What Credit Score Do You Need for the Apple Card?
The Apple Card is one of the sleekest-looking credit cards on the market, and its integration with your iPhone makes it genuinely convenient to use. For years, it was backed by Goldman Sachs. But in January 2026, Apple announced a major change: JPMorgan Chase is becoming the new issuer.
So what credit score do you actually need to get approved — and what should you expect during this transition?
Update (January 2026): Apple Card Transitioning to JPMorgan Chase
Apple announced that JPMorgan Chase is becoming the new issuer of Apple Card, replacing Goldman Sachs. The transition is expected to complete over the next approximately 24 months. Approval criteria and terms may change under Chase's management. The information below reflects approval patterns under Goldman Sachs and may evolve as the transition progresses.
The Apple Card Credit Score Requirement
Historically under Goldman Sachs, based on applicant reports and financial analysis, the general consensus was:
- 670+ FICO score for a reasonable chance of approval
- 700+ for a strong chance of approval and a decent credit limit
- Below 620 and approval was very unlikely
The Apple Card targeted people in the "good" to "excellent" credit range. If your score was in the 620–669 range (considered "fair" credit), you might get approved, but it was not guaranteed — and you might receive a lower credit limit or a higher APR.
Note on the transition: JPMorgan Chase may adjust approval criteria, credit limits, and terms as the transition progresses. Check Apple's website for updated requirements from Chase.
Other Factors That Affect Approval
Credit score was not the only thing Goldman Sachs evaluated. They also looked at:
- Income: Apple Card had no stated minimum income requirement, but higher income supports a higher credit limit
- Existing debt: Your debt-to-income ratio mattered
- Credit history length: Very new credit files might be declined even with no negative marks
- Recent hard inquiries: Too many recent applications signaled financial instability
- Derogatory marks: Bankruptcies, collections, or recent late payments significantly lowered approval odds
Under JPMorgan Chase, these factors may be weighted differently.
How to Check Your Odds Without Hurting Your Score
Apple offers a prequalification option that uses a soft pull — it won't affect your credit score. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the + button to see if you're prequalified for Apple Card. If you see a prequalification offer, there's a strong chance you'll be approved when you apply (though the actual application does include a hard inquiry).
This prequalification process is likely to remain consistent during the Chase transition.
What to Do If You Don't Qualify
If your score is below 670, don't give up on building toward the Apple Card or a similar rewards card. The path is well-defined:
Step 1: Reduce your credit utilization below 30% on all cards. This is the fastest score booster.
Step 2: Make sure there are no errors on your credit report. Pull your free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute anything that looks wrong.
Step 3: If you have limited credit history, open a secured card or credit builder loan to add more positive payment history.
Step 4: Avoid applying for other credit products in the 3–6 months before you plan to apply for Apple Card.
With 6–12 months of consistent positive behavior, many people in the fair credit range can move into the good credit range where Apple Card approval becomes realistic.
Apple Card Benefits
- Daily Cash: 3% back at Apple and select merchants, 2% on Apple Pay purchases, 1% everywhere else
- No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees
- Interest-free installments on Apple product purchases
- No late fees (though interest still accrues)
- Financial health tools in the Wallet app
The Bottom Line
Historically, you needed a 670+ credit score for a solid shot at the Apple Card. As JPMorgan Chase takes over, approval requirements may shift. Use the soft-pull prequalification first to gauge your odds, and if you don't qualify today, the credit habits that get you there will benefit every financial product you use going forward.
Building toward better credit? Explore Firstcard's tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need to get approved for the Apple Card? Historically, Apple Card (issued by Goldman Sachs) typically approved applicants with a score of 670 or higher. Scores in the 620–669 range might still get approved but with higher APRs or lower limits. As JPMorgan Chase becomes the issuer, approval criteria may change.
Does Apple Card do a hard credit inquiry? Yes. Applying for the Apple Card results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points. Under Goldman Sachs, they typically pulled from TransUnion; this may change under Chase's management.
Can I get the Apple Card with no credit history? It's difficult. Historically, the Apple Card was primarily designed for people with established credit. If you're new to credit, start with a secured credit card to build your score before applying for the Apple Card.
What are the income requirements for the Apple Card? Apple Card did not publish specific income requirements. However, Goldman Sachs considered income as part of the approval decision to determine credit limit. Chase may have different criteria.
What APR does the Apple Card charge? The Apple Card has a variable APR range. Applicants with higher credit scores typically receive lower APRs. Check Apple's current rate disclosures at the time of application, as rates change with the prime rate.
How will the transition to JPMorgan Chase affect my existing Apple Card? The transition is expected to take approximately 24 months. Apple has committed to working with Chase to ensure a smooth transition for existing cardholders. Check Apple's support website for updates on how this may affect your account.
