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Leave it to Apple to create the most anticipated credit card release in years. The long-awaited Apple Card was released nationwide in late August 2019, touting an integrated experience for users that allows access to everything right from your iPhone.
The card’s unique cashback structure may be beneficial for passionate Apple customers, but casual followers could find better deals elsewhere. Here’s everything you need to know about the card everyone’s talking about.
Mobile-first rewards card
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Apple Card
Current Offer
Earn up to 3% cash back on eligible purchases
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
3% cash back on Apple purchases and when you use Apple Pay for purchases from select partners, 2% on other purchases made with Apple Pay, and 1% cash back on everything else
Who should get this card?
The Apple Card is really built for people who use Apple products exclusively. If you use your iPhone for everything, the Apple Card might make a lot of sense.
Though not all of its features are ground-breaking, it consolidates several nice-to-have perks on your phone. One of the biggest draws is the ability to use the card with Apple Pay from your iPhone, earning Daily Cash, and other features exclusive to Apple users.
People looking for a simple rewards program might also have an interest in the Apple Card. As you use your card, you’ll earn a percentage of your purchase back in Daily Cash. It’s called that because it’s loaded into your account daily. There’s no waiting for a month to gain access to your rewards, nor is there a minimum needed to redeem your cash back.
If you’re a fan of metal credit cards, you may also be intrigued by the Apple Card. Although most purchases are meant to happen digitally within Apple Pay, you can opt to order a titanium Apple Card. The physical card is unique because it has no credit card number, expiration date, or code on it — this is to help protect your account info.
Hate the fees charged by typical credit cards? That may be another reason to choose the Apple Card. The new card from Apple doesn’t have any fees — no annual fee, late fees, or other penalties. But “no fees” doesn’t mean “free to use.” Though you won’t be charged late fees or a penalty APR (annual percentage rate) if you miss a payment, additional interest will accumulate on your balance if you don’t pay on time.
Card basics
| Card Type | Cash Back |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Recommended Credit Score | Excellent, Good |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
Top card benefits
- Tiered rewards for Apple products and services: Cardholders will earn 3% cash back on Apple purchases and when you use Apple Pay for purchases from select partners, 2% on other purchases made with Apple Pay, and 1% cash back on everything else.
- Cashback rewards you can use immediately: As you spend on your Apple Card, you’ll earn Daily Cash, which is added to your account every day. There’s no minimum rewards amount needed before you can use your Daily Cash.
- Integrated with the Wallet app: For most cardholders, you’ll use your card within the Wallet App the majority of the time. You even apply for the card with the Wallet App. If approved, your card will be loaded almost immediately and can be used via Apple Pay.
- A new take on security: Apple takes security to a whole new level with the Apple Card. This includes a unique device number created for your iPhone that's completely secured. Purchases require your device number along with a one-time security code that’s generated when you authorize a purchase, and Face ID or Touch ID are used to authorize purchases.
- Extra features such as budgeting and map tools: The Apple Card tracks spending using categories and color-coding, which allow you to easily see where your money is going. Review weekly and monthly breakdowns of spending to make sure you’re staying in budget. Don’t recognize a transaction? The Apple Card uses maps to pinpoint store locations so there are no surprises.
- Easy to apply: Applying for a card has never been easier. You can apply from within the Wallet App and find out in minutes if you're approved. There’s still a credit check, but there’s no waiting a week for an approval or denial letter.
- No fees — really: There are no fees with the Apple Card. That includes annual fees, foreign transaction fees, late fees, over-the-limit fees, or hidden fees other card issuers like to add.
Earning & redeeming
Best ways to earn
Earning Daily Cash with your Apple Card is straightforward. People earn the highest cashback percentage when spending money with Apple.
Users will get 3% on Apple purchases and purchases with select partners when using Apple Pay, including Apple products, iTunes, and the App Store. You’ll also get 2% back at other Apple Pay purchases. This includes services like Uber and Uber Eats as well as at places like Walgreens, Duane Reade, and T-Mobile stores.
The next highest percentage is earned when using Apple Pay to make purchases. It doesn’t matter what spending category; you’ll earn 1% cash back on all everything else. Using the card at retailers that don’t accept Apple Pay will net you cash back.
| Categories | Rewards rate |
| Apple purchases and purchases with select partners when using Apple Pay | 3% cash back |
| other Apple Pay purchases | 2% cash back |
| everything else | 1% cash back |
| cash back |
Maximizing your redemptions
As you earn Daily Cash through spending, there are several redemption options available. Because Daily Cash translates to real cash, it has the same value no matter how you choose to redeem it.
Daily Cash can be used to make purchases in-store or online through Apple Pay. Users can also apply Daily Cash toward their Apple Card balance. Want to transfer your rewards to a bank account? You can do that, too. There’s even an option to transfer money to friends or other people through iMessage.
While there’s no benefit to choosing one redemption over another, the flexibility of Daily Cash makes the Apple Card a solid choice if you’re looking for a versatile cashback card. Daily Cash can be used for just about anything.
Common questions
What bank backs the Apple Card?
Apple partnered with Goldman Sachs on the Apple Card. It’s the first commercial credit card that both companies have ever issued. Goldman Sachs handles credit checks and approval for the Apple Card.
What credit score do you need for Apple Card?
There’s no set credit score requirement for the Apple Card. But according to Apple, you may not be approved for the card if your FICO score is under 600.
Does the Apple Card build credit?
Yes, the Apple Card can help build credit if used responsibly. Since it’s part of the Mastercard network, it carries the same weight as any other credit card.
How do I pay off my Apple Card?
Payments are due on the last day of the month. There’s also an option to make weekly or biweekly payments to match your payday.
Other cards to consider
If you want another cashback option or don’t heavily use Apple products, check out the Citi Double Cash® Card. As the name suggests, you earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25. There’s no earning cap on cashback rewards and no spending categories to track, and the Citi Double Cash Card also has a $0 annual fee. Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits or checks.
For a higher cashback reward rate, look to the Discover it® Cash Back. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s a $0 annual fee with the Discover it Cash Back card.
Mobile-first rewards card
Apple Card
Why We Like It
Earn up to 3% cash back on eligible purchases
See how these cards compare:
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Citi Double Cash® Card
- Simple flat-rate cash back on all your purchases
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.74% - 28.74% (Variable) APR
- No annual fee
- Rates and fees
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Discover it® Cash Back
- $0 annual fee
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Dark web monitoring and other privacy protection services
- Rates and fees