The Apple Card is a strong choice for Apple enthusiasts who frequently make purchases from Apple and prefer using Apple Pay, benefiting from the higher cash back rates and no foreign transaction fees. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is a more versatile option for those seeking a straightforward cash back card with a sign-up bonus, introductory APR, and cell phone protection, but it's less suitable for international use due to the foreign transaction fees.
| Attribute | Apple Card | Wells Fargo Active Cash Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Percentage Rate (APR) | Variable APR ranges from 18.24% to 28.49%, depending on creditworthiness (as of January 1, 2025). | 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers; Variable APR of 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% after the introductory period |
| Annual Fee | No annual fee. | $0 |
| Credit Score Requirement | Good FICO score (above 660) generally needed. Some sources suggest at least 600, but 660 or higher increases approval chances. Applicants with FICO scores above 670 have a better chance of approval. Goldman Sachs uses the FICO Score 9 scoring model. A low credit score (below 600) might lead to application decline. | Good credit score of 670 or higher (some sources recommend 690 or higher) |
| Rewards Program (Cash Back, Points, Miles) | 3% Daily Cash back on Apple purchases (including Apple online and retail stores, iTunes, Apple Music, and other Apple-owned properties). 3% Daily Cash back at select merchants when using Apple Pay (Ace Hardware, Booking.com, ChargePoint, Exxon and Mobil gas stations, Nike, T-Mobile (until July 1, 2025), Uber (including Uber Eats and Uber One), and Walgreens). 2% Daily Cash back on all other purchases when using Apple Pay. 1% Daily Cash back on purchases made with the physical Apple Card. Daily Cash is credited to your Apple Cash card in Wallet or deposited into an Apple Savings account. | Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases |
| Sign-Up Bonus | Apple Card doesn't typically have a sign-up bonus, but limited-time offers do appear. As of June 2025, there's a limited-time offer to earn $100 in Daily Cash after spending $500 in the first 60 days (valid until July 7th). | $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases within the first 3 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | No foreign transaction fees. | 3% of each transaction converted to U.S. dollars |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Not specified, but the Apple Card has no fees. | Introductory fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer (whichever is greater) for 120 days; up to 5% (minimum $5) after 120 days |
| Purchase Protection | Not available | Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible); Visa Signature benefits; Zero Liability Protection |
| Introductory APR Period | The Apple Card does not offer an introductory APR period. | 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers |
| Mobile App Features | Manage your card and Daily Cash in the Apple Wallet app. Features include color-coded spending summaries. View your Apple Card Monthly Installments in the Wallet app. The app helps you estimate interest costs and suggests payment amounts. | Account management, rewards redemption, personalized deals (My Wells Fargo Deals), free FICO score access |
| Credit Limit | Credit limits vary. Some users have reported limits from $50 to $15,000. The cardholder's credit score, credit age, and income determine the limit. The average credit limit is around $8,431, but $1,000 is the most common. | Minimum $1,000; average $6,481; most common $3,000 |
| Reporting to Credit Bureaus | Goldman Sachs reports your Apple Card activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This includes payment history, credit utilization, and other information. Participants 18 years or older on Apple Card Family accounts can opt-in to credit reporting. | Reports to credit bureaus |