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The Apple Card is a sweet deal for the iPhone crowd, with some caveats. To get the greatest value from this credit card, you'll need to pair it with the wallet app called Apple Pay and an Apple device to make purchases, such as an Apple Watch, iPhone or iPad.
In exchange for your fealty to Apple, you get 3% cash back on purchases of Apple and select other products, 2% back on most purchases, and 1% back if you use your card alone, without using Apple Pay.
Best of all? The cash back hits your Apple Cash account every day, unlike many cards that make you wait for your rewards until after you have paid your monthly bill. And by linking your Apple Cash wallet with a high-yield Apple Savings account, you can start saving your cash back seamlessly at a competitive interest rate.
This card is designed for fans of Apple products. When linked with Apple Pay, the card gets 3% cash back from Apple Store purchases, Uber and other merchants, 2% back at all other merchants that take Apple Pay and 1% back when using the card alone. Cash rewards are deposited daily in an Apple Cash or Apple Savings Account.
Simplicity. With no points to track or travel miles to redeem, this card can save you time and brain cells.
Encourages saving. Apple does a good job of helping you save money. When you elect to have cash back deposited in an Apple Savings account, your brain may be less likely to think of the cash as free money to spend. The Savings account recently had an interest rate of 4.4% APY. While there are better high-yield savings accounts available, paying over 5%, the rate is still well above the national average.
No waiting for cash back. It's deposited every day into your Apple Cash or Apple Savings account.
Rewards stacking. By combining your Apple Card with Apple Pay and the loyalty programs of participating merchants, you can score some great rewards. For example, get 3% cash back when you buy gas, car washes or convenience items at Exxon Mobil stations and earn Exxon Mobil Rewards+ points, which you can redeem against a future purchase.
No fees. No annual fee, late fee or foreign transaction fee.
Monthly installments. With Apple Plan, you can pay over time at a low interest rate, or at 0% for Apple products.
Security. The card and payment app are designed for enhanced security.
Easy on the credit score. You can apply for the card and see your credit limit and interest rate without a hard pull on your credit. If you enroll, however, your credit score will be impacted, as is customary when applying for a card.
No purchase protection. Unlike other credit cards, like those in the Visa Signature line, this card does not come with purchase protection (typically 90 to 120 days of insurance against theft or damage, depending on the card). That's a real consideration if you plan to buy a laptop or iPhone with your card for the 3% back rate. iPhones, for example, come with a 90-day warranty. After 90 days, you can buy Apple Care insurance for up to $149 for two years of coverage. Credit cards like the Chase Freedom Flex, on the other hand, offer smartphone coverage up to $600 for free.
Encourages spending. Yes, we just said that the card can help trick your brain into saving money, but it can also entice you to spend more. That's because people spend more money — almost 10% more on average — when using mobile payments than when paying a physical credit card. This type of "frictionless" payment is just so easy, you don't have as much time to pause and think about your spending.
Uncertain future banking partner. The Apple Card partners with Goldman Sachs, but that relationship will be unwound over the next year or so. It's unclear which financial institution will step in to sponsor the card, or if any rewards rates will change.
Current 3% back partners
Here are the recent merchants that pay 3% back when you pay with your Apple Card with Apple Pay. Note that these partners may change.
(Image credit: Apple)
Rewards cards dos and don'ts
As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — although there are happily none in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively.
In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf any rewards you earn. Don't change your spending habits to earn extra points. That's a slippery slope that can lead to overspending.
If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score.
As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.
Ellen writes and edits personal finance stories, especially on credit cards and related products. She also covers the nexus between sustainability and personal finance. She was a manager and sustainability analyst at Calvert Investments for 15 years, focusing on climate change and consumer staples. She served on the sustainability councils of several Fortune 500 companies and led corporate engagements. Before joining Calvert, Ellen was a program officer for Winrock International, managing loans to alternative energy projects in Latin America. She earned a master’s from the U.C. Berkeley in international relations and Latin America.
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