Apple, Goldman Sachs begins issuing of Apple Cards to consumers
Customers of Apple Inc have started getting virtual credit card to enable the iPhone maker diversify from device sales and also build out the Wall Street bank’s new consumer business.
According to a Reuters report Tuesday, Apple and Goldman Sachs Group Inc rolled out a virtual credit card on Tuesday, in a move aimed at drawing in iPhone owners with 2% cash back on purchases with the Apple Pay service, no fees and an app to manage related finances.
For Goldman, the card will enhance the bank’s focus on its Marcus consumer banking brand, which it started in 2015 to even out volatile results from businesses such as trading and investment banking.
Apple shares were up about 1 percent at $195.30 in trading before the bell.
The company said a limited number of the people who had expressed interest in Apple Card would start receiving sign-up invitations on Tuesday.
“The Apple Card doesn’t play in the same league as premium rewards credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or AmEx Platinum,” said Sara Rathner, an expert on credit cards at NerdWallet.
“Those cards charge ultra-high fees, but in return you get some pretty sweet perks: massive sign-up bonuses, annual statement credits, free Global Entry, and a higher point-earning rate for travel expenses.”
Apple will offer an option for a physical card made of titanium, but with no visible number. Instead, the card’s number is stored on a secure chip inside the iPhone, which will generate virtual numbers for online or over-the-phone purchases that require a number.
Apple said purchase information would be stored on the user’s iPhone and that it cannot see the data. Goldman will not be allowed to use data for marketing purposes, even for selling its other products.
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