Apple Card vs Other Credit Cards: A Comprehensive Comparison

The Apple Card is a game-changer in the world of credit cards, but is it the best option for you? Let's break it down and compare it to other popular credit cards.

One of the standout features of the Apple Card is its lack of fees, including no annual fee, no late fee, and no foreign transaction fee. This makes it a great option for those who want a hassle-free credit card experience.

The Apple Card also offers a generous rewards program, with a 3% cashback rate on all purchases made directly in the Wallet app, and a 1% to 2% cashback rate on other purchases. This is significantly higher than many other credit cards on the market.

In contrast, some other credit cards charge annual fees ranging from $95 to $550. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has an annual fee of $95, while the American Express Platinum Card has an annual fee of $550.

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The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card can earn double the cash-back rate on Apple purchases compared to the Apple Card.

This card offers a 6% cash-back rate on Apple purchases, but there's a catch - the $1,500 combined spending cap between the two chosen retailers for the quarter. Once you hit that cap, the rewards rate drops to 1.5%.

The Apple Card, on the other hand, earns a base cash-back rate of 1.5% on all purchases.

If you're an Apple devotee, you might want to consider other credit cards that earn rewards at Apple, especially if you don't want to track bonus categories or pay the annual fee.

Here's a comparison of the Apple Card and the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card:

Note that while the U.S. Bank card offers a higher rewards rate on Apple purchases, it's only available up to a certain spending limit.

The Apple Card offers a rewards program that's unique to its ecosystem, with varying cash back rates depending on where and how you shop. You'll earn 2% Daily Cash when using Apple Card with Apple Pay, and 3% Daily Cash back on all purchases made directly with Apple, including at Apple Stores and the App Stores.

The top 3% rate is reserved for purchases at Apple and directly from select partners, which include merchants like Exxon, T-Mobile, Nike, Uber, and more.

Here's a breakdown of the rewards structure:

Earning 1% using the physical card everywhere else isn’t great, but it’s better than nothing. You can use the Apple Card and another favorite cash back card to maximize your rewards.

The Apple Card also offers a metal card, zero liability protection, Mastercard ID theft protection, and no foreign transaction fees. These perks are certainly good to have, though it's worth noting that some of these benefits are also relatively common credit card benefits.

You can use your cash back rewards to lower your credit card balance (statement credit), deposit to a linked bank account, or store with an Apple Cash card, enabling you to spend wherever Apple Pay is accepted.

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The Apple Card's interest rate is variable, ranging from 18.74% to 28.99%, depending on your income, credit history, and existing debt. This means the rate can change based on certain economic conditions.

You'll get an introductory interest rate of 0% for 6 to 24 months on purchases, but be aware that the regular interest rate will apply to any remaining balance after the intro rate expires.

The Apple Card has a high regular APR, making it a less attractive option for those who carry a balance.

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The Apple Card is a game-changer when it comes to avoiding fees. It has no foreign transaction fees, which means you can use it abroad without incurring extra charges.

You won't be hit with late fees, either. This is a huge relief for people who might be running a bit behind on their payments.

And, to top it all off, there's no annual fee. This is a major perk, especially for those who want to avoid paying extra just for having a credit card.

The Apple Card's interest rate is also unique. It estimates how much interest you'll pay based on your payment amount, which can help you calculate your payments more easily.

By not charging common fees, the Apple Card makes it easier to use and understand. This fee-free structure is a major selling point for the card.

The APR on purchases with the Apple Card is a bit complex, but I'll break it down for you. The introductory APR is 0% for 6 - 24 months on purchases.

This introductory rate is a great perk for new cardholders, giving them time to pay off their purchases without any interest charges. However, after the intro rate expires, the regular APR kicks in, ranging from 18.74% to 28.99% (variable).

So, it's essential to pay off your balance before the intro rate ends to avoid these higher interest charges.

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You can pay your Apple Credit Card bill online, by phone, through the Marcus by Goldman Sachs mobile app, or by mail.

The 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 to 24 months can be a great incentive to pay off your balance quickly, but be aware that the regular APR can be as high as 28.99% (V) APR after that.

