Apple is about to launch its own credit card in India, and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Apple Card is a digital-first credit card that works seamlessly with your iPhone and offers amazing benefits for Apple users, such as cashback, privacy, security, and simplicity.
What Makes Apple Card So Special?
Apple Card is not your ordinary credit card. It was launched in the US in 2019, in collaboration with Goldman Sachs and Mastercard. It is designed to work flawlessly with Apple Pay, the contactless payment system that lets you pay with your iPhone or Apple Watch at millions of places around the world.
Apple Card has some unique features that make it stand out from other credit cards, such as:
No fees: Apple Card does not charge you any fees whatsoever. No annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, no late payment fee, no over-the-limit fee. Nothing.
Daily Cash: Apple Card rewards you with cashback on every purchase, which is added to your Apple Cash card in the Wallet app every day. You can get 3% cashback on purchases from Apple, 2% cashback on purchases made with Apple Pay, and 1% cashback on purchases made with the physical titanium card.
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Privacy and security: Apple Card uses advanced technology to protect your personal and financial information. The card number, CVV, and expiration date are stored securely on your iPhone’s Secure Element chip and are not shared with anyone. You can also request a new card number at any time from the Wallet app. The physical card has no number or other details printed on it, making it more secure than traditional cards.
Simplicity and transparency: Apple Card makes it easy for you to manage your spending, balance, and payments from the Wallet app. You can see a breakdown of your spending by categories and merchants, as well as get personalized suggestions to lower your interest charges. You can also choose to pay weekly or biweekly instead of monthly, and see how much interest you will pay based on your payment amount.
Titanium card: Apple Card also comes with a sleek and minimalist titanium card that can be used at places where Apple Pay is not accepted. The card has only your name and the Apple logo engraved on it, along with the Mastercard and Goldman Sachs logos on the back. The card is resistant to scratches and stains, and will work at places where Apple Pay is not accepted.
How to Get Apple Card in India?
According to a report by Moneycontrol, Apple is in talks with HDFC Bank, one of India’s largest private banks, to launch Apple Card as a co-branded credit card in India. The report also claims that Apple CEO Tim Cook met with HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan during his trip to India in April to discuss the possibility of bringing the credit card to the country.
The report further states that Apple is also in talks with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the central bank and regulatory body of India, on the modalities of the card. The RBI has reportedly asked Apple to follow the regular procedure for co-branded credit cards, without offering any special considerations for the company.
As per the current co-branded credit card regulations in India, Apple will have to comply with certain norms, such as:
- The card should have both HDFC Bank’s and Apple’s logos prominently displayed on it.
- The card should have a clear indication of the fees and charges applicable to it.
- The card should have a customer grievance redressal mechanism in place.
- The card should have adequate security features to prevent fraud and misuse.
To apply for Apple Card in India, you will need to:
- Be 18 years old or older
- Have an iPhone or iPad that supports iOS 14.6 or later
- Have an Indian residential address
- Have a valid PAN (Permanent Account Number) and Aadhaar (Unique Identification Number) cards
- Have a good credit history
The application process will be similar to that in the US, where you can:
- Open the Wallet app and tap the Add button
- Select Apple Card and tap Continue
- Complete the application form with personal and financial details
- Review and agree to the Apple Card Terms & Conditions
- Accept the offered credit limit and APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
- Add Apple Card to your devices and request a titanium card if you want
You can apply for Apple Card without impacting your credit score. However, if your application is approved and you accept your offer, a hard inquiry will be made, which may affect your credit score.
Why You Should Get Apple Card in India?
Apple Card is a credit card that offers a range of benefits for Apple users, such as cashback, privacy, security, and simplicity. Apple is reportedly planning to launch its card in India in partnership with HDFC Bank and Mastercard. The card will offer a new way to pay in India with Apple Pay, which is expected to launch soon along with the card. However, the card will also face some challenges in India from competition, regulation, and customer awareness.
If you are an Apple user who wants to enjoy the convenience and security of paying with your iPhone or Apple Watch, get rewarded for shopping with Apple and other merchants, manage your finances smartly and transparently from the Wallet app, and own a stylish and durable titanium card that has no number or other details printed on it, then you should definitely get Apple Card in India.
Apple Card is not just a credit card. It’s a revolution in the way you pay. Don’t miss this opportunity to join the revolution. Apply for Apple Card today.