You can get the Apple Card through the Wallet app on your iPhone, and approval decisions come back in minutes

The Apple Card is a credit card issued by Goldman Sachs that lives in your iPhone's Wallet app. You start the process by opening Wallet, tapping the plus icon, and selecting "Credit or Debit Card." Apple then asks for basic information — your name, date of birth, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number — and sends your details to Goldman Sachs for a credit decision. Most people get an answer within minutes. If approved, your card number appears in Wallet when ready and you can use it right away for contactless payments or online purchases. A physical titanium card arrives by mail in about a week.

The entire process takes about five minutes on your phone. You do not need to visit a bank, call anyone, or fill out paper forms. Goldman Sachs checks your credit report during this process, which means a hard inquiry will appear on your credit file.

Key Takeaways

  • You start in the Wallet app on your iPhone by tapping the plus icon and selecting "Credit or Debit Card," then providing your name, date of birth, address, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • Goldman Sachs makes the credit decision and tells you whether you are approved within minutes; if approved, your card number appears in Wallet when ready.
  • A physical titanium card arrives by mail about a week after approval, but you can use the digital card in Wallet right away for contactless payments and online shopping.
  • The process triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily.
  • You must have an iPhone to open and manage the Apple Card; there is no way to use it without the Wallet app.

What You Need Before You Start

You need an iPhone running iOS 12.1 or later, an Apple ID, and a valid U.S. address. Goldman Sachs also requires you to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Have your Social Security number handy — you will enter the last four digits during the process.

You do not need an existing Apple account or any Apple products beyond the iPhone itself. If you have an older iPhone that cannot run the current iOS, you cannot open an Apple Card through that device, though you may be able to manage an existing card on a newer device later.

The Step-by-Step process Process

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" from the list. Tap "Continue" and you will see a screen asking for your legal name, date of birth, and address. Enter these exactly as they appear on your government ID.

Next, Goldman Sachs asks for the last four digits of your Social Security number. This is a security step to verify your identity. After you enter this information, tap "Continue" and review the terms and conditions. You must accept them to proceed. Goldman Sachs then runs a credit check and displays your decision on screen — usually within two to three minutes.

If you are approved, your card number, expiration date, and CVV appear in Wallet when ready. You can use these details for contactless payments at stores or for online purchases right away. The physical card ships separately and typically arrives within seven business days. If you are not approved, the app tells you why and may offer you the option to reapply later.

What Happens After Approval

Once approved, your digital Apple Card is active in Wallet and ready to use. You can make contactless payments by holding your iPhone near a payment terminal, or use the card number for online shopping. The physical titanium card arrives by mail and works the same way as the digital version — you can tap it at payment terminals or use the number online.

Your first statement closes 25 days after your account opens. You can view your balance, transactions, and due date in the Wallet app at any time. Payments are due on the same day each month, and you can set up automatic payments or pay manually through the app. The card reports to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so on-time payments build your credit history.

Credit Decisions and Denials

Goldman Sachs uses your credit score, payment history, and income to decide whether to approve you. The company does not publish a minimum credit score requirement, but most cardholders have scores in the mid-600s or higher. If your score is lower or you have recent late payments, you may be denied.

If you are denied, the app explains the reason — usually "credit history," "length of credit history," or "payment history." You can reapply after addressing the issue, such as paying down existing balances or waiting for late payments to age off your report. There is no penalty for reapplying, and you can try again after 30 days.

How the Hard Inquiry Affects Your Credit

When you submit your process, Goldman Sachs requests your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus. This hard inquiry typically lowers your credit score by a few points — usually between 5 and 10 points — and stays on your report for about 12 months. Multiple applications within a short time frame can have a larger impact.

The score drop is temporary. As long as you make on-time payments and keep your balance low relative to your credit limit, your score usually recovers within a few months. If you are planning to explore for a mortgage or auto loan soon, you may want to wait before explore for the Apple Card, since lenders see recent hard inquiries as a sign of credit-seeking behavior.

Using Your Apple Card After Approval

The digital card in Wallet works anywhere contactless payments are accepted — at most U.S. retailers, gas stations, and restaurants. Hold your iPhone near the payment terminal and use Face ID or Touch ID to authorize the transaction. For online shopping, use the card number from Wallet or let websites recognize your Apple Card automatically if you have saved it.

The physical card works the same way. You can tap it at contactless terminals or insert it into a chip reader at older payment machines. The card number on the physical card is different from your digital card number for security reasons, so if the physical card is lost or stolen, your digital card continues to work.

You can view all transactions, set spending categories, and track your cash back in the Wallet app. The Apple Card offers 3% cash back on purchases from Apple, 2% cash back on purchases made with the digital card, and 1% cash back on purchases made with the physical card. Cash back appears in your Apple Cash account and can be transferred to your bank account or used for future purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the Apple Card if I do not have a high credit score?

Goldman Sachs does not publish a minimum credit score, but approval is more likely with a score of 650 or higher. If you are denied, you can reapply after 30 days, especially if you have paid down other balances or resolved late payments in the meantime.

What if I lose my iPhone or it breaks?

Your digital card is tied to your Apple ID, not your phone. If you get a new iPhone, sign in with the same Apple ID and your card reappears in Wallet. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can suspend the card through iCloud.com or by signing into your Apple ID on another device, then remove it entirely if needed.

Do I have to use the physical card, or can I just use the digital one?

You can use only the digital card if you prefer. The physical card is optional. Many cardholders keep the physical card at home and use the digital version for everyday purchases. Both versions earn the same rewards and are linked to the same account.

How long does the physical card take to arrive?

The physical titanium card typically arrives within seven business days of approval. You can use your digital card in Wallet when ready while you wait. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, you can contact Goldman Sachs through the Wallet app to request a replacement.

Can I transfer my existing Apple Card to a new iPhone?

Yes. Sign into your new iPhone with the same Apple ID you used to open the card, and your Apple Card appears in Wallet automatically. Your account, balance, and transaction history remain the same across devices.