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C7 POWER

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Apr 10, 2015
2,037
1,414
Charlotte, NC
So I was one of the ones last week that was able to apply and get the Apple Card, and have been using it via Apple Pay since Wednesday of last week, and today as I type, my Physical Card was delivered at the house, so I am anxious to get home and open that envelope up lol.

But the idea of a card with no fee's, etc made me wonder why Apple would get into the card business then it hit me over the weekend. The fact that once you get the card and get used to using it, is another reason that you are stuck into the Apple Eco System which guarantees you stay with Apple for yet another reason. Since you cant have the card without having a iOS Device.

Good Call Apple lol. DAMN YOU!! haha
 

maniacmedia

macrumors regular
Jan 9, 2007
122
23
That, and the interchange fees. The fees charged to the vendor when you use your card. They get to double up on them if you use the cash back via your Apple Cash Card. I covered that part in an article not too long ago.
 
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JForestZ34

macrumors 6502a
Nov 18, 2007
959
246
You know I didn't notice to check but could you have the apple card without an iphone? I.E. just using an ipad...???


James
 

mecloud

macrumors regular
Aug 15, 2019
148
252
You know I didn't notice to check but could you have the apple card without an iphone? I.E. just using an ipad...???


James

There's a YouTuber "Proud Money" who did a video of applying and being approved on an iPad.
 

ecschwarz

macrumors 65816
Jun 28, 2010
1,435
356
I've been also thinking of some things since a lot of people who geek out about credit cards complain about the perks not being as good as the Citi Double Cash or the various Chase offerings and so on, but I think it's a very Apple-like decision to offer some simple rewards that are good, maybe not the best, work well with the ecosystem, and are in a well-designed package (software especially). The majority of people getting this probably only have a couple of cards and aren't visiting forums and sites that review and obsess over cards (although there are some).

In some ways, it feels very much like any Apple—someone else probably makes something that is objectively more powerful, offers more specific features, more options, etc., but may trade simplicity for those.
 

mecloud

macrumors regular
Aug 15, 2019
148
252
Yes, it's clear that Apple is not targetting "credit card geeks/churners". Actually no bank targets them, it's just that some tend to attract them with promiscuous sign-up bonuses. But most have clamped down hard on "churning", Chase with it's 5/24 rule and no new bonuses until 48 months after the last, for example. AMEX will straight up take back MR point bonuses if they think you're abusing their "hospitality".

This is a no annual fee card, providing near-immediate cash back, no fees or penalties (!), and a very nice level of transparency about how interest charges work. I find nothing to complain about and think it's a great product that may help a lot of people better understand how revolving credit actually works. If I want better rewards for certain purchase categories, I'll break out one of my other cards.
 
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az431

Suspended
Sep 13, 2008
2,131
6,122
Portland, OR
So I was one of the ones last week that was able to apply and get the Apple Card, and have been using it via Apple Pay since Wednesday of last week, and today as I type, my Physical Card was delivered at the house, so I am anxious to get home and open that envelope up lol.

But the idea of a card with no fee's, etc made me wonder why Apple would get into the card business then it hit me over the weekend. The fact that once you get the card and get used to using it, is another reason that you are stuck into the Apple Eco System which guarantees you stay with Apple for yet another reason. Since you cant have the card without having a iOS Device.

Good Call Apple lol. DAMN YOU!! haha

There’s nothing about the Apple Card that makes anyone “stuck” with the Apple ecosystem. If you switch to an android phone you cancel the card.
 

quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
6,985
2,492
There’s nothing about the Apple Card that makes anyone “stuck” with the Apple ecosystem. If you switch to an android phone you cancel the card.

Or just leave it active, but don’t use it. Canceling the card will hit your credit score. Since it has no fees, just leave it open.
 
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4sallypat

macrumors 601
Sep 16, 2016
4,034
3,782
So Calif
It's all voluntary for me with Apple.
No one is threatening me or dangling a jumbo carrot in front of me to stay with Apple...

After years with Apple (since 1985 Apple IIe and Quadra) I have to say that Apple designs the most innovative and reliable pieces of technology.
 
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Velin

macrumors 68020
Jul 23, 2008
2,119
2,187
Hearst Castle
One reason I use Apple card - I am supporting Apple's decision to not mine/sell our personal information. I'd rather interchange fees go to Apple and Tim Cook, instead of most of these other scummy companies.
 

C7 POWER

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Apr 10, 2015
2,037
1,414
Charlotte, NC
There’s nothing about the Apple Card that makes anyone “stuck” with the Apple ecosystem. If you switch to an android phone you cancel the card.

But if you want to keep the card and get used to the convenience, security, etc of the card, its one more reason to stay.
 

AppleHaterLover

macrumors 68020
Jun 15, 2018
2,048
2,051
The idea is that it's a card for purchases. And that's it.

I'm still keeping my Amex Platinum so I can fill myself to the brim with "free" food from airline lounges.
 

Expos of 1969

Contributor
Aug 25, 2013
4,825
9,516
One reason I use Apple card - I am supporting Apple's decision to not mine/sell our personal information. I'd rather interchange fees go to Apple and Tim Cook, instead of most of these other scummy companies.

It seems you know nothing about the history and actions of Goldman Sachs. Have a little read about the role GS played in the world wide economic crash in 2008.
 

