New Apple Cash Accounts Now Branded as Visa Cards

[jhollington]

How do you get an Apple Cash account?

If you're in the U.S., you go to your Wallet settings, turn it on, and follow the instructions.

If you're not in the U.S., you basically can't, as it's not available in other countries. There are workarounds if you have a sufficient U.S. "financial presence" but that includes not only a U.S.-based bank account, but also U.S. identification like a driver's license or state ID, which most folks aren't going to have unless they're actually U.S. residents (although Apple did accept my NEXUS card).

 

[phillytim]

Regardless, I am thrilled that Apple struck this deal as it is the only VISA card that I have in my portfolio - and a no foreign transaction fee VISA at that.

I rarely travel, but it's good to know that this will be a useful option should I run across a foreign merchant that doesn't take our Apple MasterCard-Card.

 

[compwiz1202]

How to:
- go to settings > wallet
- switch off Apple Cash at top of page
- switch it back on
- if you are an expat and have set your phone to local region, wou will not see the Apple Cash toggle once you switch off.
- Don’t panic, go to settings > region and set to USA. The toggle reappears. Switch on. Follow the few quick easy steps.
- once card is active set region back to where you are.
- your balance and info is preserved.
- no visa logo on big card in virtual wallet but if you squint you can see it in card in the settings and set up.

No downsides to doing this but it’s probably not necessary as I expect Apple will push through a change eventually. (Appropriate to Just Works Philosophy, most of the world will be blissfully unaware of the transition.)

Thank you for explaining their vague instructions.

 

[compwiz1202]

There’s Costco in the USA. For credit, they only take visa. And in Europe, I’ve heard, there are a number of places that only take Visa.

It seems to be the Warehouse Stores. Why do they only not take Visa or MC. I think BJs used to only take MC but not sure now. And stupid Sam's is with evil WM and doesn't take AP, so they can just burn.

 

[switz]

CostCo inn the UK still likes American Express...

The Apple Cash card shows as a VISA Debit card and mine points to a different bank

 

[lartola]

CostCo inn the UK still likes American Express...

The Apple Cash card shows as a VISA Debit card and mine points to a different bank

Costco in Mexico still takes all major credit cards. And the financial part of Apple Cash, which is only available in the US, is still provided by Green Dot Bank even after switching to visa.

 

[lartola]

In USA it’s currently Visa only credit cards (but more kinds of debit cards) vs in Canada MC (this to maximize leverage over card metworks.)

And in Mexico it’s all major credit cards. I have used the Apple Card just fine at Costco warehouses in Mexico.

 

[jhollington]

And in Mexico it’s all major credit cards. I have used the Apple Card just fine at Costco warehouses in Mexico.

...and in Canada it's Mastercard only.

It's basically whatever partner deals Costco comes up with in each country. Years ago, it was AMEX exclusively in Canada, then Costco dropped that and signed with Capital One. Last year, it switched partners to CIBC, but stayed with Mastercard, which was an interesting deal as CIBC otherwise issues VISA cards exclusively.

That partner could likely change again in another five years or so, as that seems to be how long Costco signs its agreements for.

 

[lartola]

...and in Canada it's Mastercard only.

It's basically whatever partner deals Costco comes up with in each country. Years ago, it was AMEX exclusively in Canada, then Costco dropped that and signed with Capital One. Last year, it switched partners to CIBC, but stayed with Mastercard, which was an interesting deal as CIBC otherwise issues VISA cards exclusively.

That partner could likely change again in another five years or so, as that seems to be how long Costco signs its agreements for.

Interesting…what happens with CIBC is similar to what happened in Mexico: Citibanamex (Citi’s branch in Mexico until now, currently up for sale) issues mostly Mastercard and the Costco credit card is one of the only two Visa cards they issue. The only difference is that Costco Mexico doesn’t seem to have an exclusivity deal with any network since they accept all of them for credit.