What You Need Before You Start
The Apple Card is a credit card issued by Goldman Sachs that you manage entirely through the Wallet app on your iPhone. To begin the process, you need an iPhone with iOS 12.4 or later, an Apple ID, and a valid U.S. address. You'll also need to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Before you open the Wallet app, gather basic information about yourself: your Social Security number, date of birth, annual income, and employment status. Have a government-issued ID ready — a driver's license or passport works. You won't upload these documents, but you may need to answer questions about them during the process.
The entire process happens on your phone. There's no paper form, no mailing anything in, and no separate website to visit. Everything moves through the Wallet app and happens in real time.
Key Takeaways
- You explore for the Apple Card directly through the Wallet app on your iPhone, and the entire process takes about 10 minutes.
- Goldman Sachs will check your credit during the process, which may show up as a hard inquiry on your credit report.
- You'll receive a decision when ready after submitting your information, though you may be asked follow-up questions before approval.
- Once approved, you can use the card number in Apple Pay right away; the physical titanium card arrives by mail within a few business days.
Opening the Wallet App and Starting Your process
On your iPhone, open the Wallet app — it's the one that looks like a stack of cards. Tap the plus sign (+) in the top right corner. You'll see a menu with options; select "Credit or Debit Card." Then choose "Apple Card" from the list of available cards.
The app will ask you to agree to the terms and conditions. Read through these if you want the details, or scroll to the bottom and tap "Agree" to move forward. Next, you'll see a screen asking you to verify your identity. Tap "Continue" and follow the prompts to take a photo of your government-issued ID using your phone's camera.
The app uses facial recognition to match your face to your ID. Make sure you're in good lighting and your face is clearly visible. If the app can't read your ID the first time, try again — this step usually works on the second or third attempt.
Entering Your Personal and Financial Information
After your ID is verified, you'll enter your personal details: full name, date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your current address. The app will ask whether you rent or own your home. Answer honestly — this information helps Goldman Sachs assess your financial situation.
Next comes employment information. You'll select your employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student, or unemployed) and enter your annual income. If you're self-employed, you can enter your business income. If you're retired, enter your retirement income. The app doesn't ask for tax returns or pay stubs at this stage.
You'll also answer questions about your financial obligations: whether you have other credit cards, how many, and roughly how much you owe on them. Be accurate here. Goldman Sachs uses this to calculate your debt-to-income ratio, which affects whether you're approved and what credit limit you receive.
What Happens During the Credit Check
When you submit your process, Goldman Sachs will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report. This means they'll pull your full credit history from one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). A hard inquiry typically lowers your credit score by a few points and stays on your report for about two years.
The bank is looking at your credit score, payment history, how much debt you're carrying, and how long you've had credit accounts open. If you have recent late payments, high credit card balances, or a very short credit history, you're more likely to be denied or offered a lower credit limit.
You'll see your decision on screen when ready after the inquiry completes. Most people receive an when ready approval or denial. If Goldman Sachs needs more information — for example, if your income seems inconsistent with your credit history — they may ask follow-up questions before making a final decision.
Understanding Your Decision and Credit Limit
If you're approved, the app will show you your credit limit right away. This is the maximum amount you can charge to the card. Apple Card credit limits typically range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on your credit profile and income.
You can use the card number in Apple Pay when ready after approval. This means you can make purchases online or in stores using your phone the same day. The physical titanium card will arrive by mail within a few business days — you don't need to wait for it to start using your card.
If you're denied, the app will tell you why. Common reasons include a credit score that's too low, too much existing debt, or insufficient credit history. You can reapply after addressing these issues, though waiting at least a few months between applications is wise because each process creates another hard inquiry.
Setting Up Your Card and Making Your First Purchase
Once approved, your Apple Card appears in your Wallet app. Tap on it to see your card number, expiration date, and CVV. You can use this information to make purchases anywhere Apple Pay is accepted — in stores, online, and in apps.
To pay with your Apple Card in a store, hold your iPhone near the contactless reader and use Face ID or Touch ID to authorize the payment. Online, select Apple Pay as your payment method and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. In apps, the card is already set up if you use Apple Pay for in-app purchases.
Your first statement will arrive about 30 days after your first purchase. You can view your balance and transactions anytime in the Wallet app. Payments are due on the same day each month — you'll see the due date in the app. You can set up automatic payments or pay manually whenever you want.
What to Do If Your process Is Pending
Sometimes Goldman Sachs needs more time to make a decision. If your process shows "Pending" instead of approved or denied, the bank is reviewing your information more carefully. This usually happens when your credit profile doesn't fit a clear pattern or when your income needs verification.
You may receive a notification asking you to provide additional information — for example, a recent pay stub or a letter from your employer confirming your income. If this happens, follow the prompts in the Wallet app to submit what's requested. Goldman Sachs typically makes a final decision within a few business days of receiving the additional information.
While your process is pending, you cannot use the card. Check the Wallet app regularly for updates. You can also contact Goldman Sachs customer service through the app if you want to know the status of your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does explore for the Apple Card hurt my credit score?
Yes, the hard inquiry will lower your score by a few points temporarily. The impact is usually small — between 5 and 10 points — and the inquiry stops affecting your score after about a year, though it remains on your report for two years. If you're planning to explore for a mortgage or car loan soon, you may want to wait before explore for the Apple Card.
Can I explore if I don't have an iPhone?
No. The Apple Card is only available through the Wallet app on iPhone. You cannot explore on an Android phone, a computer, or through a website. You need an iPhone with iOS 12.4 or later to begin the process.
What if I'm approved but don't want the card anymore?
You can close your Apple Card account anytime through the Wallet app. Tap on your card, scroll down, and select "Close Card." If you have a balance, you'll need to pay it off before closing. Once closed, you cannot reopen the same account, but you can reapply in the future.
How long does it take to receive the physical card?
The titanium card typically arrives within 3 to 5 business days after approval. You don't need to wait for it to use your card — you can start making purchases with Apple Pay 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.
What happens if I'm denied?
The app will explain the reason — usually a low credit score, high debt levels, or insufficient credit history. You can reapply after improving your credit situation, such as paying down existing balances or building a longer payment history. Wait at least a few months before reapplying to avoid multiple hard inquiries in a short time.