Glideslope

macrumors G3
Dec 7, 2007
8,325
5,787
The Adirondacks.
For those with an Apple Card not paying in full at time of purchase:

Does anyone know if the Apple Upgrade program gives you 3% on you’re Apple Card. The program is still through Citizens Bank. I’m assuming the answer is no as your not paying Apple directly? Although each payment is an Apple product. :apple:
 

4sallypat

macrumors 601
Sep 16, 2016
4,034
3,782
So Calif
I really hates Citizen's Bank for the Apple upgrade program when I was in it.
Never saw a statement, no web access and all payments done secretively thru your checking account...
Such a weird bank to do business with...
Hoping the new Apple card will cause Apple to switch over to them and offer the same 0 % 24 month offer....
 

quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
6,985
2,492
I really hates Citizen's Bank for the Apple upgrade program when I was in it.
Never saw a statement, no web access and all payments done secretively thru your checking account...
Such a weird bank to do business with...
Hoping the new Apple card will cause Apple to switch over to them and offer the same 0 % 24 month offer....

There is web access. The loan info you receive after enrolling will have your loan number. Should get a link to their website and sign up using your info. Have the ability to see balance remaining, change payment methods, pay it off, etc.

PS: I changed mine over to the Apple Card cause I read it does qualify for the 3%. We shall see.
 

4sallypat

macrumors 601
Sep 16, 2016
4,034
3,782
So Calif
There is web access. The loan info you receive after enrolling will have your loan number. Should get a link to their website and sign up using your info. Have the ability to see balance remaining, change payment methods, pay it off, etc.

PS: I changed mine over to the Apple Card cause I read it does qualify for the 3%. We shall see.
Wait, are you saying that you have the option to use the Apple Card for the new upcoming iPhone 11 instead of Citizen's bank?

I thought the whole reason Citizen's bank is used was the 0% financing rate?

What benefits other than 3% do you get if you use the Apple card.
 

quagmire

macrumors 604
Apr 19, 2004
6,985
2,492
Wait, are you saying that you have the option to use the Apple Card for the new upcoming iPhone 11 instead of Citizen's bank?

I thought the whole reason Citizen's bank is used was the 0% financing rate?

What benefits other than 3% do you get if you use the Apple card.

No, I changed the payment method for my XS Max with Citizens to the Apple Card because I did read that it would qualify for the 3% cash back. We shall see if that is the case when they charge the next payment on it in September.
 
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4sallypat

macrumors 601
Sep 16, 2016
4,034
3,782
So Calif
No, I changed the payment method for my XS Max with Citizens to the Apple Card because I did read that it would qualify for the 3% cash back. We shall see if that is the case when they charge the next payment on it in September.
Oh, I forgot you can pay the Citizen's One bank loan every month with a credit card.
Last time I was paying for the phone, I used my debit card.
So this time with Apple Card in the picture, it makes sense to use Citizen's One bank for the 0% financing and then use the Apple Card to make the monthly and get 3%.
Finally, my checking account to pay for the Apple card monthly to avoid any interest charges...
Sounds like 3 different accounts to make this deal happen!
 

swandy

macrumors 6502a
Oct 27, 2012
991
323
I also had no issues with Citizen's Bank once the online access was set up. Just changed the credit card to the Apple Card - though I think you will be getting the 1% rate as it is using the number off the physical card and it is not an electronic payment directly to Apple. Hopefully they will just allow us to use the Apple Card when the new preorders for the iPhones start next month.
 
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4sallypat

macrumors 601
Sep 16, 2016
4,034
3,782
So Calif
I'm confused.
:confused:
If I use the Apple Card to pay for the Citizen's One bank 0% financing each month on the new upcoming iPhone 11, will I earn 1% or 3% back using the Apple card each month???
 

swandy

macrumors 6502a
Oct 27, 2012
991
323
I'm confused.
:confused:
If I use the Apple Card to pay for the Citizen's One bank 0% financing each month on the new upcoming iPhone 11, will I earn 1% or 3% back using the Apple card each month???
No one really knows how the Apple Card will effect the upcoming iPhone purchases but IMHO if you are still making payments directly to Citizen’s Bank I would think the cash back would be the same 1% as if you were using the credit card number on any other website. Unless Apple makes an exception for these loans knowing they were for purchases of iPhones.
Perhaps if people have the Apple Card already Apple will no longer use Citizen’s bank and just bill the monthly payments directly to their own card. Would make sense to me.
 
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NYCValkyrie

macrumors 6502a
Jun 1, 2019
672
521
I really hates Citizen's Bank for the Apple upgrade program when I was in it.
Never saw a statement, no web access and all payments done secretively thru your checking account...
Such a weird bank to do business with...
Hoping the new Apple card will cause Apple to switch over to them and offer the same 0 % 24 month offer....

There is definitely web access because that's how I check it and have used it to update the credit card on file it charges to. I pay it off monthly but I collect the points. You don't have to use a checking account. I haven't had any issues w/ Citizen's at all for iUP. I got an email every month when payment was about to be charged. There's no statement but it's a loan so there isn't anything on it except the payment bringing the total loan amount down, which you can print off of the website.

https://www.fsdsapps.com/ecs/citizens-one-apple/#!/citizens-one-apple-auth/login

You need your loan # which can be found on the approval email as well as the monthly payment reminders.
 
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