Apple Card's New Signup Bonus: Get Free AirPods Pro 3 - Details and FAQs

Apple is shaking up its credit card strategy with a new promotion that could effectively give new Apple Card users a free pair of AirPods Pro 3. This move marks a notable departure from Apple's usual reluctance to offer large signup bonuses. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the promotion is expected to launch in Apple retail stores during the week of May 18. Under the deal, customers who open a new Apple Card and purchase the AirPods Pro 3 will receive $249 in Daily Cash rewards, which covers the full retail price of the earbuds. This comes as Chase prepares to take over the Apple Card program from Goldman Sachs. Below are answers to common questions about this exciting offer.

What exactly is the new Apple Card promotion?
How does the cash back work to make the AirPods Pro 3 free?
When and where can customers take advantage of this offer?
Why is this considered a shift in Apple’s credit card strategy?
What are the key features of the Apple Card besides this promotion?
How does the transition from Goldman Sachs to Chase affect cardholders?
Is this promotion confirmed or just a rumor?

What exactly is the new Apple Card promotion?

The promotion, as reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman on May 15, offers new Apple Card applicants a signup bonus of $249 in Daily Cash when they also purchase AirPods Pro 3. This cash back is credited to the customer's Apple Cash card and can be used immediately. Unlike typical credit card bonuses that require spending thresholds over several months, this is a straightforward incentive tied directly to signing up and buying the specific product. The AirPods Pro 3 retail for $249, so the bonus effectively covers the entire cost, making them free after the reward is applied. This is a rare move for Apple, which has historically avoided large, flashy signup bonuses.

How does the cash back work to make the AirPods Pro 3 free?

When a new customer signs up for an Apple Card and purchases AirPods Pro 3, they receive 10% Daily Cash on the purchase. However, in this special promotion, that rate is boosted to provide a total of $249 in Daily Cash—matching the full retail price of the earbuds. The cash back is deposited into the user's Apple Cash card, which can be used for purchases, sent to friends, or transferred to a bank account. So while the initial transaction still charges the full $249, the subsequent $249 cash back effectively neutralizes the cost. The user ends up with the AirPods Pro 3 and no net charge, assuming they don't cancel the card early or violate terms. It's a clever way to give a free product without an actual discount at checkout.

When and where can customers take advantage of this offer?

According to the rumor, the promotion is set to launch in Apple retail stores during the week of May 18. This means customers can visit any Apple Store and sign up for the Apple Card in person to receive the offer. It is not yet clear if the promotion will be available online or through the Wallet app at the same time, but the initial focus is on brick-and-mortar locations. Apple often uses in-store promotions to drive foot traffic and enhance the personal experience of their products. Given the short timeframe, interested customers should act quickly once the promotion begins, as supply of AirPods Pro 3 and the offer itself could be limited.

Why is this considered a shift in Apple’s credit card strategy?

Since the Apple Card's launch in 2019, Apple has deliberately steered clear of large signup bonuses that are common in the credit card industry. Instead, the company highlighted features like privacy, generous Daily Cash (up to 3% on Apple purchases), seamless Wallet integration, detailed spending transparency, and the iconic titanium physical card. The new $249 bonus is a significant departure from that approach. It signals a more aggressive acquisition strategy, possibly driven by the need to grow the cardholder base before the transition to Chase. It also reflects a willingness to use Apple products as incentives—a tactic that could become more common as competition among Apple's services intensifies.

What are the key features of the Apple Card besides this promotion?

The Apple Card is known for its focus on user experience and privacy. Key features include Daily Cash rewards that are credited daily, with 3% back on Apple purchases (including the AirPods Pro 3), 2% back on Apple Pay transactions, and 1% on physical card use. The card integrates deeply with the iPhone Wallet app, offering real-time spending tracking, transaction categorization, and visual representations of interest costs. There are no fees—no annual fee, late fee, or foreign transaction fees. The titanium card is designed for aesthetics and durability. Apple also emphasizes that it does not see your transactions, using a third-party partner for fraud detection. These features remain attractive even without the promotional bonus.

How does the transition from Goldman Sachs to Chase affect cardholders?

Currently, Apple Card is issued by Goldman Sachs, but the bank has been looking to exit the consumer credit card business due to heavy losses. Chase, one of the largest credit card issuers in the US, is reportedly in negotiations to take over the program. For existing and new cardholders, the transition is expected to be seamless in terms of account numbers, card usage, and rewards. However, Chase may introduce its own terms and features over time. This promotion could be part of Apple's effort to strengthen the card's customer base before the change, making the program more attractive to Chase. Cardholders should watch for official communications about any changes in terms or benefits after the transfer.

Is this promotion confirmed or just a rumor?

As of now, the promotion is still a rumor, reported by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, who has a strong track record with Apple leaks. The rumor score on AppleInsider is listed as “🤯 Likely,” indicating high confidence. However, Apple has not officially announced the promotion. It could be subject to change or cancellation. Customers should treat this as a strong indication but wait for official confirmation from Apple before making decisions. If the promotion does launch as expected on May 18, it will be widely covered by tech news outlets. The best way to verify is to visit an Apple Store or check the Apple Card section in the Wallet app for any new offers.