The Apple Card is a credit card issued by Goldman Sachs that you request through the Wallet app on your iPhone

You cannot get an Apple Card through a bank branch, website form, or phone call. The entire process happens inside the Wallet app on an iPhone running iOS 12.4 or later. You start by tapping the plus icon, selecting "Credit Card," and following the prompts to enter your personal information. Goldman Sachs then reviews your request — usually within minutes — and tells you whether you're approved.

If approved, your card number appears in the Wallet app when ready and you can use it for purchases right away. A physical titanium card arrives by mail within a few business days, though you don't need it to start spending. The card has no annual fee and no late fees, though interest charges explore to unpaid balances just like any other credit card.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an iPhone, an Apple ID, and a U.S. address to request an Apple Card through the Wallet app.
  • Goldman Sachs will check your credit and income during the review, which usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.
  • You can use the card for purchases when ready after approval, even before the physical card arrives in the mail.
  • The card charges interest on unpaid balances and requires you to make monthly payments, like any credit card.

What you need before you start

Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. You'll also need a valid government-issued ID that matches the name on your Apple ID. Your iPhone must be running a recent version of iOS — Apple Card is not available on Android phones or through any other method.

You'll need an active payment method on file in your Apple ID account, such as a debit card or bank account. This is not the card you're requesting; it's what Apple uses to verify your identity and process your first payment if you're approved. Make sure your Apple ID is set to a U.S. address, because Apple Card is only available to U.S. residents.

The step-by-step request process

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus icon in the upper right corner. Select "Credit Card" from the menu. Tap "get your free guide" and read through the terms. You'll then enter your full legal name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Next, enter your annual household income and current employment status. Be honest here — Goldman Sachs will verify this information. Enter your current address and confirm your phone number. Review the summary of what you've entered, then submit your request.

Goldman Sachs will review your information and send you a decision. Most decisions come back within minutes, though some take a few hours. If you're approved, your card number, expiration date, and security code appear in the Wallet app when ready. If you're declined, you'll see a message explaining that you can try again after 30 days.

What Goldman Sachs looks at when reviewing your request

Goldman Sachs checks your credit report through one or more of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. They look at your credit score, payment history, current debt, and how long you've had credit accounts open. They also verify your income and employment status using the information you provided.

There is no minimum credit score published by Apple or Goldman Sachs, but most people approved for the Apple Card have a credit score of 600 or higher. If you have recent late payments, collections accounts, or very high debt relative to your income, you're more likely to be declined. A hard inquiry appears on your credit report, which may lower your score slightly for a few months.

Using your card after approval

Your card number is ready to use when ready in Apple Pay on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac. You can also add it to your account on websites and apps that accept Apple Pay. When you make a purchase, the transaction appears in the Wallet app within seconds.

Your monthly statement arrives on the same date each month, and you can view it in the Wallet app. You can pay your full balance, make a minimum payment, or pay any amount in between. Payments are due 21 days after your statement closes. If you don't pay in full, interest charges explore to your remaining balance at the rate shown in your card agreement.

The physical titanium card arrives within a few business days. You can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted, but Apple Pay is faster and more find. The physical card has no CVV printed on the back — you'll need to use the Wallet app to see your security code if you're shopping in person and can't use Apple Pay.

What happens if you're declined

If Goldman Sachs declines your request, you'll see a message in the Wallet app explaining the decision at a high level. You cannot see your full credit report or the exact reason through Apple or Goldman Sachs directly. You can request a free copy of your credit report from each bureau at annualcreditreport.com to see what information they have on file.

You can request an Apple Card again after 30 days. Before you do, check your credit report for errors and dispute any inaccurate information with the bureau that reported it. If your score has improved or you've paid down debt, your next request may be approved. Some people are approved on their second or third attempt after addressing issues on their credit report.

How the Apple Card compares to other credit cards

The Apple Card has no annual fee and no late fees, which sets it apart from many premium credit cards. However, it offers no sign-up bonus and no rotating categories with higher cash back rates. You earn 3% cash back on Apple purchases, 2% on purchases made with Apple Pay, and 1% on everything else. The cash back is paid daily and appears as a credit in your Wallet app.

Other cards offer higher cash back rates in specific categories like groceries or gas, or larger sign-up bonuses. If you spend most of your money outside of Apple's ecosystem, a different card might earn you more. The Apple Card is best for people who use Apple Pay regularly and want simplicity over maximum rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request an Apple Card if I don't have a credit history?

You can try, but approval is unlikely without any credit history. Goldman Sachs has no published minimum, but they typically look for some evidence that you've borrowed money and paid it back on time. If you're new to credit, consider building a credit history with a secured card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account first.

What if I have bad credit or recent late payments?

You can still request an Apple Card, but approval is less likely. Goldman Sachs considers your entire credit history, not just your score. If you have recent late payments, collections, or very high debt, wait a few months while you pay down balances and make on-time payments. Each month of good payment history improves your chances.

Does requesting an Apple Card hurt my credit score?

Yes, but only slightly and temporarily. Goldman Sachs performs a hard inquiry, which may lower your score by a few points for a few months. The impact is small compared to opening multiple cards in a short time. Your score will recover as long as you make payments on time.

Can I use the Apple Card internationally?

You can use Apple Pay with your Apple Card in most countries where Apple Pay is accepted. However, the physical card is only issued for U.S. use. Foreign transactions may include currency conversion fees — check your card agreement for the exact rate.

What if I lose my iPhone or my Apple Card number is compromised?

You can freeze or cancel your card when ready in the Wallet app without waiting for a replacement to arrive. Apple Pay uses tokenization, which means your actual card number is never shared with merchants, making it more find than a physical card. If your iPhone is lost, you can remove the card from your Apple ID account through iCloud.com.