While MacBooks are popular computers, they’re not known for their low cost. With the basic 13-inch MacBook Pro costing $1,299 and the high-end 16-inch version costing $2,799, you may need more funds than what you currently have in your savings account. Fortunately, you might be able to spread out your payment over time with MacBook financing.
Read below for a detailed breakdown of MacBook financing options, including offers from Apple as well as other types of credit products, such as personal loans and student loans.
- Apple financing options
- Other ways to finance a MacBook
- Key question: Do you need a new Apple computer?
| Cost for a new MacBook Pro* |
| Model | Cost |
| 13-inch, 1.4 GHz Processor, 256 GB storage | $1,299 |
| 13-inch, 1.4GHz Processor, 512GB Storage | $1,499 |
| 13-inch, 2.0GHz Processor, 512GB Storage | $1,799 |
| 13-inch, 2.0GHz Processor, 1TB Storage | $1,999 |
| 16-inch, 2.6GHz Processor, 512GB Storage | $2,399 |
| 16-inch, 2.3GHz Processor, 1TB Storage | $2,799 |
| *Costs current as of Aug. 17, 2021 |
Apple financing options
Apple Credit Card
Getting an Apple-branded credit card may be one way to finance your MacBook Pro. It’s a no-fee card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA that earns you 3% cash back on everyday purchases.
| Apple Credit Card features |
| APR | - 15.74% to 26.74% variable
|
| Fees | |
| Special financing | - Interest-free if you choose to pay with monthly installments over 12 months for select Apple products
|
| Other requirements | - To use this card you must have an iPhone or iPad with iOS 14.7.1 or later or iPadOS
|
Apple trade-in
While trading in the Apple products you already own toward your new computer may not cover the full cost of your purchase, it can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. For instance, your old MacBook Pro could be worth up to $1,400 in credit.
Check your inventory for iPads, iPhones, Mac computers or Apple Watches you don’t use anymore and bring them in for credit that will be applied toward your next purchase. Some Android devices may also be eligible for the trade-in offer. All items brought in will be recycled for free regardless of eligibility.
Other ways to finance a MacBook
Affirm
Affirm offers point-of-sale (POS) financing — if you do a lot of online shopping, but don’t always have cash on hand, this lender can be a good alternative to a credit card. Affirm loans have fixed rates and terms, with payments in monthly installments generally made over three, six or 12 months.
| Affirm loan |
| APR | |
| Borrowing limit | - Dependent on borrower’s creditworthiness
|
| Repayment term | - 1 to 48 months, depending on the size of the loan
- 3-, 6- and 12-month terms are the most common
|
| Fees | |
Applying is easy: Either choose this loan as a payment option when you’re ready to check out with a partnering retailer, or apply on their website or mobile app. Once you’re approved for the loan, your purchase will be on its way. You can also choose to have your loan deposited onto a virtual Visa card intended for a one-time purchase.
Note that this option may not be available to residents of Iowa or West Virginia.
Zero-interest credit card
If you have good credit, but need more time to pay off the balance from a major purchase, consider applying for a credit card with an introductory 0% APR offer. Credit card companies offer these to incentivize new customers.
To qualify, you should have a good to excellent credit score, demonstrate a solid source of income and be a new cardholder. If you can pay off your laptop within the introductory period, you won’t have to pay any interest on your financing. It’s comparable to the Apple Card, which allows you to pay off your purchase interest-free for 12 months, but without the added perk of getting 3% cash back on Apple purchases.
Be aware that these offers don’t last forever and can come with a catch. If you don’t pay off the balance in full within the introductory period — which can last anywhere between six to 20 months — you’ll have to pay interest on that remaining balance. The regular APR will be determined based on your overall credit score and communicated to you when you apply for the card.
Explore credit card offers
Personal loan
A personal loan can be another viable option if you have good credit. It’s an installment loan, which means you borrow a set amount of money upfront and pay it back over a fixed period of time.
