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New Apple Card promo: Get AirPods Pro 3 essentially free for new cardholders

MacDailyNews

May 18

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Apple today officially rolled out an attractive new promotion aimed at attracting fresh Apple Card users. New applicants who sign up for the card and purchase a pair of AirPods Pro 3 directly from Apple can effectively get the premium earbuds for free through monthly Bonus Daily Cash rebates.

The deal, which runs through June 15 for the qualifying purchase, marks one of the most lucrative sign-up incentives Apple has ever offered for its credit card. AirPods Pro 3, released in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, retail for $249 and feature improved Active Noise Cancellation, better audio performance, an in-ear design, and even a built-in heart rate monitor.

How the Promotion Works

Here’s the step-by-step process to take advantage of the offer:

Apply for a new Apple Card (available to those without an existing card or pending application).
Purchase AirPods Pro 3 directly from Apple (online or in an Apple Store) by June 15, 2026. The purchase must use the new Apple Card and cannot be made entirely with gift cards or account balances. Refurbished units, third-party purchases, international transactions, and bulk business orders are excluded.
Earn $25 in Bonus Daily Cash each month from July 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027 (up to $250 total), but only in months where you make at least 10 qualifying purchases (each at least $0.01). The original AirPods Pro 3 purchase itself does not count toward the monthly purchase requirement.

You can finance the AirPods via Apple Card Monthly Installments or pay in full, and trade-ins do not affect eligibility. Note that you’ll still need to cover taxes upfront, and returning the AirPods could void the offer.

The Bonus Daily Cash can be deposited into your Apple Cash account or Apple Card Savings Account and transferred to a bank as needed.

The Fine Print and Potential Drawbacks

While the promotion effectively reimburses the full $249 price over about 10 months, it requires ongoing commitment: hitting that 10-purchase minimum each month isn’t automatic for everyone. Critics in early reactions have called it “complicated” or reminiscent of carrier bill credits, noting it’s unavailable to existing Apple Card holders.

This push comes as Apple continues to evolve the Apple Card program (now transitioning aspects away from Goldman Sachs). It’s intended to drive new sign-ups with no annual fee on the card itself.

Who Should Take Advantage?

• Apple enthusiasts without an Apple Card who want AirPods Pro 3.
• Users comfortable making regular small purchases on the card to unlock the monthly bonuses.
• Those planning to finance big purchases anyway, as the card integrates seamlessly with Apple services.
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MacDailyNews Take: If you’re an existing cardholder, unfortunately, this one passes you by — though Apple has occasionally offered targeted deals in the past.

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