Here's how Apple Card Daily Cash works

Posted:
in General Discussion edited October 2020
We now know exactly when you'll get your Daily Cash -- and it is not daily. And, here's what happens if you ever return an item that got you a cash reward.

You can check your Daily Cash rewards at any time
You can check your Daily Cash rewards at any time


With Apple Card slowly rolling out to more users, Apple has been busy preparing a slew of support documents that explain how to use the new credit card -- and it includes explanations of many things we'd been left wondering. Such as precisely how Daily Cash works.

This is the system whereby if you buy something using your Apple Card, you get rewarded with a certain percentage of the purchase price paid back to your account in cash.

If you're buying something from Apple itself, that amount is 3%. If you buy anywhere else and use Apple Pay -- online or by waving your iPhone or Apple Watch in store -- you get 2%. And if you have to slum it by using the physical Apple Card, you'll get 1%.

These percentage figures are not astounding, but they become compelling when you know how you actually get this money. Plus, these amounts do add up. If you buy the base 13-inch MacBook Pro at an Apple Store or via Apple online, for instance, you'll get back $38.97 of the $1,299 sticker price.

Go for an iMac Pro and absolutely max out the specifications, and buying via Apple Card could get you $441.81 back.






Other cards can pay you more back, but they might come with other complications and limits, such as being 5% but only during your first three months.

If Apple Card's rewards are unexciting, they're still money coming your way, and where Apple wins is in how that is done. Instead of getting some points at the end of the month, Apple delivers actual money and right from the start, it's promised that you get this every day.

Daily Cash

What we know now, though, is that you don't even wait a day for it. Daily Cash is not paid into your account at midnight or some other specific time, it is paid to you all day.

"Once a purchase is settled, your Daily Cash is added to your Apple Cash card," says Apple.

So it won't be that you turn away from the merchant's card reader and find you've got cash from Apple right then. Whenever the merchant finishes taking your money, though, that's when you get your cash back.

You get a notification whenever you've made a purchase, but you don't get a notification every time you receive Daily Cash. Instead, every morning you will get a notification of the total of Daily Cash received the day before, plus what your total is this month.

Then every Sunday, you get a notification that tells you your weekly spending and Daily Cash. There's a similar notification at the end of the month.

Alongside all this, you can check to see how much you've got back at any moment by going into the Wallet app on your iPhone.

You can see a Daily Cash amount for any individual transaction, plus a total received for that day and month.

Where the money goes

Daily Cash is paid into your Apple Cash account, an account that is separate from your Apple Card one but is accessed through your Wallet the same way.

However, you don't have to have an Apple Cash account if you don't want one for some reason. If you do not, you still get Daily Cash -- you just can't see what it is. It keeps on accruing and you can get an Apple Cash account at any time.

That Apple Cash account can be locked or restricted if there is some security issue. Even then, though, your Daily Cash amount continues to grow, as you talk to Apple about fixing whatever the problem is.




When the money goes back

If we were more criminally-minded, maybe it would've occurred to us to buy a Mac Pro, immediately return it for a full refund and then make off with $883.62. (That's twice the 3% we got back via Apple Card, because the store refunds the entire purchase amount.)

Except no, that's not what happens.

"If you return a purchase made with Apple Card, you are refunded the purchase price," says Apple. "The Daily Cash you received when you made the purchase is charged back to your Apple Card."

That just means that it will be more practical to use your Daily Cash at the end of a month rather than be going in to it every minute or every day.

The fact that you can, though, is part of this business of Apple making the entire credit card system simpler. When you don't have to choose between waiting for a bill at the end of the month or schlepping through some bank's complex online system, you will check your account more often.

When you check it regularly, you're always much more on top of your spending, and it's features like this that mean Apple Card could be good for us. It's still a credit card, so let's not get carried away, but the benefits of speed and simplicity make this attractive even if you could get more money with another card.



