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I'm trying to figure out why I was charged $150 on my AMEX when I used it to authorize this program.

FYI the program charges the first 3 payments at once. When I picked mine up using the program the specialist told me that. I was charged for the first 3 months up front as well.
 
Wow the amount of snobbery and elitism in this thread is sickening. This thread is about issues using the new upgrade program right? Not who has the highest credit score, who makes the most money per year, who has the most prestigious credit cards with the highest limits. Everyone should just get over themselves and their "credit worthiness".... it does NOT make you a better person. Instead let's discuss why there have been issues and what could be done to fix it.
 
Considering you quoted the wrong post and I was referencing this statement in that response, pretty stupid.

"I can tell you from experience today

- No company CC even if you own the company and your name is on the card

- No debit cards even if you have enough in that account to pay for 150 months of payments."


When the website says you need a personal credit card and can't use a debit card and thats what you tried to pay with and come here to complain about your mistakes that is pretty stupid.

Your only making yourself look like a jerk. That's the bottom line.

I reserved the iPhone within 10 minutes of it becoming available. There wasn't much info online at all about this new program and it certainly didn't say anything about requiring a personal credit card. In fact Apple initially put out 2 different prices for the program in different places.

I don't have to explain anything to you at all period but I have been a business customer with Apple for over 10 years and average around 10k a year in purchases so I am used to using my company Amex with them.

I didn't go there today having to finance a phone. I went there to buy one and was curious about this program because of its flexibility and not having to hassle with selling a phone when I buy the new one next year like I do every year.

The guy gives me the payments Etc about the program because I was there along about it. I hand him my company card he tries it and it doesn't work. He physically sees the card sees it is what it is ... Doesn't say anything. Then same w my debit card. He doesn't say oh that won't work. He had no clue.

So pat yourself on the back because you read every piece of fine print on Apples website and you knew more about it than me and the Apple employee!!!!!

Stop replying to my posts after this cause your getting on my nerves!
 
Wow the amount of snobbery and elitism in this thread is sickening. This thread is about issues using the new upgrade program right? Not who has the highest credit score, who makes the most money per year, who has the most prestigious credit cards with the highest limits. Everyone should just get over themselves and their "credit worthiness".... it does NOT make you a better person. Instead let's discuss why there have been issues and what could be done to fix it.

The problem here is that those posting their credit scores are contributing, as it adds to the confusion as to why some were approved and some were denied. There is no rhyme or reason to the denials, which is the crux of the matter. What sucks more is Apple's timing for the release. Denials are basically given a 3-day wait at the least for inquiring into why they were denied, even though the Apple store is telling people 24 hours. Having the launch on a Friday is the worst time for a launch, especially if Murphy's Law comes into play (which it has).

Now people are looking at at least 3 days to find out why they were denied, and if a quick correction can't be made, another 30 days before they can try again.

BL.
 
The problem here is that those posting their credit scores are contributing, as it adds to the confusion as to why some were approved and some were denied. There is no rhyme or reason to the denials, which is the crux of the matter. What sucks more is Apple's timing for the release. Denials are basically given a 3-day wait at the least for inquiring into why they were denied, even though the Apple store is telling people 24 hours. Having the launch on a Friday is the worst time for a launch, especially if Murphy's Law comes into play (which it has).

Now people are looking at at least 3 days to find out why they were denied, and if a quick correction can't be made, another 30 days before they can try again.

BL.
Well said mate.
 
Need a little help with my Amex charge. Used the Upgrade program and got a 64 GB 6s Plus. I was charged $849 +129 for Apple care for a total of $978 + 62.50 Tax from the state of Connecticut=$1,040.10

My Apple receipt shows the first month charge at $102.85 ( $62.50 tax + $40.75 per month)

The Amex charge from Citizens Bank shows $122.25, a difference of $19.40. Was I charged for the Credit Check? I'll be calling Apple on Monday.

Also, next year at this time, when I get my new phone, assuming the price of the phone and Apple Care remain the same, I would expect to pay no tax, since I have already paid the full tax on the phone, correct?
 
Need a little help with my Amex charge. Used the Upgrade program and got a 64 GB 6s Plus. I was charged $849 +129 for Apple care for a total of $978 + 62.50 Tax from the state of Connecticut=$1,040.10

My Apple receipt shows the first month charge at $102.85 ( $62.50 tax + $40.75 per month)

The Amex charge from Citizens Bank shows $122.25, a difference of $19.40. Was I charged for the Credit Check? I'll be calling Apple on Monday.