Most personal loans are unsecured, meaning you don’t need any collateral to back them. You may find them more difficult to qualify for than a secured loan, which is backed by an asset like your car or home. (The collateral on a secured loan lowers the lender’s risk — and if you fail to pay the debt, the collateral can be seized.)
Personal loans can be used to pay for almost anything. They can offer APRs that may be lower than those of a regular credit card, depending on your creditworthiness and the lender. However, to get your best offers, you’ll need to have a:
- Long credit history of on-time payment
- Solid source of income and low existing debt
If you’re a student or have poor credit, you may have trouble qualifying for a personal loan at interest rates you can afford, or that can compete with other financing options covered here.
Most lenders have a minimum borrowing limit of $1,000 or more and can extend loans of up to $50,000 or higher. Applications are usually made online, and decisions can be made quite quickly. Depending on the lender, you could get funds as quickly as the same day your application is approved, deposited electronically into your bank account.
Student loan
Student loans can be used to pay for more than just schoolbooks and tuition. Funds can also be applied toward supplies you’ll need for your studies, such as a laptop. If you’re a college student, you can use those funds for a new MacBook, but keep in mind the overall cost of paying for an item using money that will accrue interest over time.
Depending on whether you’re an undergraduate, a graduate student or a professional student, you could be paying interest rates between 3.73% to 6.28% on federal student loans (as of July 2021 to July 2022). However, you could also explore private student loans as an alternative funding option, though these do not come with the robust borrower protections that federal student loans do, and interest rates could be similar to those on personal loans.
If you’re currently in college or a post-secondary institution, you may also be eligible for a student discount on your purchase if you buy directly from Apple. This includes $100 off any 13-inch MacBook Pro or $200 off a 16-inch version.
Key question: Do you need a new Apple computer?
Apple computers can be expensive, especially compared to PC counterparts with the same specifications which can often be purchased for much less. You can often find great deals on a PC if you’re willing to shop around for one with a slightly older processor and less random-access memory (RAM), or if you wait for holiday sales.
Still, there are some who prefer Apple computers for their ability to handle graphics and the software they run. If you’re one of these buyers, or you simply must have a MacBook Pro laptop, consider buying a second-hand model. You may be able to save up to 15% by looking into a certified refurbished model. Besides saving money, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that refurbished models come with a standard one-year limited warranty.
FAQs
Apple Card Monthly Installments is an easy payment option. You can choose to pay for a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other eligible Apple product with Apple Card Monthly Installments — instead of paying all at once — in order to enjoy interest-free, low monthly payments.
Can you buy a MacBook on a payment plan? ›
Apple Card Monthly Installments is an easy payment option. You can choose to pay for a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other eligible Apple product with Apple Card Monthly Installments — instead of paying all at once — in order to enjoy interest-free, low monthly payments.
How does Apple financing work? ›
Now when you shop at Apple using Apple Card, you can pay monthly at 0% APR for your new iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and eligible accessories when you choose to check out with Apple Card Monthly Installments. And you'll get 3% Daily Cash back — all up front.
Can I finance a MacBook with bad credit? ›
Apple's in-house financing option is the Apple Card, which only approves applicants with good or better credit. The Apple Card only approves applicants with good or better credit, but you can use a bad credit personal loan to purchase whatever laptop you want, including a Mac.
Do you need credit to finance a MacBook? ›
A personal loan can be a good option to finance your MacBook Pro, but you'll need very good to excellent credit to qualify for your best rates. Average interest rates on personal loans vary widely, from 7.25% for borrowers with a 720 or higher FICO score to 136.50% for those with a FICO score of less than 560.
Does Apple financing do a hard credit check? ›
If you apply for Apple Card and your application is approved, there's no impact to your credit score until you accept your offer. If you accept your offer, a hard inquiry is made. This may impact your credit score.
What credit score do you need for an Apple Card? ›
What Credit Score Do You Need for the Apple Card? Applicants with scores above 660 are "considered favorable for credit approval," according the Apple Card's website. In other words, those with at least a "good" score have a chance at getting the card.
