How To Get Approved For Apple Card
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Apple makes a lot of bold claims about the Apple Card. The card, which is made of titanium and laser etched with no card number, "sets a new level of privacy and security" according to the company's promotional video. Apple, which has put its own design flourish into the card, claims the card is more "simple, transparent and private" than your usual credit card and that "unlike other credit cards, [Apple Card] helps you easily understand your spending."
And it's true: The card is a bit more user-friendly than the typical credit card. However, some of the functionality the company touts isn't exactly unique (perhaps just better executed), and its underlying cash rewards program is underwhelming.
With a world of cardholders looking for the best cash back card, will a better user experience surpass the lure of earning more cash back with other cards? For rabid Apple users, it's probably a moot point, since they're likely to snatch up any new Apple product. For the remainder of cardholders, the card's style points may not be enough.
Here's a breakdown of where the Apple card succeeds or falls short.
See related:Apple Card: One year later
Earning cash back
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Apple Card is that its cash back program is not that rewarding. Cardholders receive bonus cash on Apple purchases: 3% cash back on everything you pay from Apple – including Apple Store, apple.com, App Store and iTunes purchases – and 2% cash back on Apple Pay purchases. Also, recently added to the card: You can earn 3% cash back for Apple Pay purchases made at merchants like Panera Bread, Exxon Mobil, Nike, Uber, Uber Eats and Walgreens and at T-Mobile stores (not online). All the rest of your purchases earn only 1% cash back.
Of course, Apple users are avid about purchasing Apple products, which can add up to a significant amount of spend each year. However, when we consider how much an average Apple enthusiast might spend on Apple products per year (around $726 for households with an income between $50,000 and $75,000 according to a 2015 study from Slice Intelligence) this still only constitutes a small portion of overall spend. By our estimates, the overall rate at which the average cardholder can earn cash back with the card (around 1.19% per dollar spent) is really low compared to other top cash back cards.
In comparison to cards such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited card, which offers at least 1.5% cash back on purchases, or the Citi® Double Cash Card, which offers up to 2% cash back – 1% when you make a purchase and 1% when pay off that purchase – a rate of 1.19% cash back is paltry. If you are looking for a go-to cash back card, there are much better options.
The Apple Card does have the edge over other cards on Apple and Uber purchases. If you want to earn the most cash back possible, it may make sense to load the card into your iPhone and use it exclusively for Apple, Apple Pay and Uber. But keep in mind that, unless you buy an exceptional number of Apple products each year or use Apple Pay heavily, this is not going to add up to a ton of cash back.
Tip: Since the card offers 2% cash back on Apple Pay purchases, you could potentially earn 2% cash back on every purchase if you manage to use Apple Pay everywhere you shop. Apple Pay has yet to be adopted by all merchants (and many who accept it don't know how to process the transactions), and we estimate that most users — even Apple users — use Apple Pay for a small percentage of their purchases. However, the card does have the possibility to function as a 2% cash back card, especially as Apple Pay becomes more broadly adopted.
Redeeming cash back
The Apple Card's value proposition is really all about user experience, and this extends to redeeming your rewards. All the cash back that you earn is applied on a daily basis to the Apple Cash card in your Wallet app. From there, you can immediately redeem cash back for purchases in stores, on websites or in app, or as a payment to your Apple card. You can also deposit cash back into a bank account, and you can even transfer it to a friend via Apple Messages. Since is all in the form of Apple Cash, you don't have to worry about losing value on any of these redemption options – your cash back is always worth 1 cent.
Most remarkable is the fact that Apple allows you to redeem any amount of cash back (starting at $1) as soon as you earn it. Most issuers require you to wait until the end of the billing cycle to start using your rewards – the Apple Card doesn't make you wait.
See related: Apple Card Daily Cash: Deep dive
Occasional sign-up bonuses
So far, Apple Card sign-up bonuses have been rare, but they do pop up from time to time, so it's worth keeping an eye out if you're considering applying. The card is currently offering $75 back on Apple Pay purchases at Nike.com, in Nike apps, or at Nike stores when you spend $75 or more in your first 30 days.
That said, the Apple Card's occasional sign-up bonuses are rarely large enough to sway your decision to apply one way or the other.
Interest rate
The card also offers a more reasonable APR range than usual. Cardholders with excellent credit scores may be offered an exceptionally low rate of 10.99%. For cardholders with lower credit scores, the APR can range up to 21.99%. This is high – but standard for a cash back rewards program.
If you suspect you'll need to carry a balance long term, you may want to choose a different card, as Apple Card balance transfers are especially troublesome, and, according to some user reports, may be impossible. The card's issuer may consider a payment made as part of a balance transfer a "non-conforming payment", so you could end up in a bind if you find yourself wanting to move your Apple Card balance to a card with a 0% intro APR on balance transfer offers.
No fees – at all
One of the Apple card's most notable features is that it doesn't charge any of kind of fee – including annual fees, foreign transaction fees, late payment, over-the-limit or returned-payment fees. While there are many cards that waive certain fees – such as annual fees or foreign transaction fees – and even a few cards such as the Citi Simplicity® Card that waive the fee for late payments, it's rare for a credit card to charge no fees at all. You don't have to worry about surprise fees appearing on your statement, which is a major plus for transparency.
