Should You Get The Apple Card What To Know Before You Bite
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list ofour partnersandhere’s how we make money.
When Apple announced in 2019 that it was launching a new Apple-branded credit card, some fans may have hoped it would reinvent how we pay for things. But the product’s features make it the credit card equivalent of a Red Delicious: relatively ubiquitous and somewhat bland.
Still, despite a crowded market of cash-back cards, consumers may be able to find room in their digital wallets for another one that will earn rewards, especially on pricey Apple purchases.
As with all Apple product announcements , the important question to ask is: Is this product right for you?
» MORE: Apple Card Q& A: How it works and what to expect
If You’re Approved But Your Credit Limit Isn’t Enough To Buy A Device With Apple Card Installments
You can apply for Apple Card when you buy a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other eligible Apple product with Apple Card Installments. If your application is approved with insufficient credit to cover the cost of the device you want to buy, you can choose a different device that’s covered by your credit limit. You can also choose a different payment method or use Apple’s Trade-in program.
How To Pay With Your Apple Card
There are three ways you can use your Apple Card: Using the Wallet app and Apple Pay, by swiping the physical card when Apple Pay is not an option, and by giving the merchant your credit card number.
Once you complete the application process, your Apple Card is automatically added to your Wallet app, and you can make purchases with Apple Pay as you would with any other credit card that you’ve added to your iPhone.
Once your physical card arrives, you can also swipe the card at a point of sale terminal. The card doesn’t work with contactless terminals, though if contactless purchases are an option, you should use Apple Pay with your iPhone or Apple Watch instead.
Finally, if you need your card number and CCV code to make a purchase, like if you’re buying something by phone, your Apple Card can generate a secure, virtual credit card number for non-Apple Pay purchases.
Here’s how to find that number and CCV code:
1. Open the Wallet app.
2. Tap the Apple Card.
3. In the upper right corner, tap the three dots.
4. Tap “Card Information.”
5. You should see the card number, expiration date, and CCV code.
6. You can tap “Request New Card Number” at any time if you suspect the current one has been compromised you’ll instantly get a new virtual number without needing to request a new physical card from Apple.
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Virtual And Physical Cards
The virtual Apple Card is built into the Apple Wallet app on iPhone.
The physical card will be made of titanium. It will have no card number, CVV security code, expiration date or signature, which Apple said makes it more secure. That extra information can be accessed in the Wallet app for use in apps and websites, for example. Once your Apple Card application is approved, you can request the titanium card through the Wallet app.
Apple did not address how or whether the card could be applied for or used by non-Apple customers.
» MORE:How the Apple Card stacks up against the competition
Advice To Short California Bonds Underwritten By The Firm

On November 11, 2008, the reported that Goldman Sachs had both earned $25 million from underwriting California bonds, and advised other clients to those bonds. While some journalists criticized the contradictory actions, others pointed out that the opposite investment decisions undertaken by the underwriting side and the trading side of the bank were normal and in line with regulations regarding , and in fact critics had demanded increased independence between underwriting and trading.
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Valuepenguin’s Verdict: Great Card For Those Who Buy Apple Products And Those Paying Down Debt
For those who buy a lot of Apple products and regularly use Apple Pay, the Apple Credit Card is a no-brainer. The 3% cash back on Apple products and the 2% cash back on transactions made using Apple Pay can add up. The ability to access cash back on a daily basis makes this card even more appealing.
However, for those who are paying down debt, the Apple Credit Card has even more to offer. Since the card charges no fees, more of your money can be put toward the balance. Also the interest calculator can help you see in real time how larger payments can cut down on the interest racked up over time.
Should You Get This Card
If youre someone who uses an iPhone and other Apple devices and you pay for many of your purchases with Apple Pay already, this card could be a valuable addition to your wallet. If you dont often spend with merchants that accept Apple Pay at checkout, think twice before you apply youll need to use the mobile payment method to maximize this cards rewards.
While it is possible to use the card without an eligible iPhone or iPad, you wont be able to do much. If you dont add your Apple Card to your eligible device, youll be limited to only making eligible purchases online and in-store at Apple using your line of credit. Adding the card to your iPhone or iPad unlocks the ability to spend at other merchants, as well as features that make this card valuable, like earning rewards, managing your account and payments through the Wallet app, pay for Apple products interest-free using monthly installment plans, and more.
The Apple Credit Card is best for people who already use an iPhone or other Apple device regularly and plan to spend more with Apple in the future, since youll earn the highest rewards rates on Apple purchases and anything else you buy using Apple Pay. Anyone else should probably consider another cash back credit card. The Citi Double Cash Card, for example, offers similar 2% cash back rewards on every purchase you make, regardless of whether you pay with a mobile wallet or not.
