How to apply for the card Apple Card: Benefits and requirements

Learn how Apple Card works, including 3% Daily Cash at Apple and select merchants!

2% with Apple Pay, 1% with the titanium card, key fees, APR basics, eligibility requirements, and a step-by-step guide to applying in Wallet.

Overview of the Apple Card

Apple Card is a cash back credit card designed to live inside the Wallet app and work best when you pay with Apple Pay.

Instead of points, it earns Daily Cash that is calculated as a percentage of your eligible purchases.

The headline is simple.

You can earn up to 3% Daily Cash, depending on where and how you pay.

The card is issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA and uses Mastercard as the payment network.

Apple positions Apple Card around a “no fees” approach.

That means no annual fee, no late fees, and no foreign transaction fees, based on Apple’s current disclosures.

For many people, the real story is less about the card itself and more about the experience.

Your card number is not printed on the titanium card.

You manage transactions, payments, statements, and rewards directly in Wallet, without needing a separate banking app for the basics.

Who this card is designed for

Apple Card is best suited to people who already use an iPhone as their primary device.

It is also a strong fit for people who pay with Apple Pay frequently, because that is how the card earns its best everyday rate.

If you buy Apple hardware or Apple services regularly, it can be more compelling, because Apple purchases earn at the top Daily Cash tier.

It can also fit anyone who values simple, daily rewards rather than monthly points systems.

If you mostly pay with the physical card at merchants that do not accept Apple Pay, the earning rate drops, and the card can become less competitive compared with flat 2% cash back cards.

Credit card basics

Apple Card is a credit card, not a charge card.

That means you have a credit limit, a monthly statement, and a due date.

If you pay your statement balance in full by the due date, you can typically avoid paying interest on purchases under standard credit card rules.

If you carry a balance, interest can apply based on the variable APR offered to you at approval.

The “value equation” in one paragraph

The Apple Card value equation is mostly about behavior, not math tricks.

If you naturally use Apple Pay most of the time, you can earn a strong everyday return without tracking categories.

If you do not use Apple Pay often, the card’s earning structure becomes less impressive.

And if you routinely carry a balance, any rewards card becomes expensive fast, because interest can outweigh the value of cash back.

Quick facts (scannable summary)

Key fees (annual fee, foreign transaction fee, late fees)

Annual fee: $0.

Late fees: $0.

Foreign transaction fees: $0.

There are also no over-the-limit fees, according to Apple’s marketing.

Interest still applies if you carry a balance.

Cash advances and other specialized transactions can have different costs and rules under the cardmember agreement.

Reward structure (earning, redemption basics)

3% Daily Cash is earned on purchases from Apple, and also at select merchants when you use Apple Card with Apple Pay.

2% Daily Cash is earned when you use Apple Card with Apple Pay.

1% Daily Cash is earned when you use the physical Apple Card or when Apple Pay is not accepted.

Daily Cash is credited daily rather than waiting until the statement closes.

Daily Cash can be used in practical ways inside the Apple ecosystem, such as applying it toward your Apple Card balance or using it through Apple Cash.

Core benefits (top 5 bullets)

• No annual fee, no late fees, and no foreign transaction fees.
• Strong rewards when using Apple Pay, with simple daily cash back.
• Tight integration with Wallet for transaction viewing, category summaries, and payments.
• Titanium physical card for merchants that do not accept Apple Pay.
• Apple Card Monthly Installments for eligible Apple purchases, which can offer interest-free monthly payments when selected at checkout, subject to terms.

Eligibility and approval: what typically matters

Credit profile expectations (general, no promises)

Approval is based on underwriting and your overall credit profile at the time you apply.

Like most issuers, evaluation generally considers your payment history, credit utilization, credit age, and recent credit activity.

Income and existing obligations matter because the issuer assesses whether the credit line fits your budget.

There is no guaranteed score threshold for approval, and outcomes can differ even for people with similar credit scores.

Basic requirements and setup expectations

Apple Card is only available in the United States.

Your Apple Account country or region must be set to the United States to apply.

You need an iPhone or iPad that supports Apple Card and is updated to a recent version of iOS or iPadOS.

