Best Buy launches Mac laptop upgrade program with BNPL provider

Best Buy Co. Inc. is combining buy now, pay later (BNPL) financing with an upgrade option for select Mac Laptop models.

The consumer electronics titan is partnering with BNPL platform Citizens Pay to offer Upgrade+, which enables customers to purchase and upgrade to the latest Mac laptops with Apple silicon, including MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.  

Through Upgrade+, customers can apply for financing to purchase a new Mac laptop with payments spread across 36 months before deciding if they want to upgrade to a newer device in month 37. For example, Upgrade+ allows customers to finance a Mac laptop from $19.99 per month for 36 months (based on an original price of $999.99), and the $280.35 final payment is due in month 37.

After 36 months, customers will then have the option to upgrade to a newer Mac laptop model by returning the qualifying product and remaining in the program, making the final payment to keep the device they have originally purchased or returning it and leaving the program.

If customers choose to either upgrade to a newer Mac laptop model or to return the original product, Best Buy will make the final payment on behalf of the customer. When a customer decides to upgrade or return their laptop at the end of the program, the previous laptop will become part of Best Buy’s circular economy programs that reuse working devices.

With Upgrade+, customers can also purchase an AppleCare+ protection plan for their device, as well as select Apple accessories, and finance these additional purchases over 36 months. Best Buy Totaltech loyalty program members who purchase a MacBook through the program will also receive their standard membership benefit of AppleCare+ at no additional charge for up to 24 months while their membership is active

[Read more: Best Buy launches annual membership program — with special holiday perks]

“Apple continues to be a major innovator in the tech space, and their products have helped transform the way people use technology in their everyday lives,” said Jason Bonfig, Best Buy chief merchandising officer. “By introducing Upgrade+, we’re bringing customers an affordable and approachable way to get their hands on some of the most exciting technology available.”

Newegg targets laptop shoppers
Rival consumer electronics retailer Newegg Commerce Inc. (which operates as a pure-play e-commerce platform) is also offering specific services to customers seeking laptops. Newegg recently introduced a new personalization feature called Laptop Finder on its site.

Designed to inform customers who are interested in purchasing a new laptop, Laptop Finder provides details on features and pricing options. To match customers with the laptop most compatible with their needs and budget, Laptop Finder asks buyers to select from various prompts, including primary use, budget and features. The platform then shares personalized recommendations.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Best Buy Co. Inc. operates more than 1,000 stores in the U.S.