Apple is running a sign-up promotion that lets new cardholders recoup the cost of AirPods Pro 3, but the math requires patience.
Through June 15, first-time Apple Card applicants who get approved and use the card to buy AirPods Pro 3 can earn up to $250 in bonus cash back — $25 per month from July 2026 through April 2027. The catch: each month requires at least 10 separate purchases of $0.01 or more to unlock that bonus. The AirPods purchase itself does not count toward the monthly minimums. AirPods Pro 3 are currently selling for $179, so the $250 in potential returns does exceed the sticker price — technically making the earbuds "free" if you hit every monthly threshold.
The appeal here is mostly about reframing a credit card sign-up bonus as a hardware deal. Apple Card, which launched in 2019 and remains U.S.-only, offers up to 3% cash back on purchases; this promotion stacks a separate bonus on top for new accounts only. It is a reasonable offer for someone already shopping for earbuds and open to a new credit card, but the 10-month payout structure means you will not see your money back until spring 2027.
Credit card promotions built around minimum transaction counts are a well-worn acquisition tactic — they ensure new cardholders build a habit before collecting a reward. Apple is not reinventing the loyalty playbook here; it is just dressing it up in Daily Cash branding.