Apple is launching a new promotion for the Apple Card, and this time, it is doing something different. The company is offering users a chance to effectively earn a pair of AirPods Pro 3 for “free” if they sign up for the Apple Card.
This offer targets new users who sign up for the Apple Card. “For a limited time, earn back the cost of AirPods Pro 3, up to $250 total Bonus Daily Cash. Get a new Apple Card and buy AirPods Pro 3 at Apple by June 15.” The company stated.
Customers hoping to qualify for the free AirPods offer must first open an account and purchase the AirPods Pro 3 directly from Apple before June 15. The reward is not issued all at once. Instead, Apple distributes it over time through its Bonus Daily Cash program.
Starting July 1, users can earn $25 per month, but only if they make at least 10 purchases on the Apple Card each month. That continues through April 30, 2027, with a total potential payout of up to $250.
The big catch is that the AirPods purchase itself does not count toward the monthly purchase requirement, meaning users have to actively keep using the card beyond the initial signup. Apple also excludes existing cardholders from the offer entirely.
This is the opposite of how most credit card sign-up bonuses work, since they typically provide rewards upfront after meeting a spending threshold. Apple is instead taking a different approach, where users must maintain monthly activity for nearly a year to receive the full benefit.
The saving grace is that the 10 required purchases can be anything—coffee, groceries, or even transactions as small as $0.01 all count. Technically, users could make 10 small purchases each month and still qualify. While the process may be inconvenient, it is still possible.
Apple limits eligible purchases to items bought directly from its stores or website. Refurbished devices, third-party retailers, and bulk business orders are excluded. Financing through Apple Card Monthly Installments is allowed, but taxes are not covered by the reward.
For users, the experience depends on spending habits. If you were already planning to get an Apple Card, this can feel like a solid bonus. Use it for everyday purchases like coffee runs, groceries, or gas, and the 10 transactions will likely happen naturally.
But if you are signing up just for the AirPods, it is worth doing the math first. Apple still positions the deal as a way to effectively get AirPods Pro 3 at no cost.
Ejiro Onose