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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 28
    Let's not kid ourselves.
    As a simple cash back credit card, there are several better, but as an icon of membership in the Apple Fan Club, there are no equals.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 28
    Interesting that there’s a lack of information on the details. For instance, I had to verify my cash card and found out about that by perusing the cash card settings and noticing that there was a link for verification but there was no “status” label or information selection button to tell me it ”needed verification”. Couple that with the fact that there’s settings selections that allow me to select an action, like “Make default at Apple” which is displayed even though the card has been made the default. And even after selecting that it remains selectable making these links unusable for state information. That is, if I see the link “Make default” then I cannot assume it’s not the default and needs to be set. Also, I have several Apple Card transactions I made yesterday, my first and only transactions so far, and all the cash back statuses are listed as “Pending”. There’s no documentation that I can find that tells me what causes them to be in “pending” state so I’m left to guess. My guess is either my cash card had not been verified or the merchants haven’t accepted the transactions. Since it was Saturday that I used the Apple Card I’m thinking it will be Monday before I see any Apple Cash since our banking system is still stuck in the 19th century for many of their processes and procedures. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 28
    Let's not kid ourselves.
    As a simple cash back credit card, there are several better, but as an icon of membership in the Apple Fan Club, there are no equals.

    I really like this card but even though I’m a proud member of the Apple Fan Club I don’t see any visible display of its iconography to the general public so for that it’s not worth much. Maybe if it came with a t-shirt :-) 

    What I do think makes it at least equal and imo better than other cards is the simplicity of the enrollment process, lack of punishing fees, a clear and automatic detailing of its transactions, simplistic cash back rather than a complicating game of points, these are better than any card I’ve ever applied for. He 

    And by having the card automatically associated with Apple Pay will, I believe, increase the use of highly secured Apple Pay credit card transactions here in the US.  

    watto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 28
    eightzeroeightzero Posts: 3,056member
    One of the things I dislike about some cards is their rules regarding redemption of rewards. Apple Card solves this in spades. I find it unreasonable for cards to prohibit redemption of rewards until $25 has accrued, and this feature in Apple Card will likely make me switch and cancel those other cards.
    StrangeDayswatto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 28
    SoliSoli Posts: 10,035member
    eightzero said:
    One of the things I dislike about some cards is their rules regarding redemption of rewards. Apple Card solves this in spades. I find it unreasonable for cards to prohibit redemption of rewards until $25 has accrued, and this feature in Apple Card will likely make me switch and cancel those other cards.
    That's how the Barclay Apple card works… and it is only for a GC to an Apple Store. It could also get lost in the mail and you get nothing because it's a GC, not a check in your name.

    While others talk about how they get the same 2%, like from Capital One's Double Rewards Card, but then they fail to note that it's 1% only after the charge cycle is over and then then the other 1% only after you've paid off that balance.

    Then there are other cards, like Cit Costco, which is great for 5% back on already low-cost fuel (up to $7000 per year) but you have to wait to redeem it annually. I have enough coming back on that card per year that it makes a really good dent in planning a great Summer vacation as the rewards are calendar year and they are dished out around February. I'm still considering adding all my CE purchases to it because they offer years of extended warranties to all CE purchases regardless of where you've bought it providing you used your Citi Costco CC.
    applesnorangeswatto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 28
    Immediately paying off a credit card bill in full is just good practice, however for those who do not follow good practices I understand there is something like a 24% APR on this card? Correct or not?
  • Reply 7 of 28
    SoliSoli Posts: 10,035member
    Immediately paying off a credit card bill in full is just good practice, however for those who do not follow good practices I understand there is something like a 24% APR on this card? Correct or not?
    I pay off my statement in full each month so I don't pay any interest, but I don't pay off the entire card.
    flyingdpbeowulfschmidtwatto_cobra
  • Reply 8 of 28
    mpantonempantone Posts: 2,033member
    Immediately paying off a credit card bill in full is just good practice, however for those who do not follow good practices I understand there is something like a 24% APR on this card? Correct or not?
    Per the Apple Card customer agreement from Goldman Sachs, the APR varies from person to person depending on what rate was offered when they applied “based on creditworthiness” [sic].

    The rate currently ranges from 12.99% to 23.99%. This is clearly stated on the first page of the customer agreement in LARGE BOLD TYPE.
    edited August 2019 StrangeDayselectorwatto_cobra
  • Reply 9 of 28
    SoliSoli Posts: 10,035member
    mpantone said:
    Immediately paying off a credit card bill in full is just good practice, however for those who do not follow good practices I understand there is something like a 24% APR on this card? Correct or not?
    Per the Apple Card customer agreement from Goldman Sachs, the APR varies from person to person depending on what rate was offered when they applied “based on creditworthiness” [sic].

