You can get the Apple Card through the Wallet app on your iPhone, and approval usually takes minutes
The Apple Card is a credit card issued by Goldman Sachs that lives in your iPhone's Wallet app. You start the process entirely on your phone — there is no paper process or visit to a branch. Apple pulls your credit report, makes a decision, and either approves you or declines you within minutes. If approved, you can use the card in Apple Pay when ready, and a physical titanium card arrives by mail within a few days.
The card itself is optional. Many cardholders use only the digital version in Wallet and never order the physical card. The terms, interest rate, and credit limit are the same either way.
Key Takeaways
- You must have an iPhone, be at least 18 years old, and have a U.S. address and Social Security number to begin the process.
- Apple and Goldman Sachs check your credit report and income during the review, which usually takes a few minutes but can take longer if they need more information.
- Your interest rate and credit limit depend on your credit score and income — there is no fixed rate or limit that applies to everyone.
- You can use the card in Apple Pay when ready after approval, even before the physical card arrives.
- The card has no annual fee, but you pay interest on any balance you carry month to month.
What You Need Before You Start
Have your iPhone with you and make sure you are signed into iCloud with your Apple ID. You will also need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Goldman Sachs will ask for your annual income or household income — have a recent pay stub or tax return nearby if you are unsure of the exact figure.
Your credit report will be pulled as part of the review. This is a hard inquiry, which means it shows up on your credit report and can lower your score by a few points temporarily. You do not need a perfect credit score to be approved, but the higher your score, the better your interest rate and credit limit are likely to be.
If you have been declined for credit recently or have unpaid collections, you may still be approved, but your terms will reflect that history. There is no harm in explore — a single hard inquiry does not significantly damage your score.
The Step-by-Step Process in the Wallet App
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Select "Credit or Debit Card," then choose "Apple Card." Tap "Continue" and you will be taken through a series of screens asking for your personal information.
You will enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The app will ask whether you want to receive marketing emails from Apple — you can say no. Next, you will confirm your annual income and select your employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student, or other).
Review the terms and conditions, then tap "Agree and Continue." Goldman Sachs will pull your credit report and review your information. Most decisions come back within minutes. If approved, you will see your card number, expiration date, and CVV in the Wallet app when ready. If the decision is delayed, you will see a message saying Goldman Sachs needs more time to review your information.
What Happens If You Are Declined or Delayed
If you are declined, the Wallet app will tell you that you were not approved and will not give a specific reason. You can call Goldman Sachs at the number provided in the app to ask why. Common reasons for decline include a credit score that is too low, recent late payments, high existing debt, or insufficient income.
If your decision is delayed, Goldman Sachs may contact you by phone or email to ask follow-up questions about your income, employment, or address. Respond as soon as you can — delays usually resolve within a few days. You can also call Goldman Sachs proactively to check on your status.
If you are declined, you can reapply after your credit situation improves. There is no rule about how long you must wait, but explore again when ready after a decline is unlikely to change the outcome.
Using Your Card After Approval
Once approved, your card appears in your Wallet app with your card number, expiration date, and CVV visible. You can use it in Apple Pay at any store, app, or website that accepts Apple Pay. You can also add it to other digital wallets like Google Pay or Samsung Pay if you want to use it outside of Apple's ecosystem.
The physical titanium card is optional and arrives by mail within a few business days. You do not need to wait for it to use your card — the digital version works when ready. When the physical card arrives, you can set up it in the Wallet app and use it at any merchant that accepts Mastercard (the card is a Mastercard).
Your credit limit and interest rate will be shown in the Wallet app. You can check your balance, recent transactions, and statement at any time in the app. Payments are made through the Wallet app as well — you can pay your full balance, the minimum, or any amount in between.
Interest Rates, Fees, and Rewards
The Apple Card has no annual fee and no late fees. However, you do pay interest on any balance you carry from month to month. Your interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) depends on your credit score and creditworthiness. Rates vary, so two people approved on the same day may have different APRs.
The card offers cash back on purchases: 3% on Apple purchases, 2% on purchases made with Apple Pay, and 1% on everything else. Cash back is paid daily into your Apple Cash account, which you can use to pay your bill, transfer to a bank account, or spend through Apple Pay.
There are no foreign transaction fees, no balance transfer fees, and no cash advance fees. However, if you use the card to withdraw cash from an ATM, you will pay a fee and interest will accrue when ready.
Your Credit Limit and How It Can Change
Your starting credit limit is set by Goldman Sachs based on your credit score, income, and credit history. Limits typically range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, but there is no published minimum or maximum. You can see your limit in the Wallet app.
After you have had the card for a few months and made on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase. Open the Wallet app, go to your Apple Card, tap the three dots, and select "Request Credit Limit Increase." Goldman Sachs will review your request and let you know if they can raise your limit. This review is usually a soft inquiry, which does not affect your credit score.
Goldman Sachs may also increase your limit automatically if you demonstrate responsible use. Conversely, if you miss payments or carry a very high balance, your limit could be lowered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple device other than my iPhone to get the Apple Card?
No. You only need an iPhone to open and manage the card. You can use the card in Apple Pay on an Apple Watch or iPad if you have those devices, but they are not required to get the card or use it.
What if I do not have a credit history or have bad credit?
You can still explore. Goldman Sachs reviews applications from people with no credit history and from people with lower credit scores. Your approval odds and your interest rate will depend on the details of your situation, but there is no minimum credit score published. The only way to know is to explore.
Can I use the Apple Card at stores that do not have Apple Pay?
Yes, if you order the physical titanium card. The physical card works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The digital card only works in Apple Pay, which is accepted at most major retailers but not everywhere.
How long does it take to get the physical card?
Apple typically ships the physical card within a few business days of approval. Delivery time depends on your location but usually takes 5 to 10 business days. You do not need to wait for the physical card to start using your card — the digital version works when ready.
What happens if I lose my iPhone or it gets stolen?
Your card is protected by your iPhone's security features. If you lose your phone, you can remotely disable the card through iCloud or by calling Goldman Sachs. You can also add the card to a replacement iPhone using your Apple ID. If someone uses your card without permission, you can dispute the charge through the Wallet app.