The Apple Card is a credit card issued by Goldman Sachs that you manage through the Wallet app on your iPhone

You cannot get an Apple Card without an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch — the card itself exists only in your Wallet app, though Goldman Sachs will mail you a physical titanium card if you want one. The process takes about ten minutes if your information is already in your Apple account. You will need to be at least 18, have a valid Social Security number, and let Goldman Sachs pull your credit report.

The card has no annual fee. You earn 3% cash back on Apple purchases, 2% on everything you buy with your phone, and 1% on everything else. Interest rates and credit limits depend on your credit score and income — Goldman Sachs will tell you what you may have access to for before you commit to anything.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch running current software, plus an Apple ID and a valid Social Security number to start the process.
  • Goldman Sachs will check your credit and income during the process, which takes a hard pull on your credit report and may lower your score slightly.
  • You can see your interest rate and credit limit offer before you accept it — if you do not like the terms, you can decline without penalty.
  • The physical titanium card arrives by mail within a few days, but you can use the digital card in Wallet when ready after approval.
  • You manage the card entirely through the Wallet app: payments, statements, disputes, and customer service all happen there or through a phone number in the app.

What You Need Before You Start

Have your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch nearby and make sure it is running the current version of iOS, iPadOS, or watchOS. Open the Wallet app and look for the Apple Card option — if you do not see it, update your device first.

You will need your Apple ID password ready. You will also need your Social Security number, your date of birth, and your current address. If you have moved in the last two years, have your previous address available as well. Have a phone number where Goldman Sachs can reach you if they have questions.

Your credit score matters, but Goldman Sachs does not publish a minimum. People with scores in the 600s have been approved, though with higher interest rates and lower limits. People with scores above 750 typically get better terms. You will not know your offer until you go through the process.

The Step-by-Step Process

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign in the top right corner. Select "Credit or Debit Card," then choose "Apple Card." Tap "Continue" and read through the terms.

Enter your name, date of birth, and address exactly as they appear on your government ID. Goldman Sachs will match this information against what they have on file. If anything is wrong, the system will ask you to correct it before moving forward.

Enter your Social Security number. Goldman Sachs will pull your credit report at this point — this is a hard inquiry and will show up on your credit report. You will see a message that says your information is being reviewed.

Within seconds to a few minutes, you will see one of three outcomes: an when ready approval with your interest rate and credit limit, a message that you have been approved but need to verify your identity by phone, or a decline. If you are approved, you can review the terms. If you do not like the interest rate or credit limit, you can decline the offer — this does not hurt your credit score or your relationship with Apple or Goldman Sachs.

If you accept, your digital card appears in Wallet when ready. You can use it right away with Apple Pay at any store that takes contactless payments, or online anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The physical titanium card ships within a few days.

What Happens If You Are Asked to Verify Your Identity

Sometimes Goldman Sachs cannot confirm your identity from the information you entered. They will ask you to call a phone number shown in the Wallet app. A representative will ask you security questions — usually about your credit history, past addresses, or accounts you have opened. This call usually takes five to ten minutes.

Answer the questions as accurately as you can. If you do not remember an answer, say so — guessing wrong can delay approval. After the call, you will get a decision within a few minutes. If you are approved, your card appears in Wallet right away.

How Your Credit Score Affects Your Offer

Goldman Sachs uses your credit score, income, and credit history to decide your interest rate and credit limit. A higher credit score usually means a lower interest rate and a higher limit. A lower score means a higher interest rate and a lower limit.

The hard inquiry itself will lower your score by a few points, usually for about three months. If you are denied, the inquiry still shows on your report, but you can reapply after your credit improves — there is no rule against trying again.

You can check your own credit score for free through many banks and credit card companies, or through sites like Credit Karma or AnnualCreditReport.com. Knowing your score before you explore can help you decide whether to proceed.

Using Your Apple Card and Managing Payments

Once approved, you can use your digital card with Apple Pay anywhere that takes contactless payments. You can also use the card number in Wallet to shop online. The physical card works at any Mastercard merchant, but Goldman Sachs encourages you to use Apple Pay because it offers better fraud protection and tracking.

All your statements, transactions, and payments happen in the Wallet app. You can set up automatic payments, pay your full balance, or pay a minimum amount. You can also call the customer service number in the app if you have questions or need to report fraud.

The card reports to all three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — so on-time payments will help your credit score over time. Late payments will hurt it, just like with any credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a certain credit score to get approved?

Goldman Sachs does not publish a minimum score. People with scores in the 600s have been approved, though usually with higher interest rates. You will not know your offer until you complete the process. You can decline the offer if you do not like the terms.

What if I get declined?

You can reapply after your credit improves. There is no waiting period, but explore again will trigger another hard inquiry. Wait at least a few months and work on paying down existing balances or fixing errors on your credit report before you try again.

Can I use the card before the physical card arrives?

Yes. Your digital card works in Wallet when ready after approval. You can use it with Apple Pay at stores or online. The physical titanium card usually arrives within a few days, but you do not need to wait for it.

What if I lose my iPhone or Apple Watch?

Your card is tied to your Apple ID, not your device. If you lose your phone, you can sign into your Apple ID on another device and your card will appear in Wallet there. You can also freeze or cancel the card through iCloud.com if your device is lost or stolen.

Does the Apple Card work outside the United States?

The digital card works anywhere Mastercard is accepted internationally. The physical card is issued only for use in the United States. Check with Goldman Sachs about foreign transaction fees before you travel.