You generally need two-factor authentication turned on for your Apple Account.

You generally need to be signed in to iCloud on the device where you apply.

Apple also indicates you must be 18 or older, depending on your state, and have a U.S. residential address that is not a P.O. Box.

If identity verification is required, you may be asked to scan a government-issued photo ID.

“Apply with no impact” and what it means

Apple advertises that you can apply and see if you are approved with no impact to your credit score.

In many credit card application flows, there can be a distinction between checking eligibility and formally accepting the offer.

Once you accept and open the account, your credit profile can be affected like any other new credit line.

Fees and costs you must understand first

Annual fee breakdown and what’s included

The annual fee is $0.

That means you do not need travel credits or premium perks to justify the card.

Instead, you judge the card on daily usability.

For many people, the “included value” is the Wallet experience, the daily rewards cadence, and the Apple Pay earn rate.

Interest and APR reality

Apple Card has a variable APR offered based on creditworthiness.

As of November 1, 2025, Apple states the variable APR range for new accounts is 17.74% to 27.99%.

If you carry a balance, the interest can grow quickly.

If your goal is rewards, paying in full is usually the cleanest way to keep those rewards meaningful.

Apple Card Monthly Installments and the common misunderstanding

Apple Card Monthly Installments can allow interest-free monthly payments on eligible Apple purchases when you choose that option at checkout.

The key detail is that you must actively select the installment option.

If you buy an eligible product as a one-time Apple Card purchase instead of choosing installments, that purchase is subject to your Apple Card’s APR.

Taxes and shipping on installment purchases can also be treated differently than the financed amount, depending on the disclosed terms.

The practical takeaway is simple.

If you want 0% installments, choose installments intentionally at checkout and verify what is financed.

Foreign transactions and exchange rates

Apple states there is no foreign transaction fee.

That is different from the exchange rate itself.

When you buy in a foreign currency, the conversion is handled by the network’s currency conversion process.

If you travel often, “no foreign transaction fee” is still a meaningful advantage, but it does not guarantee the exact same exchange rate you might see on a currency website.

Rewards: earning and redemption (the real math)

How you earn

Apple Card rewards revolve around how you pay.

Pay with Apple Pay and you typically earn 2% Daily Cash.

Pay with the physical titanium card and you typically earn 1% Daily Cash.

Buy from Apple and you typically earn 3% Daily Cash.

Use Apple Pay at select partner merchants and you can also earn 3% Daily Cash.

This structure creates a clear habit loop.

If a merchant accepts Apple Pay, using Apple Pay is usually the higher-earning move.

If a merchant does not accept Apple Pay, you decide whether 1% is good enough or if another card earns more.

The “real” advantage of Daily Cash

Many rewards cards make you wait.

Apple’s approach credits rewards daily.

That makes the rewards feel more tangible.

It can also encourage consistent redemption behavior, because the money shows up as you spend rather than as a monthly points total.

How redemption tends to work in real life

Most people treat Daily Cash like “found money” that reduces the cost of life.

Some people apply it to their Apple Card balance.

Some people use it through Apple Cash for everyday spending.

Some people move it into savings tools available within the Apple Card ecosystem.

The best redemption method is the one you will actually use consistently without friction.

Example: the Apple Pay lifestyle year

Assume you spend $24,000 per year on a mix of groceries, gas, dining, subscriptions, and everyday purchases.

Assume $18,000 of that is paid with Apple Pay at 2%.

That portion would generate about $360 in Daily Cash.

Assume $3,000 is spent directly with Apple on devices, accessories, or services at 3%.

That portion would generate about $90 in Daily Cash.

Assume the remaining $3,000 is spent where Apple Pay is not accepted and you use the titanium card at 1%.

That portion would generate about $30 in Daily Cash.

In this simplified example, total Daily Cash would be about $480 for the year.

These numbers are illustrative, and actual earnings depend on how purchases code and whether you paid with Apple Pay or the physical card.

Partner merchants and why you should not over-plan around them

The list of 3% partner merchants can change over time.

Apple also describes “extra merchant benefits” that may come with separate terms and redemption rules.

