I sent an email to Tim Cook expressing my disappointment and the struggles with using an Apple Card when using the iPhone Upgrade Program.
I received a phone call from an Apple Retail Executive Relations person that was genuinely concerned about my misreable experience.
I related all of the failed attempts to use my Apple Card to no avail. Then after reading the best forum on everything...MacRumors...learned about others having trouble using their AC. I then switched to another card and the transaction went through in 10 seconds. I told him that I was extremely disappointed since I was pre-approved for the upgraded and had so much trouble. I expected to receive my new iPhone on 9/24, and by the time I used another card, delivery went to 10-6/10-11.
He offered no promises, but said that he would do everything that he could to see I was taken care of.
He emailed me his personal contact information and said that he would be back in contact to me no later than 8:00 pm on Monday.
When I sent the email I was just frustrated and had NO expectation that I would hear from anyone at Apple.