Wallet App features
Aside from the cash back program and lack of fees, most of the ballyhoo around the Apple Card focuses on the design of its app. The interface does look pretty sleek. However, some of the functionality that they're plugging is not exactly unique. Here's a breakdown of the features and what's new (or not so new) about them:
Weekly and monthly summary reports
The Apple Card includes an eye-catching spending report, viewable within your Wallet App. While spending reports are a common feature on credit cards, they're not usually broken down by week and month, and Apple puts the report in an especially pleasing bar graph form, segmented by day. Apple's color-coded spending summary also helps you spot trends in your card use. Best of all, you can easily access the report on your phone – you don't have to dig through a separate website to find it.
List of purchases segmented by spending category
From the main reporting screen, you can tap into each category to see a list of purchases under each category. Most of what Apple is touting on this screen is not new. Other major issuers offer a list of recent purchases segmented by spending categories, and some, such as Chase, will allow you to click into a purchase from a particular merchant to view other recent purchases.
Spending map
Apple's map feature lets you view any purchase, including store name and location, on a map within the application. It's not an entirely new feature – American Express, for one, offers a map on its website – but it's the first time this feature has been available within a credit card's app. Honestly, it's also not that revolutionary of a feature either. Most issuers provide phone numbers and location information on their credit cards statements, and you can easily open Google Maps and paste in the location info to locate a merchant. However, cardholders may appreciate the lack of an extra step.
Interest calculator with payment suggestions
The Apple Card has a nifty calculator configured into its payment screen. Instead of typing in an amount, you can save keystrokes by simply sliding your finger to choose your payment amount. The calculator automatically adjusts to show you the interest you will owe on your selected amount, as well as offering suggestions on paying your bill. This mostly serves as a slightly easier way of inputting payments, but the interest calculator could be helpful for less savvy cardholders who may be unaware how quickly interest adds up.
Payment scheduling
Your payment due date is automatically scheduled for the end of the month, and you can set up weekly and biweekly payments to match your paychecks. While most issuers allow you to configure payment deadlines, it is a nice touch of consumer friendliness that Apple automatically schedules them for the month's end. Also, while most credit cards come with a scheduling feature, they don't always allow you to schedule multiple payments per month.
Payment reminders
The Apple Card sends alerts to your mobile device to remind you of an upcoming payment deadline. Text reminders are nothing new – most issuers allow you to set up text alerts, including due date reminders. The one advantage with the Apple Card is that – since it is an Apple product – the process of setting and sending alerts to your iPhone or iPad may be a little more seamless than usual.
Family sharing
With Apple Card Family, you can share your card account with up to five other people who are 13 years or older and members of the same Apple Family Sharing group. Apple's method of allowing authorized users, Apple Card Family lets you add a co-owner with whom you'll build credit as equals. You can also add adults, kids, and young adults as participants, who are not responsible for payments, but have the option of building credit with you. All users earn Daily Cash on their purchases, which is credited either to their own Apple Cash card or, if they don't have an Apple Cash card, to the primary owner's statement balance.
Security and privacy
The physical version of the Apple Card doesn't have a credit card number – providing you a little extra security in case your card is stolen. The card also includes other Apple Pay security features, such as Face ID, Touch ID and unique transaction codes, making it a little more robust than your average credit card.
Also, the card comes with Apple's pledge to privacy. Apple itself does not have access to any of your data, and, while the card's issuer, Goldman Sachs, can view your data, Apple promises that they will never share or sell your data. Since it's common practice for card issuers to sell their customers' data to third parties, fans of privacy and information security may find this pledge appealing.
No-interest Apple product financing
If you're wondering how you'll be able to upgrade or pay for a new iPhone or other Apple device, the Apple Card could be a great way to finance your purchase.
The card allows you can buy an iPhone in 24 monthly installments without paying interest. Your monthly payments are bundled into your Apple Card minimum payment in the Wallet app, so you'll only have one payment to make. You can also trade in your old iPhone and have your new phone's purchase price reduced instantly at checkout, along with your monthly installment payments.
Other Apple devices are also eligible for 0% financing, including products from the Mac lineup, as well as iPads, AirPods Pro, AirPods, Apple Pencil, and more. Financing options vary by product, typically ranging from six to 24 months.
Apple Card financing options
| Device | Eligible models | Installment period |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | All | 24 months |
| Apple Watch | All | 24 months |
| iPad | All | 12 months |
| Mac | MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, Mac Pro, Mac mini | 12 months |
| Apple TV, HomePod and AirPods | All | 6 months |
To take advantage of the Apple Card's financing program, simply pick out your new device and select Apple Card Monthly Installments as your payment option in the Apple Store app or online at apple.com. If you're already an Apple cardholder, there's no additional application to fill out.
Other features
The Apple card is extremely light on additional perks and is distinctly lacking the travel and purchase protections (e.g., extended warranties) that come with most credit cards. Cardholders are also entitled to free ShopRunner service and a few perks through Mastercard Priceless Cities, but that's about it.
