Apple Card is a credit card issued by Goldman Sachs in partnership with Apple. As with any credit card, using the Apple Card can impact your credit score. Here is what you need to know about how the Apple Card may affect your credit.
How credit inquiries for Apple Card applications impact credit
When you apply for any credit card, including the Apple Card, the bank will conduct a hard inquiry into your credit report to evaluate your application. Hard inquiries can cause a small, temporary drop in your credit scores – typically only a few points. However, as long as you manage credit responsibly, scores often recover within a few months.
Credit utilization for balances on Apple Card
In general, carrying balances of 30% or less of your total available credit limits across cards is considered positive for your credit.
- If an Apple Card holder carries high balances month to month exceeding 30% of the credit limit, this can negatively impact credit scores over time.
- Paying off balances in full by each due date avoids interest charges but also keeps your utilization in check.
Payment history with Apple Card
- Just like with any other credit card, making at least the minimum payment every month can benefit your credit health. Missed or late payments get reported to the credit bureaus and may hurt scores.
- An Apple Card statement balance paid after the due date is considered late even if no interest charges apply. Multiple late payments can lower your credit rating substantially.
Credit mix from having the Apple Card
Lenders and credit scoring models view having credit cards, installment loans like mortgages and auto loans, etc in your profile positively. This credit mix depicts you as able to manage different types of debts responsibly over time. An Apple Card as one of several active credit obligations makes your overall creditmix healthier.
Benefits of responsible long term Apple Card use
- Credit building – Managing this new revolving credit line well over the long term expands your credit mix and history.
- Higher limits – Consistently paying on time may prompt Goldman Sachs to pre-approve higher Apple Card limits. Higher limits with low utilization boost credit health.
- Score lift – Excellent payment history and credit mix impact the ‘Payment history’ and ‘Credit mix factors’ in scores, contributing to long term score lift.
So in summary – applying for the Apple Card may cause a minor temporary score drop from the hard pull, but responsible use translates to credit perks over time for your profile.
Key Takeaways
- Applying for Apple Card causes a minor hard inquiry drop initially.
- High revolving balances can lower scores; low utilization aids credit health.
- On-time payments help credit; missed payments or late payments hurt.
- Apple Card adds to your overall credit mix positively over time.
- Long term responsible use builds positive history and higher scores.
Conclusion
The Apple Card can be a useful credit tool that rewards users who apply discretion while managing this line of credit. Maintaining low balances compared to the assigned limit each month keeps utilization favorable.ย Paying at least the minimum due every month prevents problems. Most importantly, avoiding missed payments means stellar credit responsibility with this card. Handled well long-term, the Apple Card boosts overall credit health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does applying for an Apple Card definitely result in a hard credit inquiry?
A: Yes, applying for an Apple Card triggers a hard inquiry just like with any other credit card. Hard inquiries may cause a small temporary drop in scores.
Q: If I’m late making an Apple Card payment by a few days, will it affect my credit score?
A: Yes, unfortunately a late payment on your Apple Card, even by just a few days, can negatively impact your credit score.
Q: Does the amount of Apple Card credit limit matter for credit scores?
A: Yes, the credit limit amount does influence scores because it impacts your overall and Apple Card credit utilization (balances divided by limits). Lower revolving utilization is better for credit health.
Q: If my Apple Card application is declined today, can I apply again in 6 months?
A: Yes, if your Apple Card application gets declined, you may reapply after 6 months or so. Be sure to check your credit reports and work on improving your credit before trying again.
Q: Can using the Apple Card help build my thin or rebuild my bad credit history?
A: Over time, using any credit card including the Apple Card responsibly can build positive history. Make payments by every due date and avoid high balances. This helps improve thin files and rebuild struggling credit.
Q: Does paying off Apple Card balances early or more than minimums help boost credit faster?
A: Paying more than the minimum due and paying earlier than the due dates helps lower utilization which aids credit scores. Avoiding interest charges also helps credit health.
Q: If my Apple Card gets closed due to inactivity, will my credit score be impacted?
A: Inactive card closure often has little or no impact on established credit scores. One less open trade line could lower total available credit and incrementally increase overall utilization, but the effect is typically small.
Q: Can excessive hard credit inquiries when shopping for cards like the Apple Card hurt my credit rating?
A: Yes, having too many hard inquiries in a short span of time can negatively impact your credit scores. Restrict card applications to no more than 2 in 6 months and avoid unnecessary hard pulls.
Q: Will getting the Apple Card improve my credit if I have limited or no credit history?
A: The Apple Card may help build credit history if you have limited established history and manage the card prudently. Use lightly, pay on time always, and avoid high balances.
Q: Is the Apple Card suitable for someone trying to rebuild credit following financial hardship?
A: In some cases yes, but approval odds for those recovering from serious delinquencies or bankruptcy may be low. Building savings first then applying for secured cards can be a better rebuild strategy.
Q: Can graduating from a secured card to Apple Card be a good credit building milestone?
A: Yes, ‘graduating’ from small limit secured cards and eventually responsibly qualifying for Apple Card can mark a credit rebuilding milestone.
Q: Is the Apple Card worthwhile solely for credit score benefits?
A: No, there are several no annual fee cards that can build credit without having to buy Apple products or lock into the Apple payments ecosystem. Only apply for Apple Card if you’ll actively use and enjoy the features.
Q: What credit score range is needed to qualify for Apple Card approval?
A: Published approval guidelines suggest applicants typically need FICO scores in the mid 600s range for a decent Apple Card approval chance. Each application however is evaluated holistically beyond just credit scores.
Q: Can paying rent via Apple Card boost my credit if I don’t have established credit?
A: Rent payments are not directly reported to credit bureaus so paying rent alone, even via Apple Card, doesn’t affect credit scores or history.