How to maximize computer purchases: Points, credit cards and more
Buying a computer is typically a big expense. Depending on your preferences and needs, you might spend anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
While making this purchase can put a dent in your wallet, it can also be a good way to earn valuable points or miles and utilize purchase protection, extended warranties and other features offered by top travel rewards credit cards. Here are a few things to consider before your next computer purchase.
Factors to consider
There are two factors to consider when purchasing a computer and using a card that earns you rewards.
- Where you are planning on purchasing the computer? Consider what retailer(s) you could purchase from, and weigh the pros of purchasing in-store versus online.
- Which card are you planning on using? Will you prioritize the card with the best spending category, focus on hitting a minimum spending requirement to earn a new card’s welcome bonus, or are you looking to reap the benefits of credit card purchase protections?
Take some time to consider each of the above so you’re making a decision that factors in your top priorities. Keep in mind most purchases you are looking to make in-store can also be made online.
Deciding where to buy your computer
There are a large number of places to purchase computers from that take credit cards. The largest retailers of computers in the United States are the following:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Newegg.com
- Best Buy
- Office Depot
- Office Max
- Costco
Many brands, including Apple, Dell, Google and Lenovo, also sell direct, so be sure to check their sites as well.
Once you find the perfect computer, be sure to search for it across multiple vendors, as you may find a variance in price. Also, each retailer could have a difference in the number of units in stock.
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Utilize shopping portals
Cash-back and shopping portals can be your best friend when planning a computer purchase. CashBackMonitor is a great place to start — the site aggregates offers from cash-back and points shopping portals into one convenient screen. However, be sure to check the portals directly as well to verify the correct earning rate.
As an example, here are the current offers for purchasing through BestBuy.com on CashbackMonitor. Be sure to consider the value of the points to see if they outweigh the value of the cash back. All other factors being equal, it seems the AAdvantage EShopping portal and Rakuten have some of the highest cash back offers.
Don’t forget Amex and Chase offers
Lastly, if you’re an American Express or Chase cardholder, be sure to check both Amex Offers and Chase Offers, as you could be eligible for a discount or bonus points for spending a certain amount.
As an example, let’s say you decide to purchase a $1,500 Dell when your card has a 10% cash back offer and Rakuten is also offering 10% cash back on Dell purchases. That’s already $300 in savings. Then, if you purchase your new computer with an American Express® Business Gold Card, you’ll also earn 4 points per dollar spent, which will net you 6,000 American Express Membership Reward points (on the $1,500 purchase) worth $120, according to TPG’s August 2024 valuations.
Selecting the right retailer for making your purchase and finding the right shopping portal are important steps in maximizing your purchase. However, picking the right credit card for this purchase can make an even larger difference in the hard cost and potential points earnings.
Choosing the right credit card
The “right” credit card will be the one that offers you what you value most: the highest return on your spending, purchase protection and/or extended warranty to keep your computer covered or the opportunity to meet a minimum spending requirement and lock in a sign-up bonus.
Cards that offer bonus rewards on computer purchases
Lastly, make sure you’re aware of which bonus categories will earn you the most for your spending. Many cards offer bonus categories for the vendors mentioned above. Whether you’re buying your computer from an office store, warehouse store or large retailer like Walmart, there’s potential to earn extra points.
Here are some cards — many of them being business credit cards— that could help put some money back in your pocket and provide access to elevated earning rates when you make your next computer purchase.
| Card | Earning Rate | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | 5% cash back (which can be converted to 5 points per dollar if you have a card that earns Ultimate Rewards points) | At office supply stores (and on internet, cable and phone services, on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each account year) |
| American Express® Business Gold Card | 4 points per dollar spent | 4 points per dollar spent apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these two categories each calendar year purchases at US media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio), U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, U.S. purchases at gas stations Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways, monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S. |
| The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | 2 points per dollar spent | On the first $50,000 spent each year (then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter) |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 1.5% cash back (which can be converted to 1.5 points per dollar spent if you have a card that earns Ultimate Rewards points) |
Purchase protection and extended warranty
Keep in mind the coverages and extended warranties a credit card can provide — these can come in especially handy for a new computer.
Purchase protection benefits vary widely depending on the card — see our full guide for more info. But we’ll take one example using a card that also offers a solid return on spending at office supply stores: the Ink Business Cash. This card offers purchase protection for up to 120 days against damage or theft, up to $10,000 per claim and up to $50,000 per account.
In our evaluations, Citi cards have some of the best-extended warranty policies. Coverage on your purchase includes:
- Extension of the manufacturer’s warranty by two years, with total coverage not exceeding seven years from the purchase date
- If an extended warranty is purchased, Citi’s coverage begins at the expiration of that warranty
- Coverage up to $10,000
These benefits can come in handy if your computer starts having issues.
Meet minimum spending requirements for a new card
A large purchase like a new computer can help you reach a minimum spending requirement for a credit card sign-up bonus. So if you’ve just opened a new card, consider using it to pay for your new tech. And if you’re looking for a good travel rewards card, check out our recommendations.
Bottom line
A large purchase like a computer can sometimes be a tough pill to swallow, but it can be less painful when taking your time to maximize points, miles and potential cash back options. Be sure to check shopping portals and merchant offers before choosing the right card to purchase your new laptop.