    The rate currently ranges from 12.99% to 23.99%. This is clearly stated on the first page of the customer agreement in LARGE BOLD TYPE.
    My APR for the Barclay Apple card was 14.99% when I signed up. I know this because I put all this info into 1Password. It's currently at 16.24% without ever having a a credit line increase (i.e.: a formal change to my cardholder agreement) or ever carrying a balance past a statement due date. Most months it's just used for what little iCloud-based costs I incur.
    edited August 2019 watto_cobra
  • Reply 10 of 28
    Wish I would get my invite to apply!
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 11 of 28
    mpantonempantone Posts: 2,033member
    Soli said:
    mpantone said:
    Immediately paying off a credit card bill in full is just good practice, however for those who do not follow good practices I understand there is something like a 24% APR on this card? Correct or not?
    Per the Apple Card customer agreement from Goldman Sachs, the APR varies from person to person depending on what rate was offered when they applied “based on creditworthiness” [sic].

    The rate currently ranges from 12.99% to 23.99%. This is clearly stated on the first page of the customer agreement in LARGE BOLD TYPE.
    My APR for the Barclay Apple card was 14.99% when I signed up. I know this because I put all this info into 1Password. It's currently at 16.24% without ever having a a credit line increase (i.e.: a formal change to my cardholder agreement) or ever carrying a balance past a statement due date. Most months it's just used for what little iCloud-based costs I incur.
    You clearly don't understand how loans work. There are fixed rate loans and variable rate loans. 

    At least here in the USA, interest rates are often based on the prime lending rates, like most consumer credit cards. When the prime lending rate changes, the card issuing bank does not need to revise their terms or customer agreement. It's already written in and you agreed to it.

    I will bet you a buffalo nickel that the prime lending rate when you applied for your Barclaycard was lower than it is today. I will bet you another buffalo nickel that your Barclaycard terms state that the interest rate is variable.

    The rates for some loans are fixed like fixed-rate mortgages versus ARMs, maybe your auto loan, maybe your student education loan.

    Read your loan agreement for details. Clearly you have failed to do so.
    edited August 2019
  • Reply 12 of 28
    siretmansiretman Posts: 117member
    I was invited two days ago and I enrolled very easily. Then I got an email from Apple saying that I can charge purchases with the card information in the Wallet. I understood that I could use the 16 numbers, expiration date and CVV and get 2% just like ApplePay. 

    I called Apple and found out that using that information is just like using the physical card which only gets you 1%. That was disappointing. I have the Citi Double Cash where I get 2% for everything I charge so I am sticking with that card until ApplePay is activated at different websites. 

    The Apple Credit card transaction details and the information provided are a plus for Apple but I want my two percent. 

    I still ordered the titanium card card just for kicks 

    watto_cobra
  • Reply 13 of 28
    mpantonempantone Posts: 2,033member
    siretman said:
    I was invited two days ago and I enrolled very easily. Then I got an email from Apple saying that I can charge purchases with the card information in the Wallet. I understood that I could use the 16 numbers, expiration date and CVV and get 2% just like ApplePay. 

    I called Apple and found out that using that information is just like using the physical card which only gets you 1%. 

    You did not read the customer agreement carefully.

    It is very explicitly stated in the Apple Card customer agreement provided by Goldman Sachs. The banking industry is heavily regulated and these sort of details must be clearly disclosed to consumers.

    Like Soli, you failed to pay attention. Being lazy does not exempt you from the customer agreement that you accepted.
    edited August 2019 watto_cobra
  • Reply 14 of 28
    SoliSoli Posts: 10,035member
    mpantone said:
    Soli said:
    mpantone said:
    Immediately paying off a credit card bill in full is just good practice, however for those who do not follow good practices I understand there is something like a 24% APR on this card? Correct or not?
    Per the Apple Card customer agreement from Goldman Sachs, the APR varies from person to person depending on what rate was offered when they applied “based on creditworthiness” [sic].

    The rate currently ranges from 12.99% to 23.99%. This is clearly stated on the first page of the customer agreement in LARGE BOLD TYPE.
    My APR for the Barclay Apple card was 14.99% when I signed up. I know this because I put all this info into 1Password. It's currently at 16.24% without ever having a a credit line increase (i.e.: a formal change to my cardholder agreement) or ever carrying a balance past a statement due date. Most months it's just used for what little iCloud-based costs I incur.
    You clearly don't understand how loans work. There are fixed rate loans and variable rate loans. 

