How to apply for the Apple Card: requirements and steps

Who can apply, how to check approval without affecting your credit score and what changes with the new issuer

By Luzia Martins updated in 09/24/2026

Apple Card is a Mastercard credit card created by Apple and issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA. This guide covers who can apply, how the application works, how to activate the card and what to know about the upcoming change of issuer.

The card at a glance

Network: Mastercard, accepted worldwide
Fees: no annual, late, over-the-limit or foreign transaction fees
Daily Cash: 3% at Apple and select merchants with Apple Pay, 2% with Apple Pay and 1% with the physical card
Purchase APR: 17.49% to 27.74% variable, based on your creditworthiness
Credit limit: set by the issuer based on your credit profile

Terms checked in September 2026. Apple lists these APRs as of July 1, 2026. Confirm the current terms on Apple’s official website before you apply.

Who the card is for

Apple Card makes the most sense for people who use an iPhone and pay with Apple Pay often, since that’s where the 2% and 3% Daily Cash rates apply. If you mostly pay with a physical card, you earn 1%, and other no-fee cards may pay more.

Who can apply

According to Apple, to apply for Apple Card you must:

Be 18 or older, depending on where you live
Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful U.S. resident with a U.S. residential address that isn’t a P.O. Box. A military address also works.
Be signed in to your Apple Account with two-factor authentication turned on
Use an iPhone or iPad with the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, or apply online with a supported browser

If your credit report is frozen, you need to temporarily lift the freeze before you apply. You might also need to verify your identity with a driver’s license or state-issued photo ID.

Goldman Sachs reviews your credit score, your existing debts and how much of your available credit you use. It may take more time to review some applications or ask for more information to verify your identity.

How to apply for the Apple Card

On your iPhone or iPad, open the Wallet app, tap the add button and choose Apple Card. You can also apply online after signing in with your Apple Account.
Fill in your personal information, including your income, and review the terms.
Submit the application. You can see if you’re approved without any impact on your credit score.
If you’re approved, review the offer, including your credit limit and APR, and decide whether to accept it. Accepting results in a hard inquiry, which may affect your credit score.

If you apply online and don’t add the card to an eligible iPhone or iPad, you can only use it for purchases at Apple, online and in stores.

After you’re approved

Once you accept, the card is added to the Wallet app and you can start using it right away with Apple Pay. You can request the titanium card in the Wallet app for places that don’t take Apple Pay.

To activate the titanium card, follow the instructions in the packaging, which uses an NFC tag you tap with your iPhone. If you don’t have the packaging, open Apple Card in the Wallet app and look for the option to activate the titanium card in your card’s settings.

Set Apple Card as your default card in the Wallet app if you want it to be used automatically for Apple Pay and Apple services.

What changes with JPMorgan Chase

In January 2026, Apple, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase announced that Chase will become the new issuer of Apple Card. The transition is expected to take about 24 months, and the card stays on the Mastercard network. At the time of the announcement, the companies said nothing was changing for current cardholders or new applicants. Goldman Sachs continues to operate the program during the transition.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an iPhone to get an Apple Card?

You can apply online with your Apple Account, but without an eligible iPhone or iPad you can only use the card for purchases at Apple. To use all of the card’s features, you need an iPhone or iPad with the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

Does applying affect my credit score?

No. You can see if you’re approved without any impact on your credit score. If you’re approved and accept the card, a hard inquiry is made, which may affect your score.

Can I apply if my credit report is frozen?

You need to temporarily lift the freeze with the credit bureau before you apply.

Does the Apple Card charge a late fee?

No, but late or missed payments add more interest to your balance. Paying the full balance each month avoids interest entirely.

What is Apple Card Family?

Apple Card Family lets you share your card with people in your Family Sharing group. Adults 18 or older can become co-owners and build credit together, but each co-owner is responsible for the full balance. People 13 or older can be added as participants, and the owner can set spending limits for them.

Will my Apple Card change when Chase becomes the issuer?

At the time of the January 2026 announcement, Apple and the banks said nothing was changing for cardholders. The transition is expected to take about 24 months. Watch for notices from Apple and the issuer about any updates to your account.

How to contact Apple Card support

You can reach Apple Card customer service through the Apple Card section of the Wallet app on your iPhone, or by calling Goldman Sachs at 1-877-255-5923.

Our take on the Apple Card

Apple Card is a good choice if you use an iPhone, pay with Apple Pay often and want a card with no fees. It’s less rewarding if you pay mostly with a physical card, and it has no welcome bonus. Whatever you decide, check whether you’re approved before accepting, since that step doesn’t affect your credit score.

The button below takes you to Apple’s official website, where you can review the card and apply.

GO TO OFFICIAL WEBSITE

*You will be redirected to Apple’s website*

Editorial Notice: All content published on this website is completely independent and aims to provide clear, useful, and up-to-date information about personal finance. We have no ties to banks, financial institutions or credit card companies. We are not affiliates and do not receive commissions or payments to promote products or services. Our website is monetized exclusively through the advertisements displayed on our pages. This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.