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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Madison Blancaflor is the managing editor for TPG's content operations team. She focuses on helping TPG's broader editorial team bring news, features and advice to readers. She has nearly six years of experience covering the credit cards and travel industries.
When Ryan worked as a TPG credit cards writer, he oversaw refreshes of card reviews and card offer stories. He enjoyed racking up cash back and helping readers maximize their points and miles for their next big trip.
also contributed to this story
March 10, 2025 • 7 min read
JLCO-JULIA AMARAL/GETTY IMAGES
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Quick summary
Apple's rewards card launched in 2019, targeting Apple enthusiasts with a streamlined user experience and integration with Apple Pay.
The card offers a simple cash-back structure, with higher rates at Apple and select merchants when using Apple Pay, and a flat rate elsewhere.
There are no fees attached, and the card includes features like interest-free installment plans for Apple products and robust app-based budgeting tools.
However, it lacks a welcome bonus and premium benefits, making it less appealing for those seeking maximum rewards or travel perks.
What to consider
The card's value is highest for those who frequently use Apple Pay and shop with select merchants or purchase Apple products.
There is no welcome bonus, and benefits are limited compared to other rewards cards in the market.
Cash back can be redeemed easily through the Wallet app, including as statement credits or peer payments.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of how this card stacks up against other leading no-fee and everyday spending cards.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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.
One of the card's most disappointing aspects is the lack of a welcome bonus. Very few rewards cards offer no welcome bonus.
THE POINTS GUY
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.
APPLE
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:
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.
APPLE
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 (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 Chase: The (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.
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.
