Maximizing your computer purchases: Rewards, credit card protections, and more

Purchasing a computer usually represents a significant financial investment, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars based on your needs and preferences.

Although this expense can be considerable, it also presents an opportunity to earn valuable points or miles while taking advantage of purchase protection, extended warranties, and features from leading travel rewards credit cards. Here are some important considerations for your next computer buy.

Key considerations

Two essential factors to keep in mind when buying a computer and choosing a rewards-earning card.

• Where do you plan to buy your computer? Consider the retailers available to you and weigh the advantages of shopping in-store against online options.
• Which credit card will you be using? Are you focusing on the card that offers the best rewards category, trying to meet a minimum spending requirement for a welcome bonus, or aiming to benefit from credit card purchase protections?

Take a moment to reflect on each of the factors mentioned to ensure your decision aligns with your top priorities. Remember, most items you can purchase in-store are also available online.

Choosing your computer purchase location

You have a wide array of options for purchasing computers with credit cards. The biggest computer retailers in the United States include:

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Target
• Newegg.com
• Best Buy
• Office Depot
• Office Max
• Costco

Many manufacturers, such as Apple, Dell, Google, and Lenovo, also sell directly to consumers, so don’t forget to check their websites as well.

After identifying the ideal computer, make sure to compare prices from various retailers, as prices may differ. Additionally, stock availability can vary between stores.

Make use of shopping portals

Cash-back and shopping portals can be invaluable allies when you're preparing to buy a computer. CashBackMonitor is an excellent starting point as it compiles offers from various cash-back and points shopping portals into a single, user-friendly interface. However, it's wise to also check the portals individually to confirm the earning rates.

For instance, here are the current offers for purchases made through BestBuy.com on CashbackMonitor. Be sure to assess the value of the points to determine if they exceed the value of the cash back. When comparing all factors, it appears that the AAdvantage EShopping portal and Rakuten offer some of the most generous cash-back rates.

Don't overlook Amex and Chase promotions

Finally, if you hold an American Express or Chase card, be sure to explore both Amex Offers and Chase Offers, as you may qualify for discounts or bonus points when you spend a specified amount.

For example, if you decide to buy a $1,500 Dell and your card offers a 10% cash back, with Rakuten also providing 10% cash back on Dell purchases, you'll save $300 right off the bat. Additionally, if you pay with an American Express® Business Gold Card, you will earn 4 points for every dollar spent, totaling 6,000 American Express Membership Reward points (on the $1,500 purchase), valued at $120 based on TPG's August 2024 valuations.

Choosing the appropriate retailer and shopping portal is crucial for maximizing your purchase. However, selecting the right credit card can significantly impact both the total cost and the potential points you earn.

Selecting the optimal credit card

The ideal credit card for you will depend on what you prioritize: whether that's maximizing rewards on your purchases, obtaining purchase protection, or securing an extended warranty for your laptop, or even hitting a spending threshold to earn a sign-up bonus.

Credit cards that provide enhanced rewards specifically for computer-related purchases.

Additionally, be sure to familiarize yourself with which bonus categories will yield the highest returns for your expenses. Numerous cards feature bonus categories for the retailers mentioned earlier. Whether you’re shopping at an office supply store, a warehouse club, or a major retailer like Walmart, you can potentially earn extra rewards.

Here are several credit card options — many of which are business credit cards— that can help you save money and offer higher earning rates for your upcoming computer purchases.

Extended warranty and purchase protection services.

Remember the coverages and extended warranties that a credit card can offer — these can be particularly useful for a new computer purchase.

The benefits of purchase protection differ significantly among cards — check out our full guide for more details. For instance, the Ink Business Cash card not only provides solid rewards for office supply purchases but also offers purchase protection for up to 120 days against damage or theft, with a maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

Our assessments reveal that Citi cards feature some of the most impressive extended warranty policies. Coverage on your purchases includes:

• Extension of the manufacturer's warranty by an additional two years, with a total limit of seven years from the purchase date
• Citi's coverage starts as soon as any extended warranty purchased expires
• Coverage amounting to up to $10,000

These perks can be quite useful if your computer begins to encounter problems.

Fulfill minimum spending thresholds for a new card.

Making a significant purchase like a new computer can help you meet the minimum spending requirement to qualify for a credit card sign-up bonus. If you’ve recently acquired a new card, consider using it for your tech purchase. And if you’re in search of an excellent travel rewards card, don’t miss our recommendations.

In summary

A substantial investment like a computer can sometimes be daunting, but it becomes more manageable when you take the time to optimize points, miles, and possible cash back opportunities. Be sure to explore shopping portals and merchant deals before selecting the best card for your new laptop purchase.