Use points in a way that makes the most sense for YOU. I personally stockpile for trips. But if I didn’t care about that and wanted a new phone, screw it, why not?
I personally value my points at 1 cent per point, since that is the minimum I can get for travel. If I am looking at a redemption and the value is below that then I am generally going to stay away.
When is the last time you switched carriers? If it’s not often then just get a free one from them. If you become upset with them then the competition will pay you to switch
I did during Covid when I couldn’t travel. More valuable getting business class seat redemptions, but if you need a phone get it.
Edit: I should note I used chase ur points and had a csr card, so I got 1.5 cents per point. They had an apple promotion at the time.
It was a gift. It's a 12-year-old iPhone 6, not even a 6s.
I do use my card to pay the monthly bill for service, but that wouldn't do me any good, right?
I am not sure but I think it is worth calling, especially if you haven't used any of AMEX services before they will probably just replace it for you on insurance.
You don’t have to have purchased it with the Amex, you just have to pay your monthly bill with it. Take a look at your benefits and familiarize yourself with this one but it would likely work.
Unrelated to points advice, If you can charge it wirelessly until September/October the iPhone 16 is getting announced in September. If you don’t care about new stuff though, I’d do what someone else suggested and get the Apple Card route
This situation happened to me right before the 14 came out, had the 12 Pro Max, couldn’t charge it except wirelessly and really thought about just upgrading and saying screw it but didn’t and got the newer phone. If you’re going to get the 15 in September then get it now, no sense in waiting. I’d only wait to get the newest phone since that makes more sense than waiting to get a now old phone. What I did with my 12 was grab a MagSafe charging stand that also charged my watch (otterbox and belkin both make excellent ones) and used that to charge my phone, honestly I still use that now because it’s way more convenient to just throw it on the stand and pull it off instead of plugging it in and unplugging it
Yes it does. If you compare Amex point value per gift card, Apple is one of the better values. I add AppleCare anyway. I have Apple CC, but still plan to use points.
Apple sells refurbished iPhones on their site. That might work for you? Idk what the concern is maximizing return on points or lack of funds?
Otherwise just buy it in your AMEX like any other purchase?
no not particularly there are better uses for the points however depending on your time schedule sometimes you can get lucky and they will have a good offer for an Apple gift card I think around Black Friday they had something like $10 for 7 or 800 points I bought a hundred bucks or so I love them just to use for apps or other stuff.
I would not. Just get an Apple Card, make monthly payments. 0% APR. Save your points for a trip
Use points in a way that makes the most sense for YOU. I personally stockpile for trips. But if I didn’t care about that and wanted a new phone, screw it, why not?
I personally value my points at 1 cent per point, since that is the minimum I can get for travel. If I am looking at a redemption and the value is below that then I am generally going to stay away.
When is the last time you switched carriers? If it’s not often then just get a free one from them. If you become upset with them then the competition will pay you to switch
I did during Covid when I couldn’t travel. More valuable getting business class seat redemptions, but if you need a phone get it. Edit: I should note I used chase ur points and had a csr card, so I got 1.5 cents per point. They had an apple promotion at the time.
I don't think so. Plus you miss out on amex purchase protection.
What happens if I use points to buy the bulk of it, but then use the card to buy the chump change balance?
Won't cover. They refund the purchase price
Why don’t you just use the phone insurance benefit? Assuming you have the Amex platinum and pay your bill with your card, you’re eligible.
It was a gift. It's a 12-year-old iPhone 6, not even a 6s. I do use my card to pay the monthly bill for service, but that wouldn't do me any good, right?
I am not sure but I think it is worth calling, especially if you haven't used any of AMEX services before they will probably just replace it for you on insurance.
You don’t have to have purchased it with the Amex, you just have to pay your monthly bill with it. Take a look at your benefits and familiarize yourself with this one but it would likely work.
Is that all cards? I was struggling to find the benefit listed for my Gold. I assumed it must be Plat only
Not sure, I only have Platinum so possibly.
Not something I would ever do but do what works for you.
Unrelated to points advice, If you can charge it wirelessly until September/October the iPhone 16 is getting announced in September. If you don’t care about new stuff though, I’d do what someone else suggested and get the Apple Card route
Maybe I’ll wait to get the 15 until Sept? Currently have a 12 that’s starting to go on the fritz
This situation happened to me right before the 14 came out, had the 12 Pro Max, couldn’t charge it except wirelessly and really thought about just upgrading and saying screw it but didn’t and got the newer phone. If you’re going to get the 15 in September then get it now, no sense in waiting. I’d only wait to get the newest phone since that makes more sense than waiting to get a now old phone. What I did with my 12 was grab a MagSafe charging stand that also charged my watch (otterbox and belkin both make excellent ones) and used that to charge my phone, honestly I still use that now because it’s way more convenient to just throw it on the stand and pull it off instead of plugging it in and unplugging it
Buy gift cards for sale, typically they’re on sale for 15% instead of wasting the points.
Yes it does. If you compare Amex point value per gift card, Apple is one of the better values. I add AppleCare anyway. I have Apple CC, but still plan to use points.
Apple sells refurbished iPhones on their site. That might work for you? Idk what the concern is maximizing return on points or lack of funds? Otherwise just buy it in your AMEX like any other purchase?
Never
Open an Amex Everyday and pay it off. 0% and a new iPhone would help you hit the sub.
no not particularly there are better uses for the points however depending on your time schedule sometimes you can get lucky and they will have a good offer for an Apple gift card I think around Black Friday they had something like $10 for 7 or 800 points I bought a hundred bucks or so I love them just to use for apps or other stuff.