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The M5 MacBook Air deal centers on a strong Best Buy trade in promo that can cut the upgrade price sharply, especially for M1 through M3 MacBooks. The best results come from adding the M5 to cart first and checking trade in at checkout, where some M1 and M2 machines show totals around $350 to $525, with tax refunds sometimes improving the net even more. The main catch is that the advertised extra value is easy to misread, since the bonus appears to be about $150, not a flat $200, and eligibility can vary by model, RAM, condition, and location. It is a compelling upgrade path if your current MacBook still has trade in value left.
M1 MacBook Air owners who want a low-effort upgrade and are okay doing the trade-in through Best Buy because commenters say the cart/checkout flow can surface the higher trade-in (e.g., $350 shown when adding the M1 at checkout) and store pickup/trade-in can be smoother than shipping.
people trading in an eligible older MacBook (like an M1 Air) specifically to buy an M5-series MacBook Air/Pro at Best Buy because the extra trade-in credit is tied to the M5-series promo and can show up as a higher trade-in amount when you check trade-in value at checkout.
buyers who are upgrading to double RAM/storage and want the deal to effectively "pay for" the spec bump because commenters describe the trade-in + sale math as making the upgrade feel worth it (e.g., double RAM/storage plus warranty/AppleCare for an effective cost around the $525-$680 range after tax/refund).
people who can price match the M5 sale price (e.g., to Amazon) and then apply the trade-in promo because at least one commenter reports stacking price match + trade-in promo to reach a much lower effective price.
M2 Air owners who use the laptop daily and want a straightforward trade-in path because one commenter said the upgrade looked like a deal at about $629 before tax if they were using the laptop every day.
buyers expecting the "+$200" trade-in to always show up as advertised because multiple commenters say they only saw $150 bonus (and not $200), or that the net increase was much smaller (like +$50) after cart adjustments.
buyers whose exact RAM/storage config isn't offered in Best Buy's trade-in lookup because commenters report friction like no option for 16GB M1 Air on the guided search or trade-in lookup failing for certain serial/configs.
people with an M4 MacBook Air (or configurations excluded by the promo terms) because commenters note the extra-trade promotion excludes M4 and that eligibility is limited to certain chip generations/models.
Intel MacBook owners (e.g., Intel 2020 MBP) because one commenter said their Intel 2020 MBP got no bonus and was only worth about $100 trade-in, making the deal not worthwhile.
people considering trading a still-usable M1 MacBook Pro if the upgrade would be a downgrade in screen/speakers for their needs because one commenter argued they wouldn't make the trade since the M5 Air would have a smaller, lower-quality screen and speakers than their current setup.
The advertised extra $200 trade-in value often does not appear in the trade-in calculator, showing only $150 off and different trade-in credit amounts.
The extra trade-in value applies only when buying an M5 MacBook Air or M5-series MacBook Pro and trading in an eligible MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with an M1, M2, or M3 chip. M4 models are excluded, and some 16GB custom configurations may not appear in Best Buy's guided trade-in lookup.
No. The promo shown in the comments is an additional $150 trade-in value for eligible M1-M3 MacBooks when buying an M5 MacBook Air or Pro, and several trade-in quotes only show the normal value plus that bonus. The "$200" figure appears to come from specific cart math or a separate trade-in estimate, not a universal bonus.
The trade-in promo is applied after tax on the trade-in portion, while tax is still calculated on the full retail price of the new MacBook. Several comments note that Best Buy also refunds the tax difference, which can make the effective out-of-pocket cost lower than the headline price.
Yes. For a 2020 M1 Air, Best Buy quotes around $350 to $400 in some cases, while Apple EDU or Apple trade-in quotes can be higher, such as about $816 versus roughly $650 at Best Buy after tax effects. The better choice depends on the exact model, condition, and whether you value the Best Buy sale price more than the trade-in payout.
Add the M5 MacBook Air to cart first, then use checkout's trade-in flow and enter the M1 there; that path can show the higher promo value. The trade-in page by itself may show a lower estimate, and store pickup with in-store trade-in seems to preserve the best estimate better than mail-in.
Can you clarify what you're seeing? Based on the image in your screenshot - I don't see anything extra. $150 off the price of the M5 air (standard) and $350 in trade in credit for your M1 MB Air. BB's page says there is a $150 bonus credit, but again not seeing that in your screenshot.
Last edited by jmarston4 April 14, 2026 at 12:06 PM.
Can you clarify what you're seeing? Based on the image in your screenshot - I don't see anything extra. $150 off the price of the M5 air (standard) and $350 in trade in credit for your M1 MB Air. BB's page says there is a $150 bonus credit, but again not seeing that in your screenshot.
I agree I don't see it. I see the $150 as well but no $200. My m2 air is worth $475 trade in or $325 gift card.
Bestbuy still offer less than some *worthmore website according to my recent experience.
They do, however, refund you the difference for the tax and if you factor that in, maybe a better deal, depending on where you live.