Because these partner lists can evolve, it is smarter to treat partner 3% as a bonus rather than building your entire card strategy around it.

If your spending naturally includes partner merchants, great.

If not, it is usually not worth changing your lifestyle just to chase an extra 1%.

Benefits deep dive

Apple Pay integration and the “friction advantage”

Apple Card’s standout benefit is the integration.

You can see transactions quickly.

You can search purchases.

You can view spending summaries by category and time period.

You can set up payments inside Wallet and see how different payment amounts could affect interest cost.

For people who like clarity, that experience can feel more helpful than traditional banking apps.

Titanium card and why it still matters

Even if you love Apple Pay, some merchants do not accept it.

A physical card still matters for those edge cases.

Apple Card’s titanium design is a branding feature, but the practical feature is simply having a card that works anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Just remember that the physical card generally earns less than Apple Pay transactions.

Security and privacy posture

Apple emphasizes privacy-focused design in its card marketing.

Apple Card also relies on device-level security features like Face ID or Touch ID when using Apple Pay.

Your full card number is not printed on the physical card, which can reduce certain kinds of casual exposure.

The best “security benefit” is still basic hygiene.

Use strong device security.

Turn on alerts.

Review transactions regularly.

Installments for Apple purchases

For people who buy Apple hardware, Monthly Installments can be a practical benefit.

It can reduce short-term cash flow pressure when you upgrade a device.

It can also simplify budgeting, because the installment appears in your Apple Card statement.

The main downside is that financing can encourage bigger purchases than you otherwise would make.

The best use is for planned, needed upgrades, not impulse upgrades.

The Apple ecosystem effect

Apple Card becomes more valuable as you use more Apple services.

It pairs naturally with Apple Pay.

It pairs naturally with Apple Cash usage.

It can pair with other Apple financial features available to Apple Card users.

If you are not in the Apple ecosystem, the card’s core advantage disappears quickly.

Pros and cons (fast decision section)

Pros

• No annual fee, no late fees, and no foreign transaction fees.
• Strong rewards when using Apple Pay, with simple Daily Cash.
• Clean Wallet-based management with fast transaction visibility.
• 3% Daily Cash on Apple purchases.
• Monthly Installments option for eligible Apple purchases when selected at checkout.

Cons

• Best everyday rewards require Apple Pay usage.
• Physical card purchases generally earn only 1%.
• The card is only available in the United States.
• If you prefer Android or do not use Wallet, the product is effectively not for you.
• Carrying a balance can be costly because the APR can be high.

Who this card is best for (and who should skip)

Best-fit profiles (3 profiles)

Profile 1 is the Apple Pay power user who taps to pay everywhere and wants a simple everyday cash back rate.

Profile 2 is the Apple shopper who buys devices or services and can benefit from 3% Daily Cash plus installment options.

Profile 3 is the minimalist who wants a no-fee card and prefers managing everything in Wallet rather than separate banking apps.

Not a fit if… (3 profiles)

Not a fit 1 is the person who rarely uses Apple Pay and expects to swipe or insert a physical card most of the time.

Not a fit 2 is the person who wants a flat 2% cash back rate even when using a physical card.

Not a fit 3 is anyone outside the United States or anyone who does not use iPhone or iPad as their primary device.

Head-to-head comparisons (SEO powerhouse)

Apple Card vs Wells Fargo Active Cash

Active Cash-style cards are designed around earning a flat 2% rate across most purchases, regardless of whether you pay with a wallet or a card.

Apple Card earns 2% primarily when you pay with Apple Pay, and 1% when you do not.

If your world is Apple Pay-first, Apple Card can feel competitive in daily life.

If you want consistent 2% even when you cannot use a mobile wallet, a flat-rate 2% card can be more reliable.

Apple Card vs Citi Double Cash

Double Cash is built around a “buy and pay” structure that can produce an effective 2% rate when you pay as required.

Apple Card is built around Apple Pay behavior and daily rewards.

If you love the Wallet experience and you pay with Apple Pay constantly, Apple Card can feel simpler.

If you want a rewards structure that does not depend on Apple Pay acceptance, a 2% cash back card can be easier to rely on.

