I posted this in the other thread but figure I would post here also. Be prepared for a hard credit pull if you go with the Apple program.
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iPhone Upgrade Program [MERGED]
- Thread starter kybldmstr
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Well the plan is contingent upon making payments via a credit card so the method was implied.
I assume the problem with debit cards is they are linked to your available checking account balance so it's riskier for the lender to gamble on you having available funds versus available credit on a credit card. Hence the 3 payment balance availability, assuming that's a real thing of course.
I'm assuming the mandatory activation serves several purposes. I'm guessing it's probably a bone they are throwing the carriers since Apple is effectively cutting out the carrier contract by making it easy to acquire an unlocked phone every year. It also serves as some kind of risk mitigation for the lender to require another level of legitimacy of the purchaser. Just my guess, only Apple really knows why they do what they do...
You have to go to the purchase page for the product and find the chat link.
Just got my phone through Verizon Edge, I wasn't approved under this program for whatever reason. My credit score is at least 750 with only 2 credit cards (Barclays is one) and a car loan under my credit record, I'm befuddled at why I wasn't approved. But, I'm not the only one.
There were at least 4-5 people in the few (maybe 10-15) they had let in at first that wasn't approved too. Apple screwed this one up, there should've been a pre-approval process for this program. I should've bought it through Verizon and had it delivered if I knew this is what'll happen. I despise waking up early and falling in line (although I had a reservation and it was a lot easier than ones who didn't) just for a phone.
There were at least 4-5 people in the few (maybe 10-15) they had let in at first that wasn't approved too. Apple screwed this one up, there should've been a pre-approval process for this program. I should've bought it through Verizon and had it delivered if I knew this is what'll happen. I despise waking up early and falling in line (although I had a reservation and it was a lot easier than ones who didn't) just for a phone.
Yes and it was quite simple.
I was asked to input my SSN and provide the last four of the SSN of the AT&T account holder. Then they show you the terms and cost. I got a 128 6s Plus and my first payment is 126 and some change. They charge all the tax and first payment upfront to the credit card. I didn't ask if a debit card would work, but he specifically asked for a credit card.
They have you go through and agree to all the contracts from Apple, Citizens Bank and even your carrier. Then your new phone is activated and you're good to go. I did ask if I could activate later, but with the iPhone Upgrade Program they have to activate it before you leave so if you don't unbox there, you don't have a working phone.
Also to note: My reservation was for a 64GB at full price. I found out that the reservation is just a place in line and you can change the payment option to whatever and even change your model if they have them in stock. I walked in at 8 for an 8:30 and was second in line in the reservation line. The walk-in line had probably a hundred or so people waiting. I was out in about 20 mins.
I was asked to input my SSN and provide the last four of the SSN of the AT&T account holder. Then they show you the terms and cost. I got a 128 6s Plus and my first payment is 126 and some change. They charge all the tax and first payment upfront to the credit card. I didn't ask if a debit card would work, but he specifically asked for a credit card.
They have you go through and agree to all the contracts from Apple, Citizens Bank and even your carrier. Then your new phone is activated and you're good to go. I did ask if I could activate later, but with the iPhone Upgrade Program they have to activate it before you leave so if you don't unbox there, you don't have a working phone.
Also to note: My reservation was for a 64GB at full price. I found out that the reservation is just a place in line and you can change the payment option to whatever and even change your model if they have them in stock. I walked in at 8 for an 8:30 and was second in line in the reservation line. The walk-in line had probably a hundred or so people waiting. I was out in about 20 mins.
That was good explanation. My credit history is 7 months old. I think I should be good as my score is 720+.
You just enter it. I was asked to show ID, but not anything with my SSN on it. (EDIT - it's possible he just didn't ask for it but others might.)
I think so. I didn't even own a CC until last week and I was approved. Anything over 700 and you should be good to go. Sorry, I didn't ask more details than that. (Honestly I was so happy I was able to upgrade my model and use the Upgrade Program, I forgot to check on details for others.)
Just FYI, found this on reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/3mc9k5/iup_isnt_going_smoothly_for_a_lot_of_people/
https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/3mc9k5/iup_isnt_going_smoothly_for_a_lot_of_people/
Good find. I hope they get it figured out soon. I was surprised by the number of people that were using the program.
Yeah, I was getting a little freaked out at all the people saying they have credit scores over 700 and getting denied.. Doesn't seem like you should have to have insanely good credit just to finance a phone. Hoping they fix the problem before my appointment at 4 today!
I think a lot of people are sick of dealing with their carrier for anything other than the plan.
Awesome bro! I hope my 1pm goes as smooth. I'll check back with my results. Wish me luck!
Have a couple of questions...
Is there any kind of paperwork that I can get for my records for this iPhone Upgrade Program from Citizens Bank? Also, what website do I go to to make payments for the plan? Things weren't explained very well to me at the apple store I was at. I am just trying to get a general idea
Is there any kind of paperwork that I can get for my records for this iPhone Upgrade Program from Citizens Bank? Also, what website do I go to to make payments for the plan? Things weren't explained very well to me at the apple store I was at. I am just trying to get a general idea
Does anyone know if I am denied by the Apple Upgrade program and just end up paying for the unlocked phone up front, do I have to sign up with the carrier in store? Seems like if I get approved for the upgrade program, I have to activate a line at Apple. Can anyone confirm?
yes you can pay for the phone in full without activating. I just did that after being denied
Has anyone had success getting approved for the upgrade program using a business or corporate account?