How to earn frequent flyer points on the new iPhone 12 series

The imminent release of Apple’s new suite of iPhone 12 devices provides a great opportunity to highlight the different ways you can earn frequent flyer points when you go to purchase one.

Remember, it is worth shopping around different retailers for the best price. The RRP for Apple’s four new iPhone models are:

• iPhone 12 mini: from A$1,199
• iPhone 12: from A$1,349
• iPhone 12 Pro: from A$1,699
• iPhone 12 Pro Max: from A$1,849

Preorders for most iPhone 12 devices started last Friday, with the first batch of phones officially releasing this Friday 23 October 2020.

The older-generation iPhone SE (RRP from A$679), iPhone XR (RRP from A$849), and iPhone 11 (RRP from A$999) remain on sale at the Apple website as relatively budget-friendly options with lower starting prices.

How many bonus points can I earn from the iPhone 12?

Unfortunately, all major online shopping malls and cashback website are not able to award bonus points or cashback on any iPhone 12 purchases through the Apple Australia website for now.

This is likely due to a restriction placed by Apple, so you’ll have to wait a while before being this rule is removed for good. The rule affects Qantas Shopping, the Velocity e-Store, Asia Miles iShop, KrisFlyer Spree and the ANZ Bonus Points Mall.

Most other retailers on those malls that stock the iPhone 12 don’t usually award bonus points or cashback for Apple purchases anyway. This roster includes David Jones, Bing Lee, The Good Guys and more.

So where can you still get bonus points from? At the time of writing, there are just a few options remaining.

1. Kogan.com

Note: Kogan is a ‘grey market’ importer, which means your iPhone 12 will likely come from international stock and not be covered by local warranty.

If you’re game, Kogan.com is offering a range of imported iPhone 12s for prices slightly lower than RRP. You could earn:

• 2.5 Qantas Points per A$1 spent with the partnership between Qantas Frequent Flyer and Kogan
• 2 Velocity Points per A$1 spent on the Velocity e-Store
• 4 ANZ Rewards Points per A$1 spent with the ANZ Bonus Points Mall

Be aware that if any issues pop up with your imported iPhone 12 device, you’ll likely need to go through Kogan for warranty service rather than Apple — this will not be ideal for many people.

2. eBay.com.au

eBay Australia also offers a small bonus when you buy products. Apple products and the iPhone 12 series are not specifically excluded. However, note that no bonus points or cashback will be awarded if you use a discount code, coupon or gift card at the checkout.

• 1 Qantas Point per A$1 spent through Qantas Shopping
• 1 Velocity Point per A$1 spent on the Velocity e-Store
• 2 ANZ Rewards Points per A$1 spent with the ANZ Bonus Points Mall
• 1% cashback on your purchase with Cashrewards

For peace of mind, it’s best to purchase your new iPhone 12 through authorised Australian retailers who have a presence on eBay, as you’ll be covered with a full Australian warranty.

You can’t combine Cashrewards cashback and an online mall purchase for bonus points, both use the same method to track your sale. Only the page you clicked-through last will record the sale.

Always stack with a high points-earning credit card

No matter which avenue you take, it is best to use a high points-earning credit card to double-dip on points with the iPhone 12. Highlights include:

• American Express Explorer: 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 AUD
• American Express Velocity Platinum: 1.25 Velocity Points per $1 AUD
• Westpac Altitude Black: 1.25 Qantas or Velocity Points, or 3 Altitude Points per $1 AUD

Get complimentary smartphone screen insurance with the right American Express card

If you hold either an American Express Explorer, Essential or Platinum card, you will get complimentary smartphone screen insurance for your new iPhone 12.

To activate the insurance, you must purchase your iPhone outright in a single transaction and put the cost of the phone onto the American Express card. Alternatively, coverage is also offered for a phone purchased on a monthly contract using the card.

If you obtain this card partway through your smartphone contract, you are still eligible for coverage as long as you change your monthly payments to one of the eligible cards and wait 30 days from the date of the first monthly payment to be covered.

Buy a gift card for bigger discounts and rewards

You can purchase a gift card for Big W (at Woolworths only) or JB Hi-Fi (at either Coles or Woolworths) and use that gift card towards your new iPhone. Sometimes, those gift cards might go on sale too!

If you use a credit card that earns bonus points at supermarkets, then that will apply to your gift card purchase.  For example, the American Express Platinum Edge card will earn you 3 Membership Rewards points per $1 AUD spent on gift card purchases at supermarkets.

Savvy points collectors may wonder if they can pick up bonus Everyday Rewards or Flybuys points at the check-out as well. Unfortunately, those bonuses don’t apply for gift card purchases.

Summing up

When you are looking to make a large purchase, it’s worth having a look to see if your preferred frequent flyer program’s online shopping portal will offer you bonus points for clicking through their site. Unfortunately, iPhone 12 products are currently excluded from most online mall retailers.

Using a high points-earning credit card can maximise your points-earn on the purchase, no matter which method or store you go through.

Finally, buying a gift card at a supermarket to use at a store that sells the product you are after can be a good hack for bonus points, especially if your card earns you a higher reward at supermarkets specifically.

Finally, once you’ve amassed enough points for a reward, read about our best uses of frequent flyer and rewards points.

Supplementary images courtesy Apple.