What This New Apple Card Promotion Actually Offers
Apple is reportedly preparing one of its most aggressive Apple Card promotions to date, effectively turning AirPods Pro 3 into a free perk for new cardholders. According to multiple reports, customers who sign up for a new Apple Card at eligible retail locations and purchase AirPods Pro 3 may receive USD 249 (approx. RM1,170) in Daily Cash. Since the AirPods Pro 3 are priced at USD 249 (approx. RM1,170), that cashback would fully offset the earbuds’ retail cost, creating a compelling AirPods Pro 3 deal for anyone already considering Apple’s premium noise-cancelling earbuds. This would mark a sharp shift from Apple’s earlier reluctance to offer hefty Apple Card signup bonuses, which historically leaned more modest, often under USD 200 (approx. RM940). While the company and its banking partners have not officially confirmed the offer, the reported Apple Card promotion stands out as a rare opportunity to get free AirPods Pro 3 simply by opening a new account.
Eligibility: Who Can Qualify for the Free AirPods Pro 3?
Based on current reporting, the Apple Card signup bonus appears targeted at new applicants who complete the process in participating retail stores during a specific promotional window. To unlock the free AirPods Pro 3, you would need to be approved for a new Apple Card account and then purchase AirPods Pro 3 in the same transaction or as instructed by in-store staff. The promotion hinges on Apple issuing USD 249 (approx. RM1,170) in Daily Cash after the purchase posts, which effectively reimburses the full price. Existing Apple Card users, or those who recently closed an account, are unlikely to qualify, as issuers typically reserve such incentives for first-time cardholders. Because neither Apple nor JPMorgan Chase has formally detailed the terms yet, customers should expect conditions such as credit approval, purchase timing, and possibly limits on how many times the free AirPods Pro 3 incentive can be redeemed per person.
Step-by-Step: How to Redeem the Apple Card Signup Bonus
To make the most of this Apple Card promotion, you will need to follow a defined sequence once Apple officially launches it. First, visit an Apple Store during the promotional period and speak with a specialist about applying for Apple Card. Using your iPhone’s Wallet app, submit your application on the spot and wait for a decision. If approved, confirm with staff that the AirPods Pro 3 deal is active and that your account is eligible. Next, purchase AirPods Pro 3 using your new Apple Card—ideally in a single transaction that clearly qualifies for Daily Cash rewards. After the purchase posts, monitor your Daily Cash balance in the Wallet app; reports suggest Apple will then credit USD 249 (approx. RM1,170) in Daily Cash, effectively covering the AirPods Pro 3 cost. Finally, you can use that Daily Cash to pay down your Apple Card balance, making the earbuds functionally free.
Why Apple Is Sweetening the Deal as Chase Takes Over
This generous Apple Card signup bonus comes at a pivotal moment for the program. Apple has confirmed that JPMorgan Chase will assume management of Apple Card over the next two years, ending its original partnership with Goldman Sachs. Goldman reportedly struggled with high delinquency rates and heavy losses tied to the card’s rich cashback structure and regulatory requirements. Analyst estimates suggest Goldman once spent roughly USD 350 (approx. RM1,640) to acquire each Apple Card customer, underscoring how expensive growth has been. The new free AirPods Pro 3 offer—worth USD 249 (approx. RM1,170)—still represents a significant acquisition cost, but in line with what banks often spend to win long-term customers. The move signals Apple’s shift toward more aggressive Apple Card promotion tactics as it leans on services, payments, and ecosystem lock-in to offset slowing hardware growth, with its retail stores acting as frontline channels for financial product signups.