What countries does the Apple Card work in?

The Apple Card: A Shiny Piece of Plastic (and Digital Magic) Stuck in the USA

The Apple Card. It’s sleek, minimalist, and integrated seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem. A status symbol? Perhaps. But if you’re reading this outside the United States, you might as well be admiring it from across a velvet rope. The hard truth is, despite Apple’s global reach, the Apple Card remains firmly planted on American soil.

That’s right. As of today, the Apple Card is exclusively available and functional within the United States. It’s a bit of a digital island, disconnected from the rest of the world. While Apple enthusiasts in other countries might drool over the card’s daily cash back, the intuitive Wallet app integration, and the lack of fees, they remain out of reach for now.

The limitations go beyond just where you can use the card. Even applying for one is contingent on your Apple account’s allegiance to the Stars and Stripes. Your designated country or region must be firmly set to the USA. So, simply having a U.S. mailing address won’t cut it. Apple’s system checks your account settings to ensure you are based in the United States before even considering your application.

Why this geographical exclusivity? The reasons likely stem from a complex interplay of factors:

• Regulatory Compliance: Financial regulations vary drastically from country to country. Introducing the Apple Card internationally would require navigating a labyrinth of different laws and requirements, a significant undertaking.
• Partnership with Goldman Sachs: The Apple Card is issued in partnership with Goldman Sachs. Expanding internationally would necessitate forging similar partnerships with financial institutions in other regions, which could be time-consuming and complex.
• Market Prioritization: Apple likely prioritizes markets based on potential return on investment. While demand for the Apple Card might exist globally, focusing resources on refining the product within the U.S. market could be a more strategic initial move.

So, for now, the Apple Card remains a U.S. exclusive. While speculation about international expansion occasionally surfaces, Apple hasn’t officially announced any plans to bring the card to other countries.

For those outside the U.S. dreaming of titanium glory and seamless Apple Pay integration, the wait continues. Keep an eye on official Apple announcements, but don’t hold your breath. In the meantime, perhaps you can enjoy the existing digital wallet solutions available in your region. The Apple Card is undoubtedly appealing, but it’s important to remember that digital payment options are constantly evolving, and alternative solutions might already offer similar benefits in your own country.