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I assume that OP is talking about the extra $150 trade-in credit for an existing Macbook that is available on the M5 Macbook landing page, but the title is super misleading. This is the small print:
Additional $150 trade in value applies only on purchase of MacBook Air (M5), MacBook Pro (M5), MacBook Pro (M5 Pro), and MacBook Pro (M5 Max). Trade-in of an old MacBook required. Eligible models for the extra $150 trade in value are MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models with an M1, M2, or M3 Series chip. Not all products are eligible for trade in. Not available in all locations and some stores may have additional limitations. Trade-in values may vary and are subject to change at any time. Condition, documentation and accessories may affect value. Product condition includes but is not limited to scratches, dents, labels, stickers, and other factors. Excludes devices that are cracked, water-damaged or that lack power. Payment is by Best Buy Gift Card. For online purchases with a trade-in transaction, gift card is applied as a trade-in credit after receipt and verification of trade-in device. You are responsible for removing any data from your product and unpairing your device before providing the product for evaluation. You will be required to agree to the Terms and Conditions. Best Buy reserves the right to refuse any trade-in or to limit quantities for any reason. No rainchecks. Tax is applied to MacBook Air (M5), MacBook Pro (M5), MacBook Pro (M5 Pro), and MacBook Pro (M5 Max) based on the full retail value. See a Blue Shirt or BestBuy.com/TradeIn for details.
The offer is not super clear, but I do see a "Best Buy Trade‑In promotion" of an additional $150 when trading in a MacBook Air M3. Also, and not that I would recommend trading in an M4 MacBook Air for an M5, but interestingly the trade-in option doesn't offer M4 MacBook Airs. 🙃
Thanks OP!!! I don't expect this to last especially since the trade in page only shows $135 for M1 Air base and the values are out of sync after trading in via the M5 trade in bonus credit.
You need to add the M5 to cart first, then on the checkout page click 'check trade-in value' and add the M1 there and it shows $350.
I was also able to burn through a bunch of my best by credit card rewards as well.
'Pickup & Trade-In' option seems best, sending in trade in's is always a bit sketch and slow.
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So they'll accept an 8GB RAM M1 for trade in but there's zero/no option for a 16GB RAM M1? Huh? Was possibly interested in trading in my essentially like new condition M1 with 16/512 config for an M5 but apparently that's not an option. On an unrelated note, is there any general consensus as to when the "next generation/redesign" of the Air will come out?
Can you clarify what you're seeing? Based on the image in your screenshot - I don't see anything extra. $150 off the price of the M5 air (standard) and $350 in trade in credit for your M1 MB Air. BB's page says there is a $150 bonus credit, but again not seeing that in your screenshot.
Traded in my M1 256 gb air for M5 air 512gb. Trade in 150$ plus additional 200$ on M5 series Total after tradein - 650$
So they'll accept an 8GB RAM M1 for trade in but there's zero/no option for a 16GB RAM M1? Huh? Was possibly interested in trading in my essentially like new condition M1 with 16/512 config for an M5 but apparently that's not an option. On an unrelated note, is there any general consensus as to when the "next generation/redesign" of the Air will come out?
Community Reviews
The M5 MacBook Air deal centers on a strong Best Buy trade in promo that can cut the upgrade price sharply, especially for M1 through M3 MacBooks. The best results come from adding the M5 to cart first and checking trade in at checkout, where some M1 and M2 machines show totals around $350 to $525, with tax refunds sometimes improving the net even more. The main catch is that the advertised extra value is easy to misread, since the bonus appears to be about $150, not a flat $200, and eligibility can vary by model, RAM, condition, and location. It is a compelling upgrade path if your current MacBook still has trade in value left.
The deal can produce a higher effective refund when tax is refunded on the MacBook Air M5 purchase.
The trade-in workflow can be smoother with store pickup and in-person trade-in verification.
The upgrade can be compelling when it doubles RAM and storage while adding AppleCare coverage.
The promotion can effectively increase trade-in value when the M5 is added to cart first and the trade-in value is checked at checkout.
The advertised extra $200 trade-in value often does not appear in the trade-in calculator, showing only $150 off and different trade-in credit amounts.
Eligibility for the extra trade-in credit is limited by specific M5-series models, eligible old MacBook chips, and condition or location requirements.
The promotion can fail to apply to certain configurations or product types, including open-box or refurb M5 models.
The trade-in values can be lower than other trade-in options, which can reduce the net benefit after comparing offers.
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They do, however, refund you the difference for the tax and if you factor that in, maybe a better deal, depending on where you live.
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Additional $150 trade in value applies only on purchase of MacBook Air (M5), MacBook Pro (M5), MacBook Pro (M5 Pro), and MacBook Pro (M5 Max). Trade-in of an old MacBook required. Eligible models for the extra $150 trade in value are MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models with an M1, M2, or M3 Series chip. Not all products are eligible for trade in. Not available in all locations and some stores may have additional limitations. Trade-in values may vary and are subject to change at any time. Condition, documentation and accessories may affect value. Product condition includes but is not limited to scratches, dents, labels, stickers, and other factors. Excludes devices that are cracked, water-damaged or that lack power. Payment is by Best Buy Gift Card. For online purchases with a trade-in transaction, gift card is applied as a trade-in credit after receipt and verification of trade-in device. You are responsible for removing any data from your product and unpairing your device before providing the product for evaluation. You will be required to agree to the Terms and Conditions. Best Buy reserves the right to refuse any trade-in or to limit quantities for any reason. No rainchecks. Tax is applied to MacBook Air (M5), MacBook Pro (M5), MacBook Pro (M5 Pro), and MacBook Pro (M5 Max) based on the full retail value. See a Blue Shirt or BestBuy.com/TradeIn for details.
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https://www.bestbuy.com/site/prom...-m5-series
You need to add the M5 to cart first, then on the checkout page click 'check trade-in value' and add the M1 there and it shows $350.
I was also able to burn through a bunch of my best by credit card rewards as well.
'Pickup & Trade-In' option seems best, sending in trade in's is always a bit sketch and slow.
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