Apple Card Offers "Free" AirPods Pro 3, But There's a Catch

Apple is making waves with a new promotion that promises new Apple Card applicants the chance to snag a pair of AirPods Pro 3 for virtually no cost. The offer, which launched on May 18, 2026, signals a significant shift in Apple's typical marketing tactics for its credit card, known for shying away from hefty sign-up incentives.

This deal, initially reported as imminent by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman on May 15, 2026, targets consumers in the United States. To qualify, new cardholders must purchase a new pair of AirPods Pro 3, priced at $249, directly from Apple—either online or in an Apple Store—between May 18, 2026, and June 15, 2026. The real hook is the opportunity to earn up to $250 in "Bonus Daily Cash," designed to offset the purchase price.

However, getting that $250 isn't a one-time payout. The bonus is distributed in $25 increments each month, starting July 1, 2026, and running through April 30, 2027. To receive each monthly $25, cardholders must use their new Apple Card to make a minimum of ten purchases, each totaling at least $0.01, that post to their account within that month. The initial AirPods Pro 3 purchase itself does not count toward this monthly ten-purchase requirement, and the bonus does not cover taxes, fees, or other charges associated with the AirPods.

This promotion is exclusively for new Apple Card applicants, excluding existing cardholders or those with pending applications. Purchases of refurbished AirPods Pro 3, those made through third-party retailers, international transactions, or bulk business orders are also ineligible. While customers can pay for the AirPods Pro 3 in full or use Apple Card Monthly Installments, and trade-in values are accepted, the purchase cannot be made entirely with an Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance. Missing the ten-transaction threshold in any given month means forfeiting that month's $25 bonus, though eligibility for future monthly bonuses remains.

Apple's decision to launch such an aggressive promotion stands out, as the company has historically avoided substantial sign-up bonuses for the Apple Card since its August 2019 debut. The card, issued by Goldman Sachs and running on the Mastercard network, was initially marketed on its simplicity, privacy features, daily cash back rewards, and seamless integration with the iPhone's Wallet app. At its 2019 launch, David Solomon, then Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, highlighted this philosophy, stating, "Simplicity, transparency and privacy are at the core of our consumer product development philosophy. We're thrilled to partner with Apple on Apple Card, which helps customers take control of their financial lives."

This shift to an aggressive customer acquisition strategy is understood within the larger context of a significant transition for the Apple Card. Apple confirmed in January 2026 that JPMorgan Chase would take over the Apple Card portfolio from Goldman Sachs over the next 24 months. The partnership with Goldman Sachs had reportedly become financially challenging, with the investment bank incurring over $1 billion in losses by January 2023 due to the card program. Reports also indicated that Goldman Sachs sold approximately $20 billion in Apple Card balances at a substantial discount, attributed to higher-than-expected delinquency rates.

Previous Apple Card sign-up bonuses were typically smaller, ranging from around $75 to $300, often tied to different spending requirements over shorter periods. This new, more substantial incentive of up to $250 is widely seen by observers as an effort to significantly boost the card's user base as it prepares to enter this new phase under JPMorgan Chase.

The AirPods Pro 3, the centerpiece of this offer, were first introduced in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Retailing for $249, they boast enhanced Active Noise Cancellation, improved audio performance, and a refined in-ear design. The strategic structure of this promotion, spreading the bonus over several months of required card usage, aims to encourage sustained engagement with the Apple Card rather than simply attracting one-time sign-ups.

While the offer effectively makes the AirPods Pro 3 "free" for new cardholders who meticulously meet all the conditions, the requirement to make ten or more purchases monthly for nearly a year has been highlighted in various reports as the primary "catch." This structure makes the deal less straightforward than an immediate rebate, demanding consistent financial behavior from the cardholder.

For consumers considering the Apple Card, the promotion presents a genuine opportunity to acquire Apple's premium earbuds at no net cost, provided they are prepared for the ongoing monthly commitment. For Apple and its new partner, Chase, this aggressive push could be key to expanding the card's footprint and setting a new course for its financial services venture.