    At least here in the USA, interest rates are often based on the prime lending rates, like most consumer credit cards. When the prime lending rate changes, the card issuing bank does not need to revise their terms or customer agreement. It's already written in and you agreed to it.

    I will bet you a buffalo nickel that the prime lending rate when you applied for your Barclaycard was lower than it is today. I will bet you another buffalo nickel that your Barclaycard terms state that the interest rate is variable.

    The rates for some loans are fixed like fixed-rate mortgages versus ARMs, maybe your auto loan, maybe your student education loan.

    Read your loan agreement for details. Clearly you have failed to do so.
    You need to pay attention and re-read what I wrote since you took a comment where I was clearly backing up what you said with an anecdote with a comment that Ilack comprehension, being lazy, and not paying attention.
    watto_cobramacgui
  • Reply 15 of 28
    mpantonempantone Posts: 2,033member
    LOL, you still don't get it.

    You refer to details like your rate going up despite not receiving some sort of notification [sic].

    Regardless of whether you pay your statement balance or the current balance due is irrelevant to whether or not Barclaycard changes your rate.

    Have a great evening weeping about your credit card rate increase. My credit cards' interest rates change regularly but you won't see me grubbing for sympathy.

    I will bet you another buffalo nickel that you aren't the center of the universe.
    edited August 2019
  • Reply 16 of 28
    SoliSoli Posts: 10,035member
    mpantone said:
    LOL, you still don't get it.

    You refer to details like your rate going up despite not receiving some sort of notification [sic].

    Regardless of whether you pay your statement balance or the current balance due is irrelevant to whether or not Barclaycard changes your rate.

    Have a great evening weeping about your credit card rate increase.
    No I didn’t.

    PS: You really need to learn how to use “[sic]” properly.


    macgui
  • Reply 17 of 28
    sreesree Posts: 152member
    Well lets see, there is an Amazon Pay visa credit card where you get all the monthly cashback as Amazon Pay wallet money. It gives anywhere between 1-5% cashback depending on where and what you are buying. There is no reward points and other nonsense involved. Don't see apple card to be much different or better, other than the daily cashback instead of monthly.
  • Reply 18 of 28
    SoliSoli Posts: 10,035member
    sree said:
    Well lets see, there is an Amazon Pay visa credit card where you get all the monthly cashback as Amazon Pay wallet money. It gives anywhere between 1-5% cashback depending on where and what you are buying. There is no reward points and other nonsense involved. Don't see apple card to be much different or better, other than the daily cashback instead of monthly.
    That card has a notoriously high APR. It also offers a lower percentage cash back than the Apple Card for many category types. It's a good card (I have it) but like all others it's not the be all end all of credit cards.
    Rayz2016beowulfschmidtwatto_cobra
  • Reply 19 of 28
    AppleInsider:

    If we were more criminally-minded, maybe it would've occurred to us to buy a Mac Pro, immediately return it for a full refund and then make off with $883.62. (That's twice the 3% we got back via Apple Card, because the store refunds the entire purchase amount.)

    Check your math. There is no doubling involved. If this worked (which, as you point out, it wouldn’t). You would “just” end up with your money back from the purchase plus the 3% Apple Cash rebate. 
    edited August 2019 watto_cobra
  • Reply 20 of 28
    sree said:
    Well lets see, there is an Amazon Pay visa credit card where you get all the monthly cashback as Amazon Pay wallet money. It gives anywhere between 1-5% cashback depending on where and what you are buying. There is no reward points and other nonsense involved. Don't see apple card to be much different or better, other than the daily cashback instead of monthly.
    Different cards are good for different things.  My Amazon Prime card is good for Amazon purchases and some consumables for which I would likely pay cash anyway.  When and if I get an Apple Card (who am I kidding here?), it will be good for purchases from Apple and things for which I can use Apple Pay.  Again, things for which I would likely use cash or debit were these cards not available.  Another card I have is good for travel because it has travel rewards.  To the extent that travel is work related, I can still reap the rewards.

    All the people who say "this card isn't special" are mostly correct, and the same statement applies to all the other cards that are claimed to be "better" than the Apple Card.  By themselves, they aren't "special", but each is special if one uses it in a manner that maximizes the rewards, e.g. for the Apple Card, shop at Apple or use Apple Pay, and then pay the statement balance every month.  Just like every other such card.
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