Tip: In case you had any doubt, rest assured that the Apple Card can help you build credit with responsible use. The card reports to all three of the national credit bureaus.
Applying for the Apple Card
The Apple Card is only available to qualified Apple users: You need to have an iPhone, iPod or iPad device with the passcode enabled to apply. But, great news for cardholders concerned about their credit scores and approval odds: You can send in an application and find out whether you qualify for the card (and what your APR and credit limit will be) with only a soft pull to your credit. Once you accept the offer and open the card, Apple will perform the official hard pull to your credit report. While it's not quite a "soft pull" credit card, this flexibility makes applying for the card much less risky for applicants on the lower end of the credit spectrum.
See related: Why was I denied for the Apple Card?
Other card options
If you love Apple products, you may already be committed to signing up for the new Apple Card, but applicants should be aware that there are better options for earning cash back (or even pairing with your Apple Card to use on other purchases).
 Citi® Double Cash Card |  Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card |  Citi Simplicity® Card |
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Other things to know
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Citi Double Cash Card
If you're a fan of cash back rewards, the Citi Double Cash card is one of your best bets. It offers up to 2% cash back on every purchase – 1% when you make the purchase and another 1% when you repay for the purchase by the due date. Few other cards offer as high a cash back rate.
The card does come with some drawbacks – you need a minimum of $25 to redeem your cash back, and your cash back expires if you haven't used your card within the past 12 months. Still, it's a pretty simple cash back card that offers nearly double the cash back of the Apple Card.
Capital One Quicksilver
While the Capital One Quicksilver card doesn't offer as high of a cash back rate as the Citi Double Cash, it's a great option for cardholders who want a simple cash back card that earns a consistently high rate of cash back. You earn the same 1.5% cash back on every purchase – so you don't need to worry about tracking bonus categories. If you prefer to use a single card for every purchase, you can earn an overall higher rate of cash back with the Quicksilver card than you can with the Apple Card.
Like the Apple Card, the Quicksilver card is very flexible on redeeming cash back – you can redeem any amount for statement credits, checks, gift cards and more. Also, you can earn an extra $200 if you sign up for the card and spend $500 in the first three months.
Citi Simplicity Card
For cardholders who love the idea of not paying a late fee, the Citi Simplicity card is worth a look. Unlike the Apple Card, it doesn't offer any sort of rewards program. But it is a good barebones option for newbie cardholders who might be prone to missing payment deadlines. The card doesn't charge any late fees or penalty rate, and even charges a lower-than-usual interest rate on cash advances. Also, it comes with an 21-month-long 0% intro offer for balance transfers and 12-month 0% intro offer for purchases (14.74% to 24.74% variable APR thereafter).
See related: The best credit cards for Apple purchases
Who should get the Apple Card?
- Apple aficionados.
- Cardholders who spend heavily on Apple and Uber purchases.
- Cardholders who frequently shop at Walgreens.
- Cardholders who regularly visit T-Mobile stores.
- Cardholders who make frequent purchases from Nike stores, Nike.com, SNKRS, Nike Training Club, Nike Running Club and on the Nike app.
- iPhone users who use Apple Pay heavily – you can potentially earn 2% cash back on every purchase.
- Cardholders who want a card that integrates easily with iPhone and other Apple products and services.
- Newbie cardholders who could use some extra help around payments and calculating interest.
- Users who prefer a user-friendly app experience over cash back earning potential.
- Users who are very concerned about data privacy.
- People who want to unlock exclusive no-interest financing offers on Apple products
How to use the Apple Card
- If you want to maximize your cash back, stick to using the Apple Card for Apple purchases and Apple Pay, and rotate in other credit cards for the remainder of your spending.
- Take advantage of Apple's payment scheduling option to keep your payments timely.
- Use Apple's biweekly payments option to pay down your balance more than once per month – this will keep your credit utilization low and can boost your credit score.
- If you use the card for all your purchases, be sure to take advantage of Apple's reporting features to track your spending patterns – you may discover places where you can cut back.
- Though the card doesn't charge a fee for late payments, you should still avoid missing your due date, since it could cost you a hefty amount of interest and could potentially land on your credit report.
Is the Apple Card worth it?
While we're not impressed by the Apple Card's cash rewards program, we do think the Apple Card includes some very useful features within its app that should make using the card easier than usual. Though our research indicates that cash back rewards are the biggest priority for many cardholders, there are plenty of users that care about user experience as well, not to mention a slew of devoted Apple users who consider any Apple product a must-have. For these types of users, the card may be well worth it.
About the author
Emily Sherman is an editor for CreditCards.com and Bankrate Credit Cards, specializing in product news and recommendations. She has worked as a writer and editor in the credit cards space for three years, covering any and all topics related to how cards work, rewards programs, card benefits, travel, cash back and more. Emily is also a co-founder and strategy consultant for To Her Credit, a series offering financial advice for women designed to bridge the education gap and bring special attention to the issues that women face. When she is not writing and editing content about credit cards, Emily is a self-professed credit card nerd, putting her own points and miles to use planning her next big vacation.
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How To Get Approved For Apple Card
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