How long does it take to get approved for Apple financing? ›
It can take somewhere between 7-10 business days to get approved for the Apple Credit Card. In some cases, you could get immediately approved. If you do, you'll get an offer with your initial credit limit and APR after applying.
How many months is Apple financing? ›
If you buy an iPad, Mac, Pro Display XDR, or Studio Display using Apple Card Monthly Installments, you'll have one installment every month for twelve months. Eligible Mac models include MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, Mac Pro, Mac mini, and Mac Studio.
What is the limit for Apple Pay later? ›
Users can apply for Apple Pay Later loans of $50 to $1,000, which can be used for online and in-app purchases made on iPhone and iPad with merchants that accept Apple Pay.
Your financing payments are reported to the credit bureaus so financing a laptop can help build your credit.
Can I pay off Apple monthly installments early? ›
If you already paid your Apple Card balance, you can make an early payment toward your Apple Card Monthly Installments. At card.apple.com, click Payments in the sidebar. Click Pay Installments Early at the bottom of the page.
Can you do monthly payments on Apple without Apple Card? ›
Installment plans range from six months to two years. Apple Pay Later isn't restricted to Apple products, nor does it require the use of the Apple Card. With Apple Pay Later, you can finance any purchases from $50 to $1,000 using a debit card, as long as it's connected to Apple Wallet.
What type of finance does Apple use? ›
Equity Capitalization
Equity represents ownership in a company and is calculated by finding the sum of the common stock and retained earnings, less the amount of treasury shares. Apple has been extremely successful with its capital structure by leveraging debt and increasing equity.
How old do you have to be to finance a MacBook? ›
To be eligible to apply for Apple Card, you must be 18 years old or older, depending on where you live.
Can you start credit with Apple? ›
If you're 18 years or older, you can opt in to build your credit history while you're part of a shared Apple Card account.
Does Apple credit approve everyone? ›
Apple Card uses FICO Score 9. FICO Score 9 ranges from 300 to 850, with scores above 660 considered favorable for credit approval.
Does Apple approve people with no credit? ›
What is the credit score required to get an Apple Card? Apple doesn't actually approve or deny your application for an Apple Card. Goldman Sachs issues the card. Goldman Sachs considers your FICO® Score 9 as a key factor in determining whether you qualify for an Apple Card.
What credit score do you start with? ›
Some people wonder whether the starting credit score is zero, for example, or whether we all start with a credit score of 300 (the lowest possible FICO score). The truth is that there's no such thing as a “starting credit score.” We each build our own unique credit score based on the way we use credit.
Does getting denied for Apple Card hurt your credit? ›
For example, if you apply for the Apple Card, your TransUnion credit report will be accessed, according to Apple's website. This will cause an inquiry to appear on your TransUnion report (not your Equifax or Experian reports) and may result in a temporary decrease in your credit score.
It's possible to get approved for the Apple Card with a credit score under 670, but your chances improve as your credit score increases. And an excellent credit score doesn't guarantee your approval, other factors are considered, such as income and payment history.
What is a FICO score of 9? ›
FICO Score 9 is more predictive of a consumer's likelihood to repay a debt than previous FICO Scores. It gives lenders the strongest possible risk assessment for today's consumer credit behavior, improved operational efficiencies and support for meeting regulatory compliance.
What is the highest credit limit on the Apple Card? ›
It does have credit limits. The limits are determined by the cardholder's credit score, credit age, and income at the time of application. Cardholders have reported credit limits as low as $50 and as high as $15,000. An Apple Card may be shared using Apple Card Family.
Can you pay MacBook monthly? ›
Now when you shop at Apple using Apple Card, you can pay monthly at 0% APR for your new iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and eligible accessories when you choose to check out with Apple Card Monthly Installments. And you'll get 3% Daily Cash back — all up front.
Is Apple credit card instant approval? ›
It can take somewhere between 7-10 business days to get approved for the Apple Credit Card. In some cases, you could get immediately approved. If you do, you'll get an offer with your initial credit limit and APR after applying. If you accept the offer, you can start using your Apple Card with Apple Pay.
