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Earlier this month, Apple introduced the iPhone 12, which comes in 4 models: iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, along with new updates like 5G connectivity, a faster processor, improved night mode. , a new Ceramic Shield glass screen and MagSafe wireless charging system.
As usual, the internet has gone to town with him (memes included), some say it looks like a rehash of the iPhone 5, while others wonder what happened to the power charger and headphones.
Well, we will stop here. Because, after all, we are personal finance writers and not tech experts.
But what we CAN write down in detail is how you can get your hands on an iPhone 12 model (from $ 1,149 for the mini / from $ 1,799 for the Pro Max), and the most cost-effective ways to do it. Here we go!
1. Choose the right credit card to get benefits from your purchase
Spending is always a strategically planned activity, especially if you are someone with access to a list of MCC Codes and a detailed Excel sheet that documents all your expenses.
Your wallet has the full arsenal of credit cards for every type of spending activity, from groceries to gasoline, so you can reap rewards, air miles, refund of money and so…
The game plan: maximize every dollar charged to your credit card.
The same happens with the purchase of your iPhone 12. You will choose the best credit card to reap the benefits, which is what we always do here at MoneySmart with our expensive purchases to “get back” a portion of the money spent.
2. Combine it with a rebate program
Here’s another strategy: Link your preferred credit card to a rebate program to enjoy the benefits of your credit card spending AND reimbursement.
For example, if you buy the iPhone 12 with the Citi Cash Back + Mastercard® (Unlimited cash refunds with no expiration of earned refund, by the way) in Apple’s online store through the ShopBack refund platform, you can get:
- 1.6 percent refund on your credit card; Y
- 1% ShopBack Cashback
If you’re buying the iPhone 12 Pro Max, that’s roughly $ 28.78 + $ 17.99 = $ 46.77 total cash back, or the price of a meal of coffee for 2. Whoohoo ~
3. Find ways to get a FREE Apple accessory
So there’s this whole fiasco about Apple fans in arms because the iPhone 12 doesn’t come with a charger or headphones. It’s really no big deal … Did you know you can get a couple of AirPods Pro (worth $ 379) FREE?
If you’re a gamer at heart, and looking for a signup gift like a Nintendo Switch Lite (worth $ 329, there’s a ~ $ 33 discount on Amazon.sg right now) it might make your purchase worthwhile as well.
Simply request a Citibank credit card with us and use the same card to make a purchase (you can buy iPhone 12) to redeem your freebie.
4. Divide the cost into manageable monthly installments
Throwing in a 4-figure sum at once may not be easy for everyone, especially during these uncertain times when we want to make sure we have enough cash flow. But you really want that iPhone 12, so how?
Enter your neighborhood friendly credit card, which has the power to cut this big payment into smaller installments so you can better manage your money AND be the proud owner of an iPhone 12.
[[nid:505693]]For example, Citibank’s Equitable Payment Plan (basically an installment payment plan with no interest and no service fee) is available at more than 1,000 locations across the island.
Just verify that the store where you want to buy the iPhone 12 lists your credit card as a member.
Or, too late, you’ve already paid for the full iPhone 12, but now worry about being able to pay your credit card bill, there’s always a post-purchase way to turn your credit card purchases into installments.
For example, Citibank PayLite can convert any large purchase (if you buy from a store that pays no fees) into small payments. However, you will incur a small fee for this service.
5. Rehire or register with a telecommunications company
Before I signed up for a no-contract SIM-only plan, I used to get mobile phones through my telco. If you still have a contracted phone plan and need to renew soon, rehire to buy iPhone 12 at a price lower than the retail price (even $ 0 for higher-tier contract phone plans).
A couple of telcos are offering limited sets of iPhone 12 models for pre-order / pre-registration online, on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you don’t mind staying on your current phone plan or migrating to another telco for a better deal, do this to get your iPhone 12 cheaper.
6. Trade in your current smartphone with Apple
Last but not least, Apple has this trade-in program where you can get bank transfer credit to a new iPhone when you trade in an eligible device.
According to the website, it may also be a non-iOS smartphone, but my Samsung S10e didn’t seem to be eligible (just “free recycling” was worth it, sigh).
By entering the serial number of my MacBook Pro, it appears that I am eligible for a $ 340 trade-in. The highest-value smartphone for the trade-in is eligible for a $ 780 credit so I’m assuming it’s the iPhone 11-something .
If you are ready to part with your current device (sorry I still love and need my MBP to work) this is a great solution that gives you instant discount on iPhone 12 and helps our planet too.
