How I earned 21,672 points buying a new computer
When my seven-year-old photo editing laptop started mysteriously turning itself off, I knew it was time for a new one. I can’t say I was excited. The cost of a new computer would be high, especially one that had the power to keep up with my photo editing. Living on a tight college budget only complicated things further.
However, as a professional photographer, it is imperative that I have a laptop that can download and edit my photos. After my Apple college student discount, the computer I wanted was going to cost $3,096. I could have just settled for 3,096 points on a card that earns 1 point per dollar. However, I knew I could get more points -- 18,651 more, to be exact.
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Cashback Monitor
Cashback Monitor is one of my favorite points and miles hacks, and one that I use daily. It’s a free site that allows you to track the best shopping portals, credit cards and cash-back services to maximize purchases at select stores.
Knowing I had some time before my computer needed to be replaced, I decided to try and line up my $3,096 MacBook Pro purchase with a shopping portal sale. It took a few weeks of checking Cashback Monitor until one morning I saw that United Airlines MileagePlus Shopping was offering 5 miles per dollar spent on Apple purchases.
It wasn’t the best-ever offer for the Apple store, but I needed my new laptop soon, so I took it. And I earned 15,480 United MileagePlus miles.
Related: Earn even more rewards by adding this 1 small step to your online shopping routine
Which credit card I used
I decided to use The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express to earn 2x on my purchase (on up to $50,000 per calendar year). That’s 6,192 Membership Rewards points added to my account. On top of that, my Blue Business Plus card offered $25 back on all purchases over $500 through the beginning of July.
And bonus -- with this purchase, I got a free pair of AirPods (normally $199) along with my new MacBook Pro, 15,480 MileagePlus rewards and 6,192 Membership Rewards points. It may not have been the best sale that TPG has seen with Apple, but for a purchase that was becoming increasingly urgent, I am happy with what I got.
Redeeming those miles
Those 21,672 total points and miles are a great return on my purchase. I’ve already used some of them for my next adventure.
I transferred 6,000 Amex points to Delta SkyMiles. It wasn’t the best use of points, but I was able to top off my account for a flight on Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu to Kona to visit a friend on my next trip. Using 7,500 of my Delta SkyMiles allowed me to save $120 instead of purchasing a last-minute ticket.
As for my 15,000 United MileagePlus miles, I plan to use 9,700 of them for a one-way reward to Chicago this fall to catch a Cubs baseball game. Tickets right now are $230, so that's not a terrible redemption right there at 2.4 cents per point.
Related: Best ways to redeem points and miles on Hawaiian Airlines
Bottom line
Having to make an unexpected large purchase is unfortunately part of being an adult. However, there are ways to maximize even the biggest purchases. Knowing which cards are best for specific purchases and using resources such as Cashback Monitor are ways we can at least soften the blow. I was able to earn 21,672 points, a free pair of AirPods, a $25 statement credit and a pair of free flights. Thanks to buying a computer I needed anyway, I'll be enjoying some fun daytrips!
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 6X | 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
| 4X | 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. |
| 2X | 2x points on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.
Rewards Rate
| 6X | 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
| 4X | 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. |
| 2X | 2x points on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.Earn 125,000 points75,000 pointsAnnual Fee
$125Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.