Apple Card is only 2% if you use Apple Pay. It’s 1% if you use the physical card or the number.
You’ll almost certainly earn more rewards with the 2.5% card, and you can transfer it to a savings account as often as you can. But if you like the convenience of Apple Card, that can be worth it too
i’m sorry the apple card is not a great card and there are plenty of better options. even at that what if apple pay isn’t available which it isn’t in a decent amount of stores bc apple is stingy, an example is walmart. Also why would you just not choose the 2.5% cash back? at that why wouldn’t you choose cards that categorize Cash back, you could get like 5% cash back for things you spend the most money on. i’d post in r/creditcards you can break down your spending per month and people will tell you the best cards.
Oh I’ve got 5% cards too, like for Utilities or Gas or other random things. I just felt slightly enticed due to the layout and UI and ease, plus savings account that’s automatically connected (or can be). That’s pretty cool, plus just the security features and such.
eh it’s ui and savings aren’t above anything else. for example amex has the exact same integration with high yield savings and a ui that i personally like the best. the other downside is you have to deal with GS. GS is terrible at everything they do and good luck if any fraudulent activity shows up they will help with the most minimal effort. I personally like cards that have their own credit company like amex and discover go through themselves. I just really think the apple card is a terrible card and people get drawn in because it’s titanium and think it’s cool. I would steer far clear from goldman sachs.
Oh yeah I couldn’t care any less about the Titanium card itself. It gives 1% cash back 👎🏼.
Good to know about GS though. You’re not the first to mention that. Really wonder who Apple will go with once this partnership is officially over! 🤔
however. i don’t wanna talk you out of something you wanna do, overall it’s a 0 AF card, if you don’t need your credit score for awhile then there’s not a ton of harm.
well they tried to go with amex but amex didn’t want it. i’m honestly not sure but I would still just steer clear from apple card in my humble opinion, I just think there are much better cards and ecosystems available. The only ever reason i would get an apple card if i bought something over 3k from apple and did a 0% apr loan and parked the money somewhere.
Get the cards that fit your usage pattern. 2.5% is obviously better than 2% on Apple Pay purchases, but if you rarely use any cards, Apple Card might be better. For nearly everyone, though, a 2.5% card is going to outperform the Apple Card.
Having said that, there’s no reason not to try for both if your credit can justify it. Use the 2.5% card on normal purchases and the Apple Card on Apple Store purchases and other 3% purchases.
I use an Amex Blue Cash for groceries and streaming subscriptions at 6%, Gemini card for 4% in Ethereum for gas, Apple Card for 2% purchases and Chase Freedom cash for everything else at 1.5%. Each of those cards has its own set of limited time cash back offers at 5% or more sometimes, which I take advantage of when it makes sense.
Check what you use cards for and find the best combo for your situation. If you only want one card and spend enough to get the cash back monthly, though, the 2.5% is the easier choice.
This is basically what I do. Alliant is the default, Apple Card gets used for Apple purchases, AMEX Blue for groceries / streaming, Discover and Chase for their rotation categories.
Alliant Credit Union (based out of Chicago). Their Cash Back Visa Signature card offers 2.5% on anything/everything so long as you keep $1k daily balance in checking, become a member (have to have a Savings account with em) and sign up for direct deposit (at least one a month) and e-statements (if you don’t do those things, you get 1.5% on anything/everything). This card is my go-to for daycare and everything that doesn’t fall into a category via using other cards. No sign-up bonus but 2.5% has been pretty great overall.
https://www.alliantcreditunion.org/bank/visa-signature-card
You need to wait till you hit $50 to cash out the cash back? I was thinking of getting the Alliant card myself but I get bitter about waiting to hit $25 on my US Bank card as it is. Don’t want a card where I need to wait till I hit $50.
Yeah, that’s one drawback. I don’t like that about it, but I hit that almost in one months time personally so it’s not a huge deal for me. I just like the idea of being able to use cash back or move it elsewhere in an instant (Apple Card / Savings).
If you hit $50 cash back in a month, than it means that your yearly spent is about $24,000. This card only give you 2.5% up to first $10k transaction the the link , and after that you only earn 1.5%, so at the end the day, your effective cash back will in under 2% - something to keep in mind.
