Apple computers can be purchased with monthly payments. For example, on average, a new MacBook, shown on the Apple Web site to have a price tag of $999, will cost about $23 a month to finance.

The company itself offers various payment plans, including same-as-cash plans on a customer’s first purchase with Apple of at least $900 – but only if a certain credit card is applied and qualified for and used. No interest is charged if the purchase is paid for within a 12-month period. Students receive separate special pricing offers or educational discounts, but the credit card is still required to set up monthly payments. Theses programs are available at both Apple’s Web site and their retail stores.

The better financing offers are geared more toward people with no credit challenges. Fortunately, there are options for the average consumer who has no credit, or even a bad credit history, but one must be careful when agreeing to the terms of purchase. The Apple retail stores may have their own financing programs or promotional offers that enable most all consumers access to credit for monthly payments. The main drawback to this option is that interest rates can be high.

Non-Apple stores that sell Apple computers, including the national electronic companies, warehouse clubs, and department stores, also offer financing plans. Here again, interest rates can vary widely, especially for people with credit problems. That can push monthly payments out of range for many customers who must stick with tight budgets. Renting is an alternative to purchasing Apple computers, but it can be expensive. In order for this to be cost-effective, a consumer would need to determine their purpose in having a computer and the duration for that need.

Leasing is a better option than renting for acquiring Apple computers with monthly payments. There are a few computer leasing companies online that specialize in this. The advantages to this method are numerous, although a consumer should still weigh the pros and cons based on their particular situation. Not only is leasing convenient, it is a better way of using one’s credit, no matter what shape it may be in at the present time. Leasing firms are more flexible than credit card companies and down payments and usually low, with many different monthly payment plans available. Often, leasing costs less than outright purchases.

Acquiring an Apple computer today need not be a traumatic experience for those who have suffered a bit in the recent economic downturn. For people with no credit or bad credit, there are options to being punished with high interest rate credit cards and long-term purchase agreements, both which end up adding hundreds of dollars to the final price.

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