Yesterday I published a post about the credit cards in my wallet at the start of 2021 and already that post is dated. It’s dated because after writing that post, another new credit card arrived in the mail. This one though, is quite different than any other card in my wallet. In fact, I doubt I’ll ever actually use the physical card. I’m speaking of course about the new-ish Apple Credit Card from Goldman Sachs.
Now, before I discuss the card arriving and the activation process, I want to first touch on why I have this card. The honest reason, is that I’m interested in the technology and user interface behind the card. I’ll touch on more of that in a future review of the card, but for now I can honestly say that this is absolutely the future of all credit cards. There is no doubt in my mind that other card issuers are working to developing a credit card account interface that is this user friendly and engaging. However, enough of that for now, instead, let’s get into the process of applying, receiving, and activating the Apple Credit Card.
Applying For The Apple Card
It’s no surprise, but Apple made applying for the Apple Card incredibly easy on iPhone. If you’re an existing iPhone user, you simply open the “wallet” application and you’ll find a card to apply.
Applying for the Apple card to just a few clicks and after a very short wait (~1 minute) I was approved for the card. As with most card applications you have to provide your SSN, DoB, and a valid address, but beyond that very little information was needed. I guess Apple already knows everything about its applicants anyway.
Immediately after Apple accepted my card application I received an email from Apple welcoming me to Apple card. The email was very brief, but highlighted how easy to use Apple card is. From that email on, I could tell Apple card was going to be different than a traditional credit card.
Waiting For My Physical Card To Arrive
Perhaps the best part of Apple card is that once your application is accepted, you can use the digital version of the card on your phone. There is no need to wait for a physical credit card. Furthermore, the digital version of the card includes all of your essential card information. So, you could even make regular online purchases with your card number, expiration date, and security code.
However, Apple also sends out physical, titanium, credit cards to use at merchants. The card took about a week to arrive, but at every step I received emails from Apple. Apple sends out an email when the card is shipped with a tracking number. Next, I received an email that let me know my card would arrive that day. A short while later I received a detailed email on exactly how to “activate” my new Apple card.
What’s even more surprising, I actually missed three different delivery attempts, and with each attempt I received the same emails. Clearly Apple is on top of this whole order shipment and communication thing. As I mentioned earlier, the whole Apple card experience really did set the standard to what other card issuers should strive for.
Unboxing The New Apple Card
Since this is arguably a tech product, an unboxing was clearly in order. As with other premium credit cards, my new Apple card arrived in a standard FedEx envelope.
Inside, alone, was a small cardboard envelope with a pull tab. Pulling the cardboard tab to open the envelope was extremely satisfying and the experience alone makes applying for the card worthwhile.
Inside the cardboard envelope was a simple, white, box with a depressed apple logo in the center. As with all things Apple, their branding and packaging really is fantastic.
When you open up the box you’ll find a burst of color with your new titanium Apple card resting neatly inside.
The card, like the box it came in is incredibly simple. The front of the card features just a laser engraved Apple logo, your name, and a chip on the front.
The back of the card is equally minimalistic and only carriers a magnetic strip, a MasterCard logo, and the Goldman Sachs logo.
Activating The Apple Card
Initial activation of the Apple card is amazingly simple and nearly as satisfying as pulling that cardboard pull tab. To activate your new Apple card, you simply tap your iPhone on the NFC logo below the card holder. From there, an animation appears on your iPhone screen similar to the animations seen when connecting AirPods.
The animation is an on screen replication of the in-person unboxing process with the white card holder opening up. Inside, is even an digital replica of your Apple card with your name clearly shown on the front of the card.
After the animation plays, a simple “activate” button appears on screen. You guessed it, you click “activate” to activate the card.
From there, you’ll receive confirmation that your Apple card is ready to use and can close the prompts by clicking the “continue” button. As you can imagine, the activation process took only a few seconds.
Initial Thoughts On Apple Card
For starters, I don’t think Apple card is a great rewards credit card. As discussed in my wallet post, there are much more rewarding cards available. However, I think Apple card represents the future of credit cards and I wanted to experience that for myself. Here’s exactly why I think Apple card represents the future of credit cards (apologies for the long screenshots, but I wanted to show you exactly what the user interface is like on screen).
When you open up your Apple card in the “wallet” app, you’ll find a very easy to follow snapshot of your card usage. This screen shows you when you payment is due, how much, your balance, your available balance, and your activity. Furthermore, your digital Apple card actually changes colors based on your spending. So as you spend on different categories your card will get more colorful. More spend on one category will make that color take up more space on the card.
Next, when you view your card information in the “wallet” app, you’ll find quick access to customer service, payment options, your actual card info (card number, etc.), and your balances / APR.
Further down on the same screen you’ll find hyperlinks to card benefits and a snapshot of your “daily cash balance.” This is cash back that you can claim instantly.
As you can see, the Apple card in “wallet” is far superior to any other credit card. Sure, this is because it’s Apple using an Apple app, but it does show what’s possible.
Finally, I love that the digital Apple card changes colors based on your spending. I also love that it goes back to white when you pay off your card in full. The whole thing feels a lot like “closing your rings” on Apple watch. It turns responsible credit usage into a game. It also makes it easy to see if, perhaps, you’re spending too much on a certain category each month.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m excited by Apple card. As I’ve mentioned, I’m not excited about the card’s benefits, but rather what the card represents. I really do this is what the future of credit cards looks like because the whole user interface is just so much easier to use/understand. Not to mention that cardboard pull was incredible.
My plan is to use the card for the next few weeks and then provide a detailed review of the card. Maybe I’m overstating how “revolutionary” this card actually is. Likewise, maybe the card is a bit more rewarding than I’m giving it credit card. Only time/use will tell.
Lastly, for anyone interested, the Apple card is made of titanium and is quite solid. It makes a very unique noise when it lands on a table. It’s a noise I’ve only heard replicated by the old metal Ritz-Carlton cards. So, if you’re looking to have an obnoxiously loud metal card in your wallet, this is the card for you.
