Goldman Sachs issues two main credit cards through its Marcus brand
Goldman Sachs operates its consumer credit card business under the name Marcus by Goldman Sachs. The bank currently offers two cards: the Apple Card (co-branded with Apple) and the Marcus Insured Cash Back Card. Both are issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, which means your account, billing, and customer service all run through Goldman Sachs infrastructure, even though you may interact with Apple's interface on the Apple Card.
The Apple Card launched in 2019 and is designed primarily for iPhone users who want integration with Apple's Wallet app and Siri voice commands. The Marcus Insured Cash Back Card is newer and focuses on cash back rewards without requiring an Apple device. Both cards report to the three major credit bureaus and function as standard Visa cards at any merchant that accepts Visa.
Understanding which card fits your situation depends on whether you use Apple devices, what rewards structure appeals to you, and what fees and terms matter most to your spending habits.
Key Takeaways
- Goldman Sachs issues credit cards under the Marcus brand, including the Apple Card and the Marcus Insured Cash Back Card.
- The Apple Card requires an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch to open and manage, while the Marcus card works with any smartphone or computer.
- Both cards charge no annual fee, but interest rates and cash back percentages vary by card and your creditworthiness.
- You can request a credit limit increase, dispute charges, or close your account directly through the card's app or website.
- Goldman Sachs customer service is available by phone, in-app chat, or through the Apple Support app if you hold the Apple Card.
The Apple Card: features and how to use it
The Apple Card is a credit card designed to work inside Apple's Wallet app on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. You cannot open this card without an Apple device, and you manage all transactions, payments, and account settings through the Wallet app or by asking Siri. There is no physical card number printed on the card itself — instead, a unique number is generated for each transaction to protect your information.
The card offers cash back on all purchases: 3% on Apple purchases (including the App Store, Apple Music, and Apple TV+), 2% on purchases made with Apple Pay, and 1% on all other purchases. There is no annual fee. Interest rates depend on your credit profile and are disclosed before you open the account. You can pay your bill through the Wallet app, set up automatic payments, or pay through a linked bank account.
If you lose access to your Apple device or switch to a non-Apple phone, you can request a physical card, but this requires contacting Goldman Sachs customer service. The physical card will have a printed card number and can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, though you lose the cash back benefits tied to Apple Pay.
The Marcus Insured Cash Back Card: rewards and coverage
The Marcus Insured Cash Back Card is a cash back card that does not require an Apple device. It offers a flat cash back rate on all purchases — the exact percentage depends on your creditworthiness and is disclosed during the process process. There is no annual fee, and cash back is deposited into your Marcus savings account (which Goldman Sachs also offers) or can be transferred to an external bank account.
This card includes purchase protection and return protection as standard benefits. Purchase protection covers items damaged or stolen within a certain period after purchase, and return protection reimburses you if a merchant refuses to accept a return. These protections are included at no extra cost and are underwritten by an insurance company on behalf of Goldman Sachs.
You manage the Marcus card through a mobile app or online portal, available on any smartphone or computer. Payments can be made through the app, by phone, or by mail. The card reports to credit bureaus the same way any other credit card does.
How to open a Goldman Sachs credit card
The process differs slightly between the two cards. For the Apple Card, you open the account entirely within the Wallet app on your iPhone. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. Apple and Goldman Sachs will check your credit and make a decision within minutes. If approved, the card is when ready available in Wallet for Apple Pay transactions, and you can request a physical titanium card to be mailed to you.
For the Marcus Insured Cash Back Card, you start on the Marcus website or mobile app. You provide the same personal information, and Goldman Sachs performs a credit check. Approval typically takes a few minutes to a few hours. Once approved, you receive a card number when ready for online purchases and a physical card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Both cards require you to be at least 18 years old, a U.S. resident, and have a valid Social Security number. There is no minimum income requirement, but your credit score and credit history influence whether you are approved and what interest rate you receive.
