Apple Card: Is It Worth the Hype?

Apple has a cult following; their phones and tablets have a devoted fanbase. Every new release is greeted by long lines and record sales. But now Apple is entering a whole new space: credit cards.

On March 25, 2019, Apple announced that they were launching a new credit card in partnership with Goldman Sachs and Mastercard. The announcement created tons of buzz in the finance communities, and the card is expected to be available in the summer. But before you submit your application, it’s important to understand what the Apple Card offers.

What makes the Apple Card different

The Apple Card will be linked to the Apple Wallet app on iPhones, streamlining your experience with Apple Pay. You can sign up for the Apple Card and start using it right away in stores, online, or through the app.

In addition, it gives you real-time views of your latest transactions. And, if you need help, you can contact customer support via text message directly through the app.

Apple will offer users a titanium card for shopping at retailers that don’t accept Apple Pay, yet. The titanium card has no credit card number, security code, or expiration date, making it more secure than other cards.

Rewards

The Apple Card’s approach to rewards is different than that of other credit cards. Rather than earning points, you’ll get a percentage of every Apple Card purchase back as Daily Cash. Unlike cash back reward programs on other cards, Daily Cash is added to your account each day, and can be used right away. You can use it to complete purchases, get a statement credit, or even send it to friends and family.

Purchases made directly through Apple — such as the App Store — will give you 3% Daily Cash. When you use the Apple Card through Apple Pay, you’ll get 2% Daily Cash. If you use the titanium version at brick-and-mortar stores, you’ll earn 1% Daily Cash on your purchases.

Benefits

The Apple Card is putting its focus on user experience. Through the app, you’ll get weekly and monthly summaries of your spending so you can spot trends and adjust your budget accordingly. It’s also one of the first apps that will encourage you to pay as little interest as possible; it will show you how much interest you’d pay at different payment levels, motivating you to pay more than the minimum payment.

Terms and Fees

Unlike many credit cards, the Apple Card boasts no fees. There are no annual fees, late, international, or over-the-limit fees. The company said in a press release that they plan to offer interest rates that are among the lowest in the industry. And, if you miss a payment, you won’t be charged a penalty rate.

How to apply for the Apple Card

Expected to launch this summer, you can’t apply for the Apple Card just yet. However, you can sign up for notifications and get an alert when the application is available on Apple.com/apple-card.

Alternatives to the Apple Card

The Apple Card’s concept is interesting. However, it appeals to a very niche audience: users who are Apple devotees who use their iPhones and Apple Pay. If you don’t use Apple Pay often, or if you’re an Android user, signing up for the Apple Card doesn’t make sense. And, another rewards credit card could offer more value.

For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card allows you to earn a $150 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. You’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. There’s no minimum to redeem for cash back and your Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.

Or, consider the Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards card. Offering unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, the card has no annual fee. If you spend $500 on new purchases within the first three months of opening an account, you’ll get a $150 signup bonus, a 30% return on spend.

Check out the best rewards credit cards of 2019 to find the perfect addition to your wallet.