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% Cash Back With Apple & Apple Partners
Using the Apple Card to make purchases directly through Apple gets you 3% back on those purchases. Thats $60 on a $2,000 MacBook Pro, for example. The Apple Cards 3% rewards rate also extends to purchases made with a select group of brands that have partnered with Apple. They include Uber, UberEATS, T-Mobile, Nike, Duane Reade and Walgreens.
To help put the Apple Cards rewards rates in perspective, the average cash rewards credit card gives a bit more than 1% back on all purchases. However, some cards offer 5% back or even more in certain spending categories.
One Balance To Track And Pay
Your monthly installment is automatically added to the minimum payment due on your Apple Card including any associated AppleCare+ coverage. If you share your card with a CoOwner, youre both responsible for the monthly installment payment. And if you or your Apple Card Family members have purchased multiple products, youll still only have one balance to pay.
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Why Your Application Is Pending Or In Review
Goldman Sachs might need more time to review some applications, or request more information to verify your identity. After you apply, you are shown a message in Wallet app that will indicate your application is in review. Updates regarding your Apple Card application will be sent to the primary email address associated with your Apple ID.
Apple Card* Vs Citi Double Cash Card
The no-annual-fee Citi® Double Cash Card is a Forbes Advisor top pick for a cash back card for its easy-to-earn, easy-to-redeem structure. With this card, youll earn a net 2% cash back on every purchase1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay the bill. Your earnings can be used as a statement credit, taken as a direct deposit, mailed to you as a check or converted to Citi ThankYou points.
Like most credit cards, you can opt to load it into your phones digital wallet and it doesnt have to just be on the Apple ecosystem. One potential snag: Minimum redemptions start at $25 on the Citi Double Cash and theres no minimum redemption on the Apple card.
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Apple Card Expands Interest
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list ofour partnersandhere’s how we make money.
The Apple Card is now offering interest-free financing options on more than just iPhones.
Previously, along with rich rewards via Apple Pay, the card also featured the ability to finance iPhones at zero interest over 24 months, through what it calls Apple Card Monthly Installments. But as of June 15, 2020, Apple Card Monthly Installments will also be an option for things like Macs, iPads, AirPods, Apple TVs and various other devices and accessories.
Heres a list of Apple Card Monthly Installment terms and what qualifies:
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Pay over 24 months with 0% interest: iPhones.
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Pay over 12 months with 0% interest: iPads and Macs . You’ll get the same terms for a multitude of accessories such as an XDR Display, Pro Stand, Apple Afterburner Card, eligible keyboards, Apple Pencil, qualifying covers for iPad Pro and iPad and more.
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Pay over 6 months with 0% interest: Apple TV, HomePod and AirPods.
Under the terms of these plans, which are open to existing cardholders as well as new applicants, your monthly installment is automatically added to the minimum payment due on your Apple Card.
Rewards |
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How Do I Accept An Apple Card Family Invitation

If you’re on the receiving end of an invite to share an Apple Card, you’ll need to take a few minutes to complete the sign-up process on your iPhone. Once the account owner sends you an invite, you’ll get an alert on your phone. Open the alert, or unlock your phone and open the Wallet app. In the top-right corner you’ll see a notification badge — tap it. Follow the prompts to complete the setup.
For participants, you’ll only need to accept the Apple Card invite. Optionally, you can enter your Social Security number to start building credit if you’re over 18 years of age.
For co-owners, you’ll need to go through the complete Apple Card sign-up process that includes a credit check and entering your personal information.
If you’re combining two existing accounts, you’ll go through a similar process to when you first signed up for the Apple Card. When you receive and accept the invite, you’ll be presented with an account offer containing a credit limit and APR. If you accept it, the person who invited you will receive a notice of their own that they need to review the offer and accept it as well. Once both parties have accepted the offer, it will take a few minutes for Apple to process the change and merge the two accounts.
Within 30 minutes or so you’ll be able to see past purchases and payment history, and you’ll begin to see any new transactions show up in the Wallet app with the person’s name next to the charge.
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Mastercard Track Business Payment Service
In May 2020, Mastercard announced that it’s launching the Mastercard Track Business Payment Service. The service will provide business-to-business payments between buyers and suppliers. According to James Anderson, the Mastercard of global commercial products, “The service creates a directory of suppliers, enabling suppliers to publish their payment rules so they can better control how they receive payments while making it easier for buyers to find suppliers and understand their requirements.”
