How to finance a MacBook

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There's more than one way to finance a MacBook.
There's more than one way to finance a MacBook.
Photo: Pixabay/Pexels/CC

Macs offer great value, but they aren’t necessarily cheap. After all, Apple’s most affordable laptop, the MacBook Air, currently starts at $999. If you need a capable computer that you can take anywhere, but you don’t have enough cash on hand to buy a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro outright, you have options.

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In the FAQ below on how to finance a MacBook, we lay out the options available to you, ranging from Apple Card Monthly Installments to buy now, pay later plans from companies like Klarna and Affirm.

FAQ: How to finance a MacBook

Can I pay for a MacBook monthly?

Yes, you can pay for a new Apple product over time if you qualify for Apple Card Monthly Installments. With this payment plan, you can purchase MacBooks, iPhones, iPads and more. You will need an Apple Card (located in your iPhone Wallet) in order to use Apple Card Monthly Payments as an option when you check out.

Whether you are a student, entrepreneur or consumer, if you want to finance a MacBook, it is possible!

Can a MacBook be financed?

Yes, a MacBook can be financed. If you do not want to choose Apple Card Monthly Installments during checkout, there are other financing options available. Here are some options you can consider to finance your MacBook:

Credit card: If you are confident that you can pay off your balance quickly, you can use your credit card to purchase a MacBook. If you purchase your new laptop with a card you already have, you will not need to apply for a new form of credit.

Personal loan: You can apply for a personal loan from a bank, credit union or online lender to finance your MacBook. You’ll be able to pay for the MacBook up front and then make regular payments on the loan over time if you qualify for a personal loan. It can be tough to qualify for an unsecured personal loan if you do not have a decent credit score, however.

Title loan: A title loan is a type of secured loan that can be much more flexible than an unsecured personal loan. You can borrow against the value of your car by using your vehicle title as collateral for the loan. Typically, you’ll be able to access 50% of the total value of your car if you qualify with a car title loans.

Through a retail store: Some electronic retailers like Amazon and Best Buy will offer financing options for products offered in-store and online. It is possible for these companies to offer financing through their own store credit cards or through partnerships with financing companies.

Through buy now, pay later plans: You can use buy now, pay later options like Klarna or Affirm to pay for a purchase in installments over a period of time (usually six weeks). Buy now, pay later (aka BNPL) is a type of short-term financing that has grown in popularity, and many retailers are jumping on the bandwagon. (Apple just launched its own such service, Apple Pay Later, for select customers on purchases up to $1,000.) You can use BNPL options in stores like Walmart, Amazon and Best Buy.

Do you need good credit to finance an Apple product?

It depends. If you want to apply for an unsecured personal loan, you will usually need good credit to qualify for the funding you need. For BNPL options like Affirm, you do not need a perfect credit score to qualify. But your eligibility largely depends on your credit history and previous applications with Affirm.

With a title loan, however, you can still qualify for funding even if you have a poor credit history. Title loans are secured loans, so the application process can be much more flexible because the loan is secured by collateral. So, even if you aren’t confident about your credit score, you may be able to qualify for a title loan and get the money you need to buy a MacBook.

Is financing a MacBook a good idea?

Yes and no. Ultimately, the answer to that question depends on your personal financial situation, priorities and financial goals. Financing a MacBook or any other Apple product means you are borrowing money to pay for it; therefore, you may have to pay interest on the amount you borrow. You may not be able to finance a MacBook if you have poor credit, or you may not be able to afford high interest rates.

It’s important to carefully consider your current budget, income and financial goals before deciding to finance a MacBook or any other product. If you can afford to finance a MacBook, be sure to read through the terms and conditions or your transaction carefully. Do not get stuck with any interest rates or hidden fees you can’t afford in the long run. Explore your options and try to finance a MacBook today!

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