To pay an Apple Card bill online, log in to your online account and click on “Payments.” Then, choose how much to pay, when to pay it, and where the payment is coming from.

You can also set up automatic payments through Marcus by Goldman Sachs, making it easier to stay on top of your payments.

To make a payment with the Apple Wallet app, you'll need to have a connected bank account or Apple Cash balance.

Here are some ways to make an Apple Card payment:

Keep in mind that balance transfers are not allowed with the Apple Credit Card.

The Apple Card monthly installments feature allows you to buy certain Apple products, such as iPhones and iPads, on monthly payment plans with your Apple Card.

These monthly payments are interest-free, which means you won't have to pay any extra fees on top of the purchase price.

You could still earn 3% cash back on these purchases, just like with regular Apple Card transactions.

Applying for the Apple Card is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. You'll need to sign in to iCloud to access the application in the Wallet app on your iOS device.

To apply, you'll use the Wallet app on an iPhone or iPad, making it a convenient option for Apple device owners. The application process is similar to other credit card applications, with a few minor differences.

If you're already a user of Apple devices, you'll likely find the application process to be quick and easy, taking only a few minutes to complete.

To apply for the Apple Card, you need to use the Wallet app on an iOS device, such as an iPhone or iPad. This is the only way to apply for the Apple Card.

The application process is similar to any other credit card application, and it should only take a few minutes to complete. You'll need to sign in to iCloud to start the application.

Daily deposits of cash rewards are a convenient feature of the Apple Card.

You don't have to wait until your next billing cycle to access your cash rewards, which is a big plus.

The Apple Card offers 3% cash back on Apple purchases and purchases with select partners when using Apple Pay.

This includes purchases from the App Store, Apple Music, and Apple TV+, which can add up quickly.

You can also earn 3% cash back on purchases with select partners like Nike, T-Mobile, Uber Eats, Walgreens, Exxon Mobil, Panera, and Duane Reade when using Apple Pay.

The Apple Card also offers 2% cash back on other Apple Pay purchases.

And, as a default, you'll earn 1% cash back on everything else.

This means you can earn cash back on a wide range of purchases, from daily essentials to big-ticket items.

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The Apple Card has some great features, but it's not the only game in town. The Chase Freedom Unlimited, for example, offers 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, which is a higher rate than the Apple Card's 1 - 3% Cash Back.

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If you're looking for a card with a 0% APR, the Citi Double Cash Card is a good option, offering 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

Here are some alternatives to the Apple Card that are worth considering:

These cards offer cash back rewards, no annual fee, and other perks that may be worth considering.

The Apple Card is a solid option, but it's worth considering other alternatives that offer similar benefits. The Chase Freedom Unlimited, for example, offers 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, making it a great choice for frequent travelers.

This card also offers 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service. Additionally, it provides 3% cash back on all other purchases, up to $20,000 spent in the first year.

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The Citi Double Cash Card is another alternative worth considering. It offers 2% cash back on every purchase, with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy and an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

Here are some key features of the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Citi Double Cash Card:

The Citi Double Cash Card also comes with a welcome bonus: earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

If you're looking for a card with a sign-up bonus, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers an extra 1.5% on everything you buy, up to $20,000 spent in the first year. The Citi Double Cash Card offers a $200 cash back bonus after you spend $1,500 in the first 6 months.

Ultimately, the best card for you will depend on your individual needs and spending habits. Be sure to read the fine print and compare features before making a decision.

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The Chase Freedom Flex is a solid option for those who want to earn rewards on their purchases. It offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly spending on bonus categories that rotate every three months, activation required.

To activate these bonus categories, you'll need to remember to do so each quarter, which can be a bit of a hassle. However, if you're willing to put in the effort, it can be worth it, as the rewards rate is higher than what you'd get with the Apple Card.

One thing to keep in mind is that you'll face quarterly spending caps, which means you can only earn the 5% rate on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter. This can be a bit limiting, but it's still a good option for those who want to earn rewards on their purchases.

Here are the details on the rewards and sign-up bonus:

Overall, the Chase Freedom Flex is a good option for those who want to earn rewards on their purchases, but it does require a bit of maintenance to get the most out of it.