Best Buy has introduced Upgrade+, a subscription service for and the latest model after making 12 payments on their current device. AT&T offers a Next Up plan that allows s to the next generation model after making a certain number of payments with an additional monthly fee.
Best Buy introduced the Totaltech hip last year as a way for tech enthusiasts to save big on protection plans and access exclusive member offers. When it launched, the Totaltech hip gave exclusive access to limited quantities of next-gen gaming consoles. The plan costs $199.99 per year, and notably provides a free AppleCare+ or Best Buy protection plan for up to two years for products purchased at the retailer.
Best Buy's cheapest MacBook available is the M1 MacBook Air at $19.99 per month. However, buyers can get even the top-end 16-inch MacBook Pro on the subscription plan for a base fee of $54.17 per month.
What Upgrade+ Subscribers Get After Three Years
After the 36-month subscription period ends, s have three different options for ending the plan. Upgrade+ subscribers can trade in their laptop for a new model after 36 months and continue the subscription. By choosing this option, subscribers can avoid making a final payment for the MacBook, which is significantly larger than the monthly payments. They can also choose to buy their MacBook outright by paying the remaining amount. Alternatively, subscribers can return their MacBook and choose not to upgrade after 36 months, avoiding a final payment.
The cost of a potential 37th payment depends on the value of the MacBook that is being purchased. At the end of the 36-month subscription, the final payment represents the rest of the MacBook's original retail value. For example, the M1 MacBook Air costs $19.99 per month, but s can buy the device outright for an additional $280.35 as a final payment. Since the subscription is essentially a financing plan offered through Citizens Pay, a credit check is required for approval. Buyers must subscribe to Best Buy Upgrade+ online, but can pick up their new laptop in-store if units are in-stock. Though the credit implications might steer away potential subscribers, Best Buy Upgrade+ might be the cheapest way to buy a MacBook with monthly installments.
Source: Best Buy