Interest rates, fees, and terms you should know
Neither the Apple Card nor the Marcus Insured Cash Back Card charges an annual fee. However, both charge interest on balances you carry from month to month. The interest rate (called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR) is not fixed and depends on your credit score, credit history, and current economic conditions. Goldman Sachs discloses the exact APR you will receive before you open the account, so you know the cost before you commit.
Late payments incur a late fee, which varies but is typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment and up to $40 for subsequent late payments within six months. If you miss a payment by more than 60 days, the card issuer may report the delinquency to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score. Both cards allow you to set up automatic payments to avoid missing due dates.
Cash advances (withdrawing cash using your credit card at an ATM) are available but carry a higher APR and an upfront fee, usually 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn. Most people should avoid cash advances unless absolutely necessary.
Foreign transaction fees explore if you use either card outside the United States. The fee is typically 1% to 3% of the transaction amount. If you travel internationally, check the card's terms before you go.
Managing your account and contacting customer service
For the Apple Card, you manage everything through the Wallet app. You can view your balance, recent transactions, and due date at any time. To make a payment, open Wallet, tap the card, and select "Pay Your Balance." You can pay in full or make a minimum payment. To dispute a charge, contact Goldman Sachs through the Wallet app by tapping the card and selecting "Message." You can also call Goldman Sachs customer service at the number on the back of your physical card (if you have one) or through the Apple Support app.
For the Marcus Insured Cash Back Card, log into the Marcus app or website to view your account. You can make payments, view statements, set up automatic payments, and dispute charges through the online portal. Customer service is available by phone, email, or in-app chat. The phone number is on your statement and on the back of your physical card.
Both cards allow you to freeze or temporarily disable your card through the app if you lose it or suspect fraud. You can also request a credit limit increase through the app, though Goldman Sachs will perform a credit check before approving any increase.
How Goldman Sachs credit cards affect your credit score
Opening either card will result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. This inquiry stays on your report for about two years but stops affecting your score after 12 months.
Once your account is open, Goldman Sachs reports your payment history, credit utilization (how much of your available credit you are using), and account age to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Paying on time every month and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit will help your credit score over time. Carrying a high balance or missing payments will damage your score.
If you close either card, the account will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years, and closing it may lower your score slightly because it reduces your total available credit. Most people benefit from keeping old cards open and unused rather than closing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Apple Card without an iPhone?
No. You must have an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch to open and manage the Apple Card. If you later switch to a non-Apple phone, you can request a physical card, but you will lose the ability to use Apple Pay and the associated cash back benefits. The Marcus Insured Cash Back Card works on any device and does not require Apple products.
What happens if I can't pay my bill on time?
Contact Goldman Sachs as soon as you know you will be late. Some cardholders can negotiate a payment plan or hardship arrangement. If you miss a payment, a late fee will be charged, and the missed payment will be reported to credit bureaus after 30 days, damaging your credit score. The longer you wait, the worse the impact.
How do I dispute a fraudulent charge?
For the Apple Card, open Wallet, tap the card, and select "Message" to contact Goldman Sachs directly. For the Marcus card, log into the app or website and use the dispute tool, or call customer service. Federal law limits your liability to $50 for unauthorized charges, and most card issuers waive this entirely if you report fraud promptly.
Can I transfer my balance from another credit card?
Goldman Sachs does not currently offer balance transfer options on either the Apple Card or the Marcus Insured Cash Back Card. If you want to move debt from another card, you would need to pay it off using a different method or transfer it to a card that does offer balance transfers.
What is the difference between the Apple Card and the Marcus card?
The Apple Card requires an Apple device, offers higher cash back on Apple purchases and Apple Pay, and is managed entirely through the Wallet app. The Marcus card works on any device, offers a flat cash back rate on all purchases, and includes purchase and return protection. Choose based on whether you use Apple products and what rewards structure fits your spending.