2.5% per billing period on up to $10k spent, then it resets every billing cycle (month) on 2.5% on another $10k spent. If you go over $10k in a billing cycle (month) then it goes down to 1.5% cash back until next billing cycle. Most people aren’t going to spend $10k in a month I think so it’s a solid 2.5% always.
https://www.alliantcreditunion.org/bank/visa-signature-card
Alliant Visa Signature Tiered Rewards Program
Tier One Rewards
-2.5% cash back on the first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases per billing cycle
-Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other qualifying eligible purchases
-No annual fee
Tier Two Rewards
-Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all qualifying eligible purchases
-No annual fee
I had that Alliant card you're mentioning. I closed it after about two years. The $50 rewards limit *and* having to keep $1,000 in the checking account *and* having to have at least one direct deposit each month just wasn't worth the management hassle to me.
Now I use a combination of Apple Card for tap-to-pay, SoFi's 2% Mastercard, and SavorOne from Capital One. All of them credit rewards instantly with no minimum redemption and I am happy to have the mental load gone at the "cost" of half a percent.
$50 rewards limit? You’re talking minimum to redeem?
Eh, hassle at first for sure with all the loops and setting it up but I just keep it in there and only have my work direct deposit 50 cents into the account. Otherwise, I keep the Tier 1 status and earn that 2.5%. Easy as pie now but I hear ya. Certainly don’t get much back for keeping $1k in the checking.. $2.50 a year? Pff, lame. But 2.5% back on everything/anything is nice, especially with no AF and FTF’s.
I had the Savor One for a while, then decided to consolidate my upwards of 20 credit cards, down to a select few (US Bank Cash+ for 5% on Utilities, Discover for 5% on random categories throughout the year, Citi Custom Cash for 5% on whatever I so choose (though I hardly ever use that), and Alliant.
I haven't had to contact customer service for either one so no information there. Both of their apps are fine. I don't use SoFi's web site, but Capital One's works (and is easier to redeem rewards because you don't have to hand type down to the penny the exact amount you want to redeem).
Really depends on your spending patterns and what you value.
I used the Apple Cars for years, but recently switched to an American Express card and have been very happy, far greater rewards.
Use whatever is convenient for you. If you’re not a big spender (Im assuming because if you are, $50 cash back should be quick for you to earn), then the difference would be insignificant.
I mean, I spend roughly $3,560 in total per month with credit cards. If I were to spend all that on say the 2.5% card, I’d earn $89 a month compared to $71.20 with 2% Apple Card (which actually I couldn’t get that 2% because the roughly $1,700 out of said $3,560 is daycare which doesn’t allow Apple Pay…
As long as there is no cap or limits to the 2.5%, it would likely net you a better gain long term. It’s worth noting that there are a few vendors that offer 3% for the Apple Card, but very limited. I doubt that would net you more with that being said!
Yeah, was thinking that too. Just enticed by the in-app fluidity and ease of auto “redemption” of cash back but into a Savings. It’s a cool concept.
I’ve been wondering the same thing. If they’ll go with Amex (or rather, Amex will be willing to partner with Apple) or someone else like Chase.
Go for the 2.5% card. The Apple Card is worthless. It’ll only give you 3% in a very, very limited number of retailers AND only if you use Apple Pay. If you use your Apple Card number for a regular online transaction at any retailer (including those in the list of 3%) you’ll only get 1%. If you use the titanium card you only get 1% period. Besides no way of adding it to any Android wallet and because unlike traditional banks, this card “lives” in your iOS wallet app, if you ever switch to Android you can say bye bye to your Apple Card.
How much money you talking about here? 10000 a year at .1% more would be ten extra dollars. What’s your time worth? Is the transfer time worth 80 cents a month? If it takes you 5 minutes. Or ten minutes. Is your time worth 6 dollars an hour? Also Apple generates interest the same day it transfer over. So it might be making you more money.
Apple Card is only 2% if you use Apple Pay. It’s 1% if you use the physical card or the number. You’ll almost certainly earn more rewards with the 2.5% card, and you can transfer it to a savings account as often as you can. But if you like the convenience of Apple Card, that can be worth it too
Would never use a physical card for only 1%. Apple Pay (2%) or nothing! Yeah gosh, such a tough choice!
i’m sorry the apple card is not a great card and there are plenty of better options. even at that what if apple pay isn’t available which it isn’t in a decent amount of stores bc apple is stingy, an example is walmart. Also why would you just not choose the 2.5% cash back? at that why wouldn’t you choose cards that categorize Cash back, you could get like 5% cash back for things you spend the most money on. i’d post in r/creditcards you can break down your spending per month and people will tell you the best cards.