Why does Apple take 99 a month? ›
99 cents is normally an iCloud Storage charge. The 50GB option to be precise. You can manage it in Manage your iCloud storage - Apple Support and see if you are in fact paying for iCloud.
How long will Apple offer 0% financing? ›
Get 0% interest for 24 Months. For eligible Latitude credit card holders only.
How often will Apple give you a credit increase? ›
The Apple Card will increase your credit limit no more than once every six months, generally. It's typical for credit cards to have a waiting period between increases. Keep in mind that your chances of getting a credit limit increase are best if you've made the last six consecutive payments for the account on time.
What happens if you don't pay Apple Pay later? ›
If your Apple Pay Later account is past due you won't be approved to make new purchases using Apple Pay Later. You can still make payments on your existing loans.
Why has Apple Pay been declined? ›
If your payment has been declined using Apple Pay at the checkout in a store, it could be that there was a poor connection between your Apple device and the contactless terminal. To ensure a smooth payment, you should hold the top of your device on the terminal and wait for it to show that payment has been accepted.
A 1.5 percent fee (with a minimum fee of $0.25 and a maximum fee of $15) is deducted from the amount of each Instant Transfer. Account security checks may require additional time to make funds available. Instant Transfers typically post immediately but can take up to 30 minutes.
Is it a good idea to finance a computer? ›
Just remember that financing for small amounts often comes with high interest rates. But even the principal and interest can be manageable if you budget for the expense. In addition, financing a PC is a great way to build credit if you are young and don't have other credit options such as car loans or mortgages.
Should I buy a laptop on a payment plan? ›
Should You Finance a Laptop? Generally speaking, it is a bad idea to finance the purchase of a new laptop. It doesn't matter if you finance through the retailer or by using a credit card or a personal loan. The financing plan can easily lead to a debt that you're not ready to handle.
Does financing hurt your credit? ›
When you're shopping for the best financing rates, some lenders will perform a hard pull to your credit. While hard pulls do usually impact your score, a single hard inquiry typically drops your credit score by just a few points, so the overall impact should be small.
Does Apple offer payment plans? ›
Choose Apple Card Monthly Installments when you shop at Apple. Whether you shop on apple.com, on the Apple Store app, or at an Apple Store, simply choose Apple Card Monthly Installments as your payment option when you make your purchase.
Can I pay my Apple installment in full? ›
Open the Wallet app and tap Apple Card. Tap the more button , then tap Monthly Installments. If you have multiple monthly installments, you see the balance for all of your monthly installments. Tap Pay Early, then tap Continue.
How do I pay more on Apple installments? ›
On your iPhone, open the Wallet app and tap Apple Card. Tap the More button , then tap Scheduled Payments. Tap Set Up, then tap Continue. To choose the amount that you want to pay, tap Monthly Balance, Minimum Payment Due, or Other Amount.
Does Apple have Afterpay? ›
Paying with Afterpay just got better and easier, thanks to Afterpay Card in Apple Pay, which has replaced the barcode system of shopping in-store.
Can I use Afterpay Apple Pay anywhere? ›
By adding your card to your Apple Wallet, you can carry money wherever you go with Afterpay. It's a convenient and secure way to manage your money. After adding your Afterpay card to Apple Wallet you can pay online anywhere with Apple Pay.
Does Apple use short term financing? ›
Apple's Short-Term Debt for the quarter that ended in Mar. 2023 was $12,574 Mil. Apple's quarterly Short-Term Debt declined from Sep. 2022 ($21,110 Mil) to Dec.
Apple financing options
If you want to avoid paying interest on your MacBook, you might consider taking advantage of the Apple Card's 12-month, 0% annual percentage rate (APR) financing. With this option, your purchase will be broken into 12 installments, due monthly.
How do you qualify for Mac student discount? ›
Higher Education - Faculty and staff of Higher Education institutions in the United States; and students attending, or accepted into a Higher Education institution in the United States are eligible to purchase. Purchases from the Apple Store for Education Individuals are not for institutional purchase or resale.
