Mac Studio payment change with gift card and military discount

I ordered a Mac Studio on the day they were announced—25 August. I chose to have it shipped to store for pick up and paid in full with my Apple credit card. The card has not yet been charged, and I assume it won’t get charged until I go to the store to physically pick up.

I had intended to trade in my Apple Watch Ultra 3, to help cover the considerable price tag of the Studio. However, at the time I placed my order Apple was not accepting Ultra 3 watches for trade-in. Of course, on 9 September, the day Apple announced the next series of Apple watches, they began accepting Ultra 3 trade-ins. I sent the watch to Apple, and received a gift card via email.

When I go to pick up my Studio, I want to change my payment method. Partial payment with the full amount on the gift card, then the balance on my Apple credit card.

I called Apple and was able to reach an agent. She said it should be no problem when I get to the store. I’m thinking that since my card will not likely be charged until I pick up, they can change the payment method prior to me taking delivery, or cancel the order and put it through again with the new payment method. There is one kink. When I purchased online through Apple Store, I used my 10% military veteran discount (really appreciate Apple doing that for vets). If they cancel the order and ring it up again, it will come up full price, unless they have a way in store for me to verify my veteran status.

Of course, I could just cancel the existing order and submit again with the new payment method. Since the studio I ordered is not a base model, I’m afraid that if I cancel and re-order, I will be put in the back of the queue and will not receive my new Mac until after 22 September. I’ve been waiting too long to take that chance!

Quite complicated for a simple purchase, isn’t it? It’s that the studio was a high price item, and the gift card from trading in my watch will really help soften the blow (somewhat). Any help/advice will be appreciated.