Apple Card review: Is it worth the hype?
Editor's Note
Apple Card overview
The Apple Card launched in 2019 as Apple's first foray into the rewards credit card space. While it was met with enthusiasm from Apple fans, there's room for improvement. With limited perks, there are certainly better rewards cards out there. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐½
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
There was a lot of hype surrounding the news that Apple was releasing its own credit card a couple of years ago. When the product officially launched, the initial consensus among credit card rewards enthusiasts was that the card didn't meet expectations.
While I am one of those who are mostly unimpressed with the card, I'll admit that it does have some redeeming qualities and the potential to be a solid card for Apple enthusiasts.
The Apple Card has no annual fee and we recommend applicants have a credit score of 660 or higher to increase their chances of approval.
Let's take a deeper dive to see if the Apple Card could be a suitable fit for your needs.
The information for the Apple Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related reading: Your complete guide to Apple Pay
Apple Card pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Apple Card welcome offer
One of the card's most disappointing aspects is the lack of a welcome bonus. Very few rewards cards offer no welcome bonus.
The card doesn't charge an annual fee; Apple is generally taking an anti-fee stance, with no late or over-the-limit fees. But if you have a long history of paying bills on time and in full each month, those wouldn't affect you either way. In my mind, it doesn't make up for not offering a welcome bonus.
Apple Card benefits
Like most no-annual-fee cash back cards, the Apple Card doesn't offer lounge access, annual statement credits or other premium benefits. Rather, it focuses on helping consumers understand their credit habits and plan payments to avoid interest.
Apple uses location services to map out your card purchases and assigns each expense a color and a category. For beginners just jumping into the world of credit cards and managing personal spending habits, this can help them visualize where money is spent each month.
It's a nifty concept, though not quantifiably valuable. Some cardholders will be able to use it to help identify spending habits and budgeting shortfalls; others won't find much use in this tool.
Apple offers text support 24/7 for card support, which is nice. Considering how frustrating it can be to try to contact customer support via phone or even secure message for many issuers, this is a convenient perk.
Finally, the card does offer a unique benefit for anyone who regularly buys the newest iPhone when a new model launches.
Apple Card Monthly Installments allows you to finance a new iPhone or other products from Apple with interest-free payments. You can track your payment schedule right from the Wallet app, and it doesn't require an additional application if you are a cardholder.
Earning cash back with the Apple Card
You'll earn 3% Daily Cash on Apple purchases (including tech products, App Store purchases and other services such as Apple Music and Apple TV+) and a smattering of specific merchant purchases when you use Apple Pay:
- Ace Hardware
- Booking.com
- ChargePoint
- Duane Reade
- Exxon and Mobil gas stations
- Nike
- T-Mobile
- Uber
- Uber Eats
- Walgreens
When you use the card with other merchants via Apple Pay, you'll get 2% Daily Cash. You'll also earn 1% on all other purchases including purchases made with the physical titanium card.
If you almost always use Apple Pay, this card could act like a flat-rate cash-back card. For no annual fee, 2% isn't a bad return across all spending. However, if you don't shop at many places where Apple Pay is accepted and don't shop with the specific merchants that earn 3%, this card's earning structure will not be lucrative for you.
Redeeming cash back with the Apple Card
The Apple Card earns Daily Cash, which is available to use through the Wallet app on purchases, as a statement credit to pay off your bill, as a deposit into an Apple Card Savings account or through the Messages app to pay back friends and family. Your Daily Cash balance is easy to see in the Wallet app.
I'll admit, the ability to use your Daily Cash to pay back friends (similar to using a service such as Venmo) is a nice perk.
Which cards compete with the Apple Card?
Competition is fierce in the rewards credit card space. There are several affordable credit cards available from a large range of issuers and for just about every audience out there. Here are a few:
- If you want a great everyday spending card: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) is a simple no-annual-fee option. You'll earn up to 2% back on every purchase — 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill. To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
- If you are loyal to Capital One: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is another everyday spending option for those who are willing to pay a $95 annual fee in exchange for earning transferable rewards miles that can be transferred to travel partners for great value. To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.
- If you are loyal to Chase: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) has no annual fee and offers 5% cash back on Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. This card is a great option for those newer to the credit card space. To learn more, see our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
For additional options, check out our list of the best no-annual-fee cards.
Read more: Redeeming Capital One miles for maximum value
Is the Apple Card worth it?
The Apple Card best suits beginners and offers a simple rewards rate across all purchases. It could fit you if you make many purchases with Apple Pay or the (limited) list of 3% bonus merchants. If not, you can probably do better with a cash-back card offering 2% on all purchases.
Bottom line
Apple had an opportunity to create an innovative rewards structure and integrate unique experiences with its tech, but its offering fell flat.
If you are a hard-core Apple consumer, this no-annual-fee credit card may be nice to add to your wallet if for nothing other than the finance program for new iPhones and the potential cash-back earning on Apple purchases. However, there are better card options if you're looking for a rewarding everyday spending credit card.
Related: Best cash back cards