How To Get The Apple Card In Canada (2024)

The Apple Card, a collaboration between Apple and U.S.-based investment bank Goldman Sachs, is more than just a credit card. It’s marketed as a digital-first financial tool, seamlessly integrated into the Apple ecosystem.

Designed primarily for iPhone users, the Apple Card offers a range of features that cater to the modern consumer’s desire for convenience, credit card rewards and financial security.

Currently, the Apple Card remains exclusive to the United States, with no official launch date announced for Canada.

The delay in Canadian availability is partly due to differences in banking regulations and the need for a Canadian banking partner.

Although Apple has trademarked “Apple Card” in Canada, there’s still no clear indication of when it might be available for Canadian residents.

That said, it’s hotly anticipated in Canada, thanks to its innovative approach to personal finance and the massive popularity of Apple products in general.

Here are the Apple Card’s most notable features:

• Cash-back rewards: Offers 3% cash back on Apple purchases, 2% on purchases made via Apple Pay and 1% on other transactions.
• No fees: The card charges no annual fees, foreign transaction fees, or late fees.
• Integration with Apple Wallet: Allows users to track spending and manage their account directly from their iPhone.
• Daily Cash: Unlike traditional cash-back programs where cash-back rewards are doled out monthly or annually, Apple Card users receive a percentage of cash back on every purchase they make as soon as that purchase is processed. This cash back is called Daily Cash–it’s unlimited and can be transferred into a savings account where it can earn interest, converted into Apple Cash, so you can spend it, or shared with friends and family.

Apple prioritizes user safety with features like:

• Advanced security: Utilizes Face ID and Touch ID technology for authentication.
• Privacy protection: Ensures that purchase details are only visible to the user.
• Titanium physical card: Comes without a printed credit card number for enhanced security.

The card includes tools like:

• Financial management: Visual representations of spending.
• Colour-coded categories: Helps users track spending habits.
• Spending summaries: Detailed reports of transactions.

Currently, only U.S. residents can apply for the Apple Card. The process involves adding the card to your Apple Wallet on an iPhone, which triggers a simple application procedure.

Once the application is filled out, you simply accept the Apple Card’s terms and conditions, as well as your offered credit limit and APR. The Apple Card is then added to your Apple wallet. You can also request a physical version of the Apple Card—which is made of titanium—and can be sent to your address.

For Canadians seeking similar features to the Apple Card, here are some notable credit cards available in Canada. These can serve as good alternatives to the Apple Card, considering their fees, features and APRs.

1. Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards: Offers up to 2% cash back in two chosen categories (or three with a Tangerine Savings Account) and 0.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• APR: The standard interest rate is 19.95% on purchases.
• Special Features: Customize your reward categories based on your spending habits, and automatically earn unlimited cash back every month.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.5%
• Additional Benefits: Free cards for authorized users, customizable cash-back categories and no limit on the overall cash back you can earn.

Learn more: Tangerine Money-Back Card Review

2. Neo Financial Mastercard

• Annual Fee: $0 for the basic version (premium versions have fees).
• Rewards: Earn an average of 5% cash back at thousands of participating stores and a minimum of 0.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• APR: The standard purchase APR ranges between 19.99% to 29.99%.
• Special Features: Offers instant cash back from Neo’s partner stores, along with personalized offers based on spending patterns.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.5% for the basic card, waived for premium versions.
• Additional Benefits: Includes a high-interest savings account option and a straightforward rewards program with no points to calculate.

Related: Best Neo Financial Credit Cards

3. KOHO Premium Mastercard (Prepaid)

• Annual Fee: $84 (or $9 monthly)
• Rewards: Earn up to 2% cash back on groceries, transportation, and eating out; 0.5% on everything else.
• APR: Since it’s a prepaid card, there’s no APR. You spend what you load onto the card.
• Special Features: Includes a savings feature, real-time insights into spending, and budgeting tools.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None for KOHO Premium.
• Additional Benefits: Free financial coaching, price matching and one free international ATM withdrawal per month.

4. Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards: 4% cash back at restaurants and bars, 1.5% on gas, groceries and drugstore purchases and 0.5% on all other purchases.
• APR: 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
• Special Features: Offers higher than average cash-back rates in common spending categories.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.5%
• Additional Benefits: Includes mobile device insurance and personalized offers based on spending.

Learn more: Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Review

5. Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

• Annual Fee: $120
• Rewards: Earn up to 5 Scotia Rewards points on every dollar spent on groceries, dining, and entertainment, 3 points per dollar on gas, daily transit, and select streaming services, plus 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
• APR: 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
• Special Features: Comprehensive travel insurance and access to American Express Invites.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None.
• Additional Benefits: Includes extensive travel insurance coverage, access to airport lounges, and no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for travelers.

Learn more: Scotiabank Gold American Express Card Review