I purchased my current Macbook Air over three years ago, and it’s probably the best purchase I’ve ever made.
I love how portable the laptop is, and wouldn’t trade the light weight and compact shape for anything, but I’m having two major issues:
- My battery life only lasts about two hours (I realize this is great for a normal laptop, but since this used to get 5-7…)
- I am completely out of hard drive space. If you’ve been waiting on a particular trip report, know that it’s because I literally can’t add even a single picture to my computer right now
Given that, I’m planning on purchasing a new Macbook Air. My parents desperately need a new computer (and by my parents I mean my mom, because my dad is happy handwriting and then faxing), so my current one will be perfect for them, and I can more than double my hard drive space and battery life, so it seems like a win-win.
I don’t typically make major purchases like this, but someone on Twitter reminded me that many credit cards come with purchase protections and extended warranty options. I’d completely forgotten about these, so thought it might be helpful to go over the benefits for the cards I have presently.
For the most part, the credit card warranties are determined by the merchant processing network, rather than the issuing bank. Specific cards have different dollar limits, but in general the coverages are as follows:
| Card Type | Purchase Protection | Extended Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| American Express | When you charge a covered purchase on your Card account, Purchase Protection can help protect your purchase for up to 90 days from the date of purchase if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. • Platinum Card Members have access to lost item coverage in addition to theft and accidental damage coverage. • You will only be reimbursed for the amount charged to your eligible Card. Coverage is limited per occurrence and per Card Member account per calendar year. | Get one extra year added to the manufacturer’s warranty • Only valid on warranties of five years or less • Not valid on motorized vehicles, or really anything with an engine |
| Visa Signature | Within the first ninety (90) days of the date of purchase Purchase Security will, at the Benefit Administrator’s discretion: • Replace, repair, or reimburse you for eligible items of personal property purchased entirely with your eligible Visa Signature card • Up to a maximum of $500 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder in the event of theft, damage due to fire, vandalism, accidentally discharged water, or certain weather conditions. | Doubles the time period of the original manufacturer’s written U.S. repair warranty up to one additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less • Not valid on motorized vehicles, or really anything with an engine • Excludes medical equipment • Excludes computer software • Real estate and items which are intended to become part of real estate including, but not limited to, items that are hard-wired or hard-plumbed, garage doors, garage door openers, and ceiling fans are not covered. |
| Mastercard World Elite | Purchase Protection provides coverage for loss of a Covered Purchase due to Accidental Damage or Theft occurring within ninety (90) days from the date of purchase as indicated on the store receipt. • Coverage includes up to USD 3,000 per claim and maximum of USD 20,000 over a 12 month period. • Note: The Citi Executive AA cards seem to have a coverage limit of only $1,000, and I haven’t been able to get an answer as to why that is | Doubles the manufacturers warranty for a period of 12 months or less • Media storage and computer software are not covered • Motor vehicles are not covered |
Additionally, some American Express cards offer “Return Protection.” If a store won’t take back an item within 90 days of purchase American Express may refund the full purchase price, up to $300 per item and a maximum of $1,000 annually.
So in this case, the Mastercard Extended Warranty is a bit of a deal-breaker, in my opinion. Otherwise, I’m thinking my best option is to use my Chase Sapphire Preferred to take advantage of the 7% annual bonus (benefit no longer available) while that is still in effect.
Either way, I will be going through a shopping portal to earn bonus points on my purchase.
What do you guys think? Have you used a credit card warranty before? Do I still need to purchase Apple Care?
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