Also, next year at this time, when I get my new phone, assuming the price of the phone and Apple Care remain the same, I would expect to pay no tax, since I have already paid the full tax on the phone, correct?
Being that $122.25 is a multiple of 3x your monthly obligation I'm going to guess that is Citizens pre-authorization amount. This is more than likely a 'pending' charge, and in a few days the $102.85 will be the actual charge reflected on your card.
 
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Being that $122.25 is a multiple of 3x your monthly obligation I'm going to guess that is Citizens pre-authorization amount. This is more than likely a 'pending' charge, and in a few days the $102.85 will be the actual charge reflected on your card.

Thanks
 
I was able to do it with a chase freedom card I was in the group of the first 5 people in the store when it opened though.

Funny thing, my Chase issued Amazon Visa was declined but my Chase Freedom card was not:confused:
 
Why don't people just pay for the phone upfront? Knowing we upgrade every year.... buying the phone outright has been simple for us.
Why would you? The program is interest free, comes with Apple Care, and you are guaranteed to get 50% of the value of the phone when you trade it in next year. Pretty good deal.
 
Once I know it is financed through some bank (NOT by apple itself), it was never attractive option.

My credit history is more worth than buying iPhone in installment plan with some bank I do not even know.

mostly we should all go with the carrier installment plan or buy the iPhone FULL price.

Well, it's Citizens bank which is a large, & very familiar bank to me, and it's zero % financing. I was going to pay full price when I got to the store. But the more I thought of it, the more I thought it was stupid to dump $900+ all at once when I could finance it for 24 months interest free, pay ~$34/mo (apple care included), and get the 7 next year with the same deal.
 
Having a difference of opinions, or deciding which method of purchase is best for one's self is fine.

But you swooped into the discussion with such statements as:

"If someone needs to finance a phone they shouldn't be buying it."

and:

"A phone should be a tool and not a frivolous purchase. If an Apple product will cause you to go into debt...don't buy one."

Statements like that come off as judgmental, myopic, narrow minded and patronizing to others. The fact is, buying a new iPhone every year is a poor financial choice. Especially if it is to be viewed as a tool. But one's own finances are one's own business. If you don't find any benefit to financing a phone, even at no interest I see that as being a valid choice on your part, for your own needs and desires. I was just pointing out the fact that others may have valid reasons for financing it, and your proclamation that your choice was somehow a better choice financially to be objectively wrong. Which it was.

Enjoy your new phone. I hope it's a great experience for you. Sincerely.


I was thinking the same thing. I lease my car for the first time in life just to see how it is. But for my phone, I'm on the "Non S" cycles and leave it at that. Yes, I think hard, really hard about getting the S when it comes out but my 64G 6+ works just fine and I paid $399 for it.

I guess if you want a new phone each year, you gotta pay the cost to be the boss.
 
I've never understood the point of financing a phone, it's not that expensive and you eventually have to pay it in full anyway so why not just buy it and be done with it?
 
We pay $950 upfront then sell the old phones for $550. So we pay $400 per year and don't have to worry about these programs.

$550 is top dollar selling price. I usually get $400-450. But either way, The upgrade program works great for me now. I'm selling my 64g 6 today for $400. I have the new 6S, and i'll pay about $425 over the course of 12 months. So all in all it'll cost me about $30 this year.
 
The problem here is that those posting their credit scores are contributing, as it adds to the confusion as to why some were approved and some were denied. There is no rhyme or reason to the denials, which is the crux of the matter. What sucks more is Apple's timing for the release. Denials are basically given a 3-day wait at the least for inquiring into why they were denied, even though the Apple store is telling people 24 hours. Having the launch on a Friday is the worst time for a launch, especially if Murphy's Law comes into play (which it has).

Now people are looking at at least 3 days to find out why they were denied, and if a quick correction can't be made, another 30 days before they can try again.

BL.
i think you missed his point
 
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I've never understood the point of financing a phone, it's not that expensive and you eventually have to pay it in full anyway so why not just buy it and be done with it?

Unless a person jumps from carrier to carrier, the subsidized seems like one would never pay full price of the phone. On 2-year contracts, there isn't any "new phone" charge each month, just the normal data, talk plans that would have to be included in price anyway. I haven't paid more than $400 for a phone in years. Not to mention selling the older version of the phone, so really not more than $200 every other year.
 
