AppleApple Card
$0iPhone users who pay mostly through Apple Pay
Lower reward when physical card is used; requires Apple ecosystem
Check current offer This link goes to Apple’s site. Dean earns nothing if you apply.Apple Card
Annual fee $0. 3% select merchants including Apple; 2% with Apple Pay; 1% with physical card under current terms.
See if it fits my walletDean’s short answer
Best fit: iPhone users who pay mostly through Apple Pay.
Digital-wallet cash backRetail co-brand
This card and its closest alternatives
The 3 reviewed personal cards that share the most card types and features with the Apple Card.
When a link pays Dean a commission, the card says so right there. Paid or not, the ranking never changes, and no issuer sponsors or endorses Dean. Approval, rates, and terms are controlled by the card issuer.
Samsung and BarclaysSamsung Galaxy Card
$0Samsung and Barclays Samsung Galaxy Card
Same annual fee: $0. Best fit: Samsung device owners who use Samsung Wallet. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Digital-wallet cash back, Retail co-brand.
Read Dean’s reviewPayPal and SynchronyPayPal Cashback Mastercard
$0PayPal and Synchrony PayPal Cashback Mastercard
Same annual fee: $0. Best fit: Frequent PayPal checkout users. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Digital-wallet cash back.
Read Dean’s reviewChasePrime Visa
$0 with Prime membershipChase Prime Visa
Annual fee: $0 with Prime membership, against $0 for the Apple Card. Best fit: Prime members with heavy Amazon and Whole Foods spend. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Retail co-brand, Cash back.
Read Dean’s review| Card | Annual fee | Rewards and benefit summary | Best fit | Main drawback | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple CardApple | $0 | 3% select merchants including Apple; 2% with Apple Pay; 1% with physical card under current termsDaily Cash; Apple product installment options; integrated spend and interest tools | iPhone users who pay mostly through Apple Pay | Lower reward when physical card is used; requires Apple ecosystem | Apple Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Samsung Galaxy CardSamsung and Barclays | $0 | 5% eligible Samsung purchases; 3% Samsung Wallet; 2% streaming; 1% otherMetal card; Samsung VIP Advantage discount; no foreign transaction fee under terms | Samsung device owners who use Samsung Wallet | Very new product; wallet and merchant eligibility rules apply | Samsung and Barclays Checked 2026-07-22 |
| PayPal Cashback MastercardPayPal and Synchrony | $0 | 3% when checking out with PayPal using the card; 1.5% elsewhereAutomatic PayPal integration; no annual fee | Frequent PayPal checkout users | Base rate is modest outside PayPal | PayPal and Synchrony Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Prime VisaChase | $0 with Prime membership | 5% at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, and Chase Travel with eligible Prime; bonus transit and dining; 1% otherNo foreign transaction fee; travel and purchase protections under guide | Prime members with heavy Amazon and Whole Foods spend | Requires paid Prime for headline rate | Chase Checked 2026-07-22 |
What it earns
3% select merchants including Apple; 2% with Apple Pay; 1% with physical card under current terms.
On everyday purchases that fit no bonus category, Dean counts 1% back when it ranks this card for you.
What comes with it
Daily Cash; Apple product installment options; integrated spend and interest tools.
Dean treats these as the reasons to hold the Apple Card. If you would not use them, the card is worth less to you than its marketing says.
- Daily Cash
- Apple product installment options
- integrated spend and interest tools
Who can get it
Dean lists the Apple Card for good, excellent credit. It is a personal card. Availability: public national.
A listed credit range is a starting point, not an approval promise. Apple decides approval, your credit limit, and your rate when you apply.
The catch
Lower reward when physical card is used; requires Apple ecosystem.
Annual fee: $0. Dean checked the fee and terms against Apple on July 22, 2026. Terms can change after that date, so read the live offer before you apply.
How a airline co-brand card works
Rewards and perks tie to one airline or alliance. Free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access, companion benefits, award discounts.
Best for: People loyal to a specific airline. Watch for: Lower value when flying other airlines; devaluations are outside the issuer's control.
How a hotel co-brand card works
Rewards and benefits tie to one hotel program. Elite status, anniversary nights, elite-night credits, on-property earning.
Best for: Travelers who repeatedly stay with one hotel group. Watch for: Free-night rules, resort fees, and program changes can limit value.
How a retail open-loop co-brand card works
Merchant-branded Visa, Mastercard, or Amex that also works elsewhere. High merchant rewards plus general network acceptance.
Best for: Loyal customers who still need an everyday payment card. Watch for: Outside-merchant rewards are often weak.
How a deferred-interest retail or medical card works
Interest is waived only if the promotional balance is fully paid by the deadline. Can finance a large eligible purchase without interest when repaid on time.
Best for: Disciplined borrowers with a fixed payoff plan. Watch for: If the balance remains, retroactive interest can apply to the original purchase date.
Flat rewards: how to value it
Same rate on most eligible purchases.
Conditions to check: Excluded cash-like transactions and redemption value. Best for simplicity and uncategorized spend.
Travel portal multiplier: how to value it
Higher rewards or credits for issuer-portal bookings.
Conditions to check: Portal price, cancellation rules, elite credit, and direct-booking benefits. Compare the total trip terms, not only the multiplier.
Annual travel credit: how to value it
Statement credit or instant discount for eligible travel.
Conditions to check: Calendar versus cardmember year, portal or merchant restrictions, exclusions. Value it at face value only if you would use it naturally.
Sources and scope
Check the evidence, then check the live offer.
Dean links directly to the issuer. Card terms and eligibility can change after the review date.