Mastercard sponsors major sporting events and teams throughout the world. These include rugby’s , the , the and the ‘s . Previously, it also sponsored the but withdrew its contract after a court settlement and its rival, Visa, took up the contract in 2007. In 1997, Mastercard was the main sponsor of the team, which withdrew from the after due to financial problems. It also partners the and the .
Mastercard was also the title sponsor for the game from 2002 until 2005.
- Steven J. Freiberg, senior advisor,
- Nancy J. Karch, director emeritus,
- Rima Qureshi, senior vice president strategic projects, Ericsson
- Jose Octavio Reyes Lagunes, vice chairman, Coca-Cola Export Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company
- Edward Suning Tian, chairman, China Broadband Capital Partners, L.P.
- Jackson P. Tai, former vice-chairman, and chief executive officer, DBS Group and DBS Bank Ltd.
Never Need To Worry About Fees
If you’ve ever forgotten to pay your credit card bill and found yourself slammed with a late fee, you know how such charges can add up. Fortunately, the Apple Credit Card charges no fees at all.
- No Annual Fee
- $0 foreign transaction fees
Apple claims that they charge no fees so you can focus on paying down balances sooner. You never have to worry about late fees, annual fees, reward-redemption fees, foreign transaction fees or over-the-limit fees. As a result, you’ll always know what you owe upfront.
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Does Apple Card Have Any Special Purchase Plans Or Bonuses
During its fourth quarter 2019 financial earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed a special program for new iPhone buyers. Using the Apple Card, you can get a special 24-month installment plan with no interest or fees. And since its an Apple puchase, you get 3 percent cash back. However, during the call, Apple did not announce when this plan will be available.
In June 2020, Apple expanded its zero-percent financing for Apple Card users to all products except Apple Watch. No matter which Apple product you buy, you can get spread your payments over six or 12 months, depending on your purchase. The monthly installments are similar to the promos offered with the Barclaycard Financing Visa, though where those are related to price, the Apple Card financing is based on product line. Learn more.
How To Make Purchases Online
To use your Apple Card for mobile purchases, simply select Apple Pay at checkout. Double-click the side button on your iPhone to confirm the purchase, complete the authentication step and the transaction will process automatically. You can also make Apple Pay purchases on your iPad, Apple Watch or Mac.
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As Apple Begins Rolling Out The Credit Card Consumers Should Read The Fine Print
Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook is hoping youll sign up for the Apple Card, in part because Apple Pay adoption has been slow.
After much anticipation, Apple is finally releasing its new credit card to the public.
The credit card is now available to all iPhone owners in the U.S.
What the iPod was to the music industry, and what the iPhone was for cell phones and mobile carriers, so is the Apple Card to financial services.
Richard Crone, payments industry consultant
+0.69% .
People will be able to sign up for the card direct from their iPhone to do so, they will need to have the latest version of the iOS software. They will be prompted to provide personal information including age, address and the last four digits of the Social Security number.
That information will then be sent to Goldman Sachs for approval, which should take less than a minute. If approved, people will be able to start using their card almost immediately with the Wallet app and Apple Pay. A physical card will also be mailed to these consumers, which they can then activate with their smartphone.
In a new TV advertising campaign for the credit card that ran Sunday during NFL games last Sunday, Apple said the card has no link to historical, and pejorative, banking stereotypes. Apple Card is here. Its a new kind of credit card. Created by Apple not a bank, according to the voice-over in the 30-second spot.
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Heres what you should watch out for:
Express Transit Or Express Travel
Since iOS 12.3, supported credit and debit cards, as well as some can be used to pay for journeys on certain public transport networks without requiring the user to authenticate the payment with or . Once a supported credit, debit or transit card is selected as a user’s Express Transit/Travel card, the user can simply hold their device near the card reader, for example at ticket barriers, to initiate or authorise payment for the journey.
Within , the functionality is labelled as “Express Transit” in North America and “Express Travel” in most other English-speaking countries, because “transit” in most varieties of English has a narrower meaning of travelling through a jurisdiction or airport during a journey as opposed to travel or transport in general.
On iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and later, Express Transit/Travel cards can be used up to five hours on Power Reserve after the device has powered off due to a drained battery. The typical low-battery icon will display with “Express Cards Available” text appearing at the bottom of the display, letting users know that Express Transit/Travel is still available for usage.
(Express Mode more generally is also available for contactless student ID cards stored in the Wallet app as well as digital car keys.
A security flaw was reported in September 2021 whereby Visa cards configured for Express Travel/Transit can be charged with unlimited amounts by non-transport merchants without user authentication.
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