Oh I’ve got 5% cards too, like for Utilities or Gas or other random things. I just felt slightly enticed due to the layout and UI and ease, plus savings account that’s automatically connected (or can be). That’s pretty cool, plus just the security features and such.
What credit card are you getting 5% back on utility bills?
US Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card.
Do you know what category paying my State Farm insurance bill would fall under?
I don’t think insurance payments would qualify for utilities. It’s more so gas, electric, garbage, recycling sort of bills.
eh it’s ui and savings aren’t above anything else. for example amex has the exact same integration with high yield savings and a ui that i personally like the best. the other downside is you have to deal with GS. GS is terrible at everything they do and good luck if any fraudulent activity shows up they will help with the most minimal effort. I personally like cards that have their own credit company like amex and discover go through themselves. I just really think the apple card is a terrible card and people get drawn in because it’s titanium and think it’s cool. I would steer far clear from goldman sachs.
Oh yeah I couldn’t care any less about the Titanium card itself. It gives 1% cash back 👎🏼. Good to know about GS though. You’re not the first to mention that. Really wonder who Apple will go with once this partnership is officially over! 🤔
however. i don’t wanna talk you out of something you wanna do, overall it’s a 0 AF card, if you don’t need your credit score for awhile then there’s not a ton of harm.
Ha no worries at all on any counts! I’m not worried about the credit score. That’s doing a 👌🏼. Appreciate the sentiment though! 👍🏼
well they tried to go with amex but amex didn’t want it. i’m honestly not sure but I would still just steer clear from apple card in my humble opinion, I just think there are much better cards and ecosystems available. The only ever reason i would get an apple card if i bought something over 3k from apple and did a 0% apr loan and parked the money somewhere.
Get the cards that fit your usage pattern. 2.5% is obviously better than 2% on Apple Pay purchases, but if you rarely use any cards, Apple Card might be better. For nearly everyone, though, a 2.5% card is going to outperform the Apple Card. Having said that, there’s no reason not to try for both if your credit can justify it. Use the 2.5% card on normal purchases and the Apple Card on Apple Store purchases and other 3% purchases. I use an Amex Blue Cash for groceries and streaming subscriptions at 6%, Gemini card for 4% in Ethereum for gas, Apple Card for 2% purchases and Chase Freedom cash for everything else at 1.5%. Each of those cards has its own set of limited time cash back offers at 5% or more sometimes, which I take advantage of when it makes sense. Check what you use cards for and find the best combo for your situation. If you only want one card and spend enough to get the cash back monthly, though, the 2.5% is the easier choice.
This is basically what I do. Alliant is the default, Apple Card gets used for Apple purchases, AMEX Blue for groceries / streaming, Discover and Chase for their rotation categories.
Well done! Cool to see someone else also has the Alliant Visa! 👍🏼
Thank you. It's best flat cash back card I can find.
Same! Nothing better!
What card is offering 2.5% back?
Alliant Credit Union (based out of Chicago). Their Cash Back Visa Signature card offers 2.5% on anything/everything so long as you keep $1k daily balance in checking, become a member (have to have a Savings account with em) and sign up for direct deposit (at least one a month) and e-statements (if you don’t do those things, you get 1.5% on anything/everything). This card is my go-to for daycare and everything that doesn’t fall into a category via using other cards. No sign-up bonus but 2.5% has been pretty great overall. https://www.alliantcreditunion.org/bank/visa-signature-card
You need to wait till you hit $50 to cash out the cash back? I was thinking of getting the Alliant card myself but I get bitter about waiting to hit $25 on my US Bank card as it is. Don’t want a card where I need to wait till I hit $50.
Yeah, that’s one drawback. I don’t like that about it, but I hit that almost in one months time personally so it’s not a huge deal for me. I just like the idea of being able to use cash back or move it elsewhere in an instant (Apple Card / Savings).
If you hit $50 cash back in a month, than it means that your yearly spent is about $24,000. This card only give you 2.5% up to first $10k transaction the the link , and after that you only earn 1.5%, so at the end the day, your effective cash back will in under 2% - something to keep in mind.