Can someone who has gone through the process by putting the new phone on an existing account verify something for me?

I have an appointment to go to the Apple Store tonight. The idea of doing this was attractive to me for two reasons. First, I could use other peoples' money to finance the phone over two years. Second, I could do this without involving Verizon, and thereby avoid their stupid $40 upgrade/activation fee.

But the fine print on the deal leads me to believe that I have to somehow bring Verizon into the mix on this, and "activate" the new phone with them. This is technically unnecessary, because all I really need to do is put my existing SIM in the new phone and it will work. If I have to involve Verizon in this transaction in any way I am not interested in doing it. I'll just pay cash for an unlocked phone and go on my way.

Can anyone verify that they tried, and were successful in just buying the phone without involving giving carrier account information?

But why pay full price for the phone if you know you're going to be with the carrier for 2years? Get the subsidized price and keep it at half. The $40 upgrade charge is nothing if you're paying an extra $3-400 for the phone anyway.
 
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Unless a person jumps from carrier to carrier, the subsidized seems like one would never pay full price of the phone. On 2-year contracts, there isn't any "new phone" charge each month, just the normal data, talk plans that would have to be included in price anyway. I haven't paid more than $400 for a phone in years. Not to mention selling the older version of the phone, so really not more than $200 every other year.

I agree with you on this and it's basically how I look at it also. But there is the fact that your monthly carrier charge is less with a BYOD device. For me, with AT&T, the subsidized plan has me paying $40/month for service vs. the BYOD plan which is $15/month. So over 24 months, there is another $600 you need to account for. So that plus the $200 every 24 months I pay for a phone, is basically $800. Almost the same as buying the phone outright or financing with NEXT or AUP.
 
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I agree with you on this and it's basically how I look at it also. But there is the fact that your monthly carrier charge is less with a BYOD device. For me, with AT&T, the subsidized plan has me paying $40/month for service vs. the BYOD plan which is $15/month. So over 24 months, there is another $600 you need to account for. So that plus the $200 every 24 months I pay for a phone, is basically $800. Almost the same as buying the phone outright or financing with NEXT or AUP.

Actually, the $40/month is for subsidized phones, which you still can probably get. I have 6 phones on my AT&T plan, all smart phones, All are $15 a month (2 of them are on the next), all the others are off contract/BYOD phones.

I have a question for those who used AUP. Did you still have to pay AT&T's upgrade fee when replacing your existing phone with your new one? Also, is the phone unlocked?

Thanks
 
But why pay full price for the phone if you know you're going to be with the carrier for 2years? Get the subsidized price and keep it at half. The $40 upgrade charge is nothing if you're paying an extra $3-400 for the phone anyway.

Not sure what you mean by "keep it at half" with the subsidized price. The subsidized price is not half. Verizon, for instance takes $25 off of your bill for going Month to Month. In fact, since my phone went Month to Month yesterday I called them and had them do it.

As far as the $40 is concerned it's a matter of principle. The Apple Upgrade program is supposedly designed to essentially cut the carrier from the transaction. But in practice it doesn't really do that. If I am buying the phone at full price, unsubsidized by the carrier, and all that needs to happen to make it work is for me to insert my current SIM why should I give Verizon $40 to "activate" my phone?
 
Why don't people just pay for the phone upfront? Knowing we upgrade every year.... buying the phone outright has been simple for us.

What is the point in buying outright? I financed at 0%. and I will trade it in when the 7 comes out. I could've bought up front with no problem, and I considered doing it. But I figured why spend $900 + right now? I can pay $36/mo for 12 months ($432), and then turn the phone in and get the 7. Pay $36/mo again ($432) for 12 months and get the 7S. So I can get the next 2 generations of phones and it'll still be less that what I would've have spent on the upfront purchase of the 6S...And I have AC included in that. Granted I could have bought it and sold it for $400-$450 next year and put that money towards the new purchase of the 7 (which would be another $400-500) but it all comes out in the wash. So ill spend that same $400+ over the course of 12 months rather then all at one time. To me, it's silly not to finance it at 0% if you plan on getting a new phone every year.
 
Also, next year at this time, when I get my new phone, assuming the price of the phone and Apple Care remain the same, I would expect to pay no tax, since I have already paid the full tax on the phone, correct?
The collection of tax is a state mandated thing.

I don't know of any state that would give you an out to not pay taxes on next years purchase just because you're only keeping this phone for one year.
 
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