The Apple Card is a credit card issued by Goldman Sachs that you manage through your iPhone

The Apple Card is a physical and digital credit card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA. You request it through the Wallet app on your iPhone, and if approved, you get both a titanium card in the mail and an when ready digital card you can use right away in Apple Pay. The card earns cash back on purchases — the exact percentage depends on where you shop and how you pay.

Unlike most credit cards, there is no annual fee, no late fees, and no penalty interest rates. The card is designed to work seamlessly with your iPhone, showing you spending in real time and letting you manage your account entirely through the Wallet app. You do not need to visit a website or call a phone number to check your balance or make a payment.

Key Takeaways

  • You must own an iPhone to request an Apple Card, and the entire process happens in the Wallet app.
  • Goldman Sachs reviews your credit history and income to decide whether to approve you, just like any other credit card issuer.
  • You get a digital card when ready if approved, and the physical titanium card arrives by mail within a few business days.
  • The card has no annual fee, no late fees, and no penalty interest rates, but you still owe the full balance or interest on what you carry.

What you need before you request the card

You need an iPhone 6s or newer running the current version of iOS. You also need to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security number. Have your driver's license or state ID ready — the app will ask for it during the request process.

You do not need to have an existing Apple account, though most people do. You will need a valid mailing address where Goldman Sachs can send the physical card. If you have moved recently, make sure your address is current in your iPhone settings before you start.

How the request process works

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign in the top right corner. Select "Credit or Debit Card," then choose "Apple Card." The app will walk you through a series of questions about your income, employment, and financial history. You will also enter your Social Security number so Goldman Sachs can pull your credit report.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes. At the end, you will either see an approval message, a message that says they need more time to review, or a decline. If you are approved, your digital card appears in the Wallet app when ready and you can use it in Apple Pay right away. The physical card ships within a few business days.

If you are not approved, the app tells you why — usually because of credit history, income, or the number of recent credit inquiries on your report. You can request the card again after a few months if your situation has changed.

What Goldman Sachs looks at when reviewing your request

Goldman Sachs uses your credit score, credit history, income, and current debt to decide whether to approve you. They pull a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. They also look at how many times you have recently requested credit cards or loans — too many inquiries in a short time can hurt your chances.

There is no minimum credit score published by Apple or Goldman Sachs, but most people approved for the Apple Card have a score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower, you may still be approved depending on your income and payment history. If you have been denied for other cards recently, that can make approval less likely.

How cash back works and what the interest rate is

The Apple Card earns 3% cash back on purchases at Apple, 2% cash back when you use Apple Pay with the digital card, and 1% cash back when you use the physical titanium card. Some merchants offer higher cash back rates during promotions, which the Wallet app shows you before you pay.

Cash back appears in your account as a credit toward your next bill. You cannot transfer it out or use it anywhere else — it only reduces what you owe. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your credit score and credit history. You can see your exact APR in the Wallet app before you request the card, and it does not change unless you miss payments or Goldman Sachs reviews your account.

Managing your account and making payments

Everything happens in the Wallet app. You can see your current balance, recent transactions, and your due date. You can set up automatic payments so the full balance or a minimum payment is paid on the due date. You can also pay whenever you want by tapping the card and selecting "Pay Your Balance."

Payments come from a bank account you link during the request process. You can change which account the payments come from at any time in the app. There are no late fees or penalty interest rates, but if you miss a payment, it will show up on your credit report and damage your credit score just like any other credit card.

The physical card and using it in stores

The titanium card arrives by mail and works like any other credit card in stores that accept Mastercard. However, Apple recommends using Apple Pay instead because you earn 2% cash back with the digital card versus 1% with the physical card. The physical card does not have a number printed on it — all the card details are in the Wallet app.

You can use the physical card at any store, gas station, or restaurant that takes Mastercard. Some older card readers may have trouble reading the titanium card because of its material, but this is rare. If you lose the physical card, you can freeze or replace it when ready in the Wallet app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple ID to request the Apple Card?

You do not need an existing Apple ID, but you will create one or sign in with one during the request process. Most iPhone users already have an Apple ID from setting up their phone.

What happens if I am denied?

The Wallet app tells you the reason — usually credit score, income, or too many recent credit inquiries. You can request again after a few months. You can also contact Goldman Sachs customer service through the Wallet app to ask for more details about the decision.

Can I use the Apple Card outside the United States?

The digital card works anywhere Apple Pay is accepted internationally. The physical card works at Mastercard merchants worldwide, but you will pay foreign transaction fees on purchases outside the U.S. The Wallet app shows you the fee before you complete the transaction.

Is there a credit limit?

Yes, Goldman Sachs sets a credit limit based on your income and credit history. You can see your limit in the Wallet app. You can request a higher limit after you have used the card responsibly for a few months.

What if I want to close the account?

You can delete the card from your Wallet app at any time. Make sure you pay off any remaining balance first. Closing the account will not remove it from your credit report, but it will show that the account is closed, which can affect your credit score.