How do I qualify for Apple payments? ›
Requirements to get Apple Card
- Be 18 years or older, depending on where you live.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful U.S. resident with a U.S. residential address that isn't a P.O. ...
- Use two-factor authentication with your Apple ID.
- Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID.
Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.
Do you need good credit to finance from Apple? ›
Apple does not specify any minimum credit score requirements for financing. However, having a credit score of 640 or above can increase your chances of being approved for financing. In some cases, customers with a score as low as 600 have reported being approved for financing.
Can you pay monthly for Macbook Apple Care? ›
Your plan coverage may continue beyond 24 or 36 months, on a monthly or annual basis, until canceled. If you choose to continue coverage, your coverage will be subject to the then-current AppleCare+ Terms and Conditions.
Does Apple accept Afterpay? ›
Pay with Afterpay Card in Apple Pay.
Each time you purchase using Afterpay Card, you will need to go via the Afterpay app.
How do I pay later with Apple Pay? ›
On your iPhone or iPad, choose Apple Pay at checkout. Tap the Pay Later tab, then tap Continue. Review your payment plan information and loan agreement details, then tap Agree & Continue. Select or add the debit card that you want to use for your down payment, then follow the on-screen instructions.
Is AppleCare monthly more expensive? ›
Standard AppleCare+: a one-time fee of $179 (for two-year coverage) or $8.99 per month. AppleCare+ with theft and loss protection: $249 (for two-year coverage) or $12.49 per month. Standard AppleCare+: a one-time fee of $149 (for two-year coverage) or $7.99 per month.
Does Apple accept installments? ›
Choose Apple Card Monthly Installments when you shop at Apple. Whether you shop on apple.com, on the Apple Store app, or at an Apple Store, simply choose Apple Card Monthly Installments as your payment option when you make your purchase.
All models ranging between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 13, cost $11.49 per month or $219 for two years. The third-generation iPhone SE is also covered at $7.49 per month or $149 for two years.
Does Apple work with affirm? ›
Whether you've got eyes on a new Apple MacBook Pro, iPhone, AirPods, or another gadget, you can shop with Affirm and pay over time with no hidden fees—ever.
Does Apple have pay in 4? ›
Apple introduces Apple Pay Later to allow consumers to pay for purchases over time. Designed with users' financial health in mind, Apple Pay Later allows users to split purchases into four payments, spread over six weeks with no interest and no fees.
Does Afterpay affect credit score? ›
But does AfterPay hurt your credit score? AfterPay late payments are not reported to credit reporting bureaus. In fact, on its website, AfterPay clarifies that it never does credit check or report late payments.
What happens if you don't pay Apple monthly installments? ›
But if a customer pays late, they may be subject to a flat fee or a fee calculated as a percentage of the total owed. These can run as high as $34 plus interest. If a customer misses multiple payments, they may be shut out from using the service in the future, and the delinquency could hurt one's credit score.
What is Apple cash? ›
Apple Cash is a digital card in Wallet that lets you send and receive money in Messages or Wallet. The money you receive appears on your Apple Cash card in Wallet.
What is Apple daily cash? ›
When you buy something with Apple Card, you get a percentage of your purchase back in Daily Cash. 1. There's no limit to how much Daily Cash you can get, and you can choose where it goes. Grow your Daily Cash by having it automatically deposited into Savings so that you earn interest.
How much can you Apple Pay later? ›
Each BNPL purchase will be reviewed and approved or rejected using a soft credit check. Apple Pay Later has no plan to charge fees for late payments, though it may use late payments as an excuse to reject future BNPL loans. The minimum purchase for Apple Pay Later is $50; the maximum is $1,000.
Will Apple Pay later be available everywhere? ›
Where can you use Apple Pay Later? Apple Pay later will be available everywhere Apple Pay is accepted. The contactless payment system allows you to make purchases in physical retail stores and in mobile apps and on the web from your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
Do Amazon do buy now pay later? ›
Image Credits: Affirm
As part of the new partnership, any Amazon Pay merchants in the U.S. can now choose to offer their customers the option to “buy now, pay later” using Affirm's technology.