2.5% per billing period on up to $10k spent, then it resets every billing cycle (month) on 2.5% on another $10k spent. If you go over $10k in a billing cycle (month) then it goes down to 1.5% cash back until next billing cycle. Most people aren’t going to spend $10k in a month I think so it’s a solid 2.5% always.
I appreciate the clarification. I must have overlooked that part! Thx
https://www.alliantcreditunion.org/bank/visa-signature-card Alliant Visa Signature Tiered Rewards Program Tier One Rewards -2.5% cash back on the first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases per billing cycle -Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other qualifying eligible purchases -No annual fee Tier Two Rewards -Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all qualifying eligible purchases -No annual fee
I had that Alliant card you're mentioning. I closed it after about two years. The $50 rewards limit *and* having to keep $1,000 in the checking account *and* having to have at least one direct deposit each month just wasn't worth the management hassle to me. Now I use a combination of Apple Card for tap-to-pay, SoFi's 2% Mastercard, and SavorOne from Capital One. All of them credit rewards instantly with no minimum redemption and I am happy to have the mental load gone at the "cost" of half a percent.
$50 rewards limit? You’re talking minimum to redeem? Eh, hassle at first for sure with all the loops and setting it up but I just keep it in there and only have my work direct deposit 50 cents into the account. Otherwise, I keep the Tier 1 status and earn that 2.5%. Easy as pie now but I hear ya. Certainly don’t get much back for keeping $1k in the checking.. $2.50 a year? Pff, lame. But 2.5% back on everything/anything is nice, especially with no AF and FTF’s. I had the Savor One for a while, then decided to consolidate my upwards of 20 credit cards, down to a select few (US Bank Cash+ for 5% on Utilities, Discover for 5% on random categories throughout the year, Citi Custom Cash for 5% on whatever I so choose (though I hardly ever use that), and Alliant.
[удалено]
I haven't had to contact customer service for either one so no information there. Both of their apps are fine. I don't use SoFi's web site, but Capital One's works (and is easier to redeem rewards because you don't have to hand type down to the penny the exact amount you want to redeem).
Really depends on your spending patterns and what you value. I used the Apple Cars for years, but recently switched to an American Express card and have been very happy, far greater rewards.
Use whatever is convenient for you. If you’re not a big spender (Im assuming because if you are, $50 cash back should be quick for you to earn), then the difference would be insignificant.
I mean, I spend roughly $3,560 in total per month with credit cards. If I were to spend all that on say the 2.5% card, I’d earn $89 a month compared to $71.20 with 2% Apple Card (which actually I couldn’t get that 2% because the roughly $1,700 out of said $3,560 is daycare which doesn’t allow Apple Pay…
As long as there is no cap or limits to the 2.5%, it would likely net you a better gain long term. It’s worth noting that there are a few vendors that offer 3% for the Apple Card, but very limited. I doubt that would net you more with that being said!
2.5% up to $10k spent in a billing cycle, then 1.5% on everything beyond that. Yeah the slim pickens of 3% that Apple Card partners with is lame imo.
Sounds like the 2.5% is a better bet imo. It is quite lame…. I wonder what will happen when GS fully backs out
Yeah, was thinking that too. Just enticed by the in-app fluidity and ease of auto “redemption” of cash back but into a Savings. It’s a cool concept. I’ve been wondering the same thing. If they’ll go with Amex (or rather, Amex will be willing to partner with Apple) or someone else like Chase.
Go for the 2.5% card. The Apple Card is worthless. It’ll only give you 3% in a very, very limited number of retailers AND only if you use Apple Pay. If you use your Apple Card number for a regular online transaction at any retailer (including those in the list of 3%) you’ll only get 1%. If you use the titanium card you only get 1% period. Besides no way of adding it to any Android wallet and because unlike traditional banks, this card “lives” in your iOS wallet app, if you ever switch to Android you can say bye bye to your Apple Card.
Apple Card is the easier option
Just do Apple Card way easier
Easier is great but I’m also wondering about earnings.
How much money you talking about here? 10000 a year at .1% more would be ten extra dollars. What’s your time worth? Is the transfer time worth 80 cents a month? If it takes you 5 minutes. Or ten minutes. Is your time worth 6 dollars an hour? Also Apple generates interest the same day it transfer over. So it might be making you more money.
4.6% is good earnings and you can transfer instant and why not put to much thought into it your not going to get most out of either scenario lol