

• 90 days of purchase security against damaged or stolen items
• Extended warranty protection, covering you for up to an additional year
• 90 days of return protection, if the store won’t accept your return

You’ll also enjoy a slew of premium travel-related benefits, including:

• $325 in travel expense credits
• Airport lounge access
• Fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment

Add those perks to trip cancellation and delay coverage, lost luggage reimbursement, rental car coverage, roadside service and more, and this card is easily able to justify its $400 annual fee for frequent travelers.

This is your card if you travel often and use Apple Pay on your smart device, but aren’t ready to commit to a $500+ premium credit card.

For more, read our U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa review.

The 2 best business credit cards for Apple purchases

Card name	Welcome bonus	Rewards rate	Annual fee
American Express® Business Gold Card	Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $10,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months	4X Membership Rewards points for the first $150,000 spent in two select categories each year (after that 1X), and 1 point per $1 spent on other eligible purchases	$295 (terms apply)
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card	Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening	3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year; and 1X points per $1 on all other purchases	$95

American Express^® Business Gold Card

You can choose your business’ own cashback categories with the American Express Business Gold Card, based on where you spend the most money.

Bonus categories include gas, restaurants, shipping, airline-direct airfare purchases, select hardware/software/cloud purchases (including Apple), advertising, and more. Cardholders can earn 4X Membership Rewards points for the first $150,000 spent in two select categories each year (after that 1X), and 1 point per $1 spent on other eligible purchases.

The card does come with a $295 annual fee, but you’ll enjoy purchase benefits such as:

• 90 days of purchase protection against theft or damage.
• Up to 1 additional year of extended warranty

The next time your business is planning an Apple Store purchase, consider the American Express Business Gold Card. Not only will your item be protected if it’s stolen or dropped in the first six months, but you can also choose to earn bonus rewards for your Apple purchases.

This is your card if you want to truly maximize your benefits when making a business-related Apple purchase.

Learn more at our American Express Business Gold Card review.

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

It’s not rare to find a credit card offering an introductory welcome offer. However, when you see one like the one being offered by the Ink Business Preferred, you’d be silly not to consider it — especially if you won’t have any trouble meeting the minimum spend requirement. 

Currently, you can earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. The Chase Ultimate Rewards points you earn are equivalent to about $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed toward travel rewards, and all just for buying the things you already needed.

In addition to the bonus, you’ll earn 3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year; and 1X points per $1 on all other purchases. Plus, enjoy:

• 120 days of purchase protection against damage or theft, for up to $10,000 per incident
• Up to an additional year of extended warranty
• Up to $1,000 in cell phone theft and damage protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card

This card has an annual fee of just $95, making it a reasonable option for many small business owners who want to still earn excellent rewards and benefits.

The card is a great choice for your next Apple spending spree, thanks to the extended warranty and purchase protection coverages. Plus, if you can meet the minimum spend requirement — especially with a pricey Apple buy — you’ll snag major bonus points in the process.

This is your card if you want a lower annual fee but an exceptional welcome offer. It's also your card if you are already a cardholder of the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® or Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card.

Learn more at our Ink Business Preferred review.

What to look for in a credit card before using it for Apple purchases

So, what makes one credit card better than others, specifically when it comes to your Apple brand purchases? Well, what qualifies a card as a best credit card to buy Apple products will largely depend on your financial lifestyle and what sorts of perks mean the most to you:

• Let’s say you need to buy a new MacBook for work but can’t afford the expense all at once. In this case, a card with an introductory 0% APR offer could allow you to spread out the repayment without penalty.
• Planning to upgrade the family’s iPhones soon? Use that big transaction to meet a card’s minimum spend requirement, and snag a hefty welcome bonus.
• If you’ve cracked your fair share of iPad screens over the years, opt for a card with loss or damage protection. For a period of time, your Apple purchase could be covered against certain situations.
• By choosing a card with an extended warranty benefit, you could potentially double your manufacturer’s coverage with no added cost to you.
• If you pay your monthly phone bill with certain cards, you can enjoy cell phone protection against loss, theft, or damage without paying your provider a monthly fee for insurance.

If you’re planning an Apple store purchase in the near future, take some time to consider which credit card would be the best option for you. These popular electronics are as pricey as they are sleek, and optimizing your purchases could save you hundreds in the end.

It’s also important to keep in mind that many of these protections may only come into play if you are buying your next Apple product from an Apple store directly. You may lose out on certain benefits if you buy your iPhone through your cell phone carrier, for instance, or if you purchase a second-hand iPad.

FAQs about the best credit cards for Apple

The bottom line on the best credit cards to buy Apple products

Whether you’re buying an iPod for the gym or new laptops for the whole family, Apple has become the go-to tech company for many consumers. But no matter how much you spend at the tech giant’s stores (or if you’re new to the brand), there are a few rewards credit cards that you should consider before you hit the register. 

By choosing the right credit card to buy Apple products, you’ll enjoy not only points and sign-up bonuses, but also lasting protections on those pricey electronics — and that alone can be worth hundreds. Take time to read the fine print from the credit card issuer and determine which situations qualify for coverage and how to file a claim through your card (if needed). 

Most importantly, though, just be sure to choose and open the best credit card for Apple purchases before you buy your next device, and make sure your card rewards you.

Methodology

To choose the best credit cards for Apple purchases, we compared cards from multiple issuers, including Apple’s co-branded credit card. We assessed features like welcome offers, rewards programs, annual fees, and travel rewards. We did not include all cards available.