Apple Card vs Chase Freedom Unlimited

Freedom Unlimited-style cards often win on ecosystem value, because they are designed to pair with broader travel rewards strategies.

Apple Card is designed to be cash-like and simple.

If you want travel redemptions and partner transfers, a points ecosystem may fit better.

If you want daily cash back and a clean user experience without juggling categories, Apple Card may feel more aligned.

What you give up and gain at each price tier

At the $0 annual fee tier, the main decision is simplicity versus maximization.

Apple Card chooses simplicity and user experience.

Many premium annual-fee cards choose perks, lounge access, credits, and protections.

If you do not consistently use premium perks, a no-annual-fee strategy can be easier to sustain year after year.

How to apply (step-by-step)

Application steps

Step 1 is to confirm your Apple Account country or region is set to the United States.

Step 2 is to make sure your iPhone or iPad is updated to a recent iOS or iPadOS version.

Step 3 is to ensure you are signed in to iCloud and have two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple Account.

Step 4 is to open the Wallet app and start the Apple Card application flow.

Step 5 is to enter your personal information accurately, including address and income details.

Step 6 is to review the offer details, including the APR and credit limit presented to you if approved.

Step 7 is to accept the offer if you want to proceed, understanding that opening the account can affect your credit profile.

Step 8 is to add Apple Card to Wallet and set up Apple Pay usage for the best everyday earnings.

Step 9 is to consider setting up autopay or reminders to avoid missed payments.

What to prepare before you apply

Have your identification details ready, including legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number if required for verification.

Know your annual income and your monthly housing payment.

Have a U.S. residential address available that is not a P.O. Box.

If you anticipate identity verification, be prepared to scan a government-issued photo ID if asked.

What happens after approval

You can start using Apple Card immediately through Apple Pay in many cases.

You can request and receive the titanium card for places that do not accept Apple Pay.

You can manage payments, statements, and Daily Cash inside Wallet.

You can also review your merchant mix and decide if Apple Card should be your primary everyday card or your Apple Pay card while another card covers non-wallet purchases.

Alternatives if you want similar value for less friction

Best alternative if you want flat 2% everywhere

If you want 2% cash back whether you use a wallet or a physical card, a flat-rate 2% cash back card may fit better.

This is especially useful if you shop at merchants that do not support Apple Pay.

Best alternative if you want higher category bonuses

If your spending is concentrated in groceries, gas, dining, or travel, a category-focused card can earn more than 2% in those specific areas.

The tradeoff is managing categories, caps, or multiple cards.

FAQs

Is Apple Card worth it?

Apple Card can be worth considering if you use Apple Pay frequently and want a no-fee card with daily cash back and a Wallet-first experience.

If you rarely use Apple Pay, the 1% rate on physical card purchases can be a limitation.

Does Apple Card have an annual fee?

No, Apple advertises no annual fee.

Does Apple Card charge foreign transaction fees?

No, Apple advertises no foreign transaction fees.

What does Apple Card earn with Apple Pay?

Apple Card typically earns 2% Daily Cash when used with Apple Pay.

What does Apple Card earn when you use the physical card?

Apple Card typically earns 1% Daily Cash when Apple Pay is not used.

How do you get 3% Daily Cash?

Apple purchases typically earn 3% Daily Cash.

Select partner merchants can also earn 3% when you use Apple Card with Apple Pay, and the partner list can change over time.

Can I apply without hurting my credit score?

Apple advertises that you can apply and see if you are approved without impacting your credit score.

Opening a new account can still affect your credit profile like any other credit card once accepted.

Is Apple Card available outside the United States?

Apple Card is only available in the United States.

Disclosures

Rates and fees disclaimer

Rates, fees, reward tiers, partner merchants, and product features can change over time.

Your APR, credit limit, and approval outcome depend on creditworthiness and the issuer’s underwriting.

Always review the current offer details and cardmember agreement during the application flow.

Editorial and affiliation disclosure

This article is for informational purposes only.

We are not Apple.

We do not represent Apple, Goldman Sachs, or Mastercard.

We are not affiliated with any institution mentioned.

All trademarks belong to their respective owners.