This November, Apple introduced new 3% cash back partners for the Apple Card, including Booking.com and Chargepoint. While these were exciting updates, one of the current partners will soon be leaving: Panera Bread.
As you browse the “Merchant Benefits” in the Apple Card section of the Wallet app, a new message has appeared below the Panera Bread listing, which reads:
Effective February 1, 2025, transactions made using Apple Pay at Panera Bread will transition from a 3% Daily Cash back rate to the standard 2% offered with Apple Pay.
Post February 1st, the opportunity for 3% cash back while dining at Panera will no longer be available, marking the end of Apple’s exclusive dining partnership.
Despite this disappointing change, it seems that the financial viability of the deal may have played a role in Panera’s decision to discontinue it.
Apple had begun providing 3% daily cash at Panera in August 2020, making the partnership last just over four years. Additionally, Apple has offered special sign-up promotions for Apple Card users associated with Panera, which included $50 cash back after a $50 purchase at the restaurant.
Although Panera Bread is leaving the program, the Apple Card continues to offer 3% cash back at Apple and with several other merchants:
- Ace Hardware
- Booking.com
- ChargePoint
- Exxon/Mobil
- Nike
- T-Mobile
- Uber/Uber Eats
- Walgreens/Duane Reade
If you wish to take advantage of the 3% cash back at Panera, you have less than two weeks remaining to do so.
Are you utilizing the Apple Card? What enhancements would you like to see in Apple’s credit card offerings? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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