id="article-body" class="row" section="article-body">


ConceptsiPhone



This story is part of Apple Event, our full coverage of the latest news from Apple headquarters.The iPhone 12 is here -- in all of its 5G, OLED, super-camera glory. Two of the models are due to land this week, the , with the other two, the [url=] or , following in November. Given that they're packed with some of the most significant upgrades in recent years, lots of people will snap up a new iPhone in 2020, buying online or in store, using a traditional [url=/personal-finance/credit-cards/]credit card to finance the purchase. That could be a missed opportunity. 
Though it's not quite a slam dunk, the Apple Card -- the credit card Apple introduced in 2019 -- is worth a look, especially if you're in the market for an Apple product. For prospective iPhone 12 buyers, paying with the Apple Card offers two main benefits. 

First, you get 3% cash back on all Apple purchases. That rate, applied to the new lineup's priciest model, the $1,399 iPhone 12 Pro Max, nets you an instant $41.97 discount. 

Second, when you use an Apple Card to buy the iPhone 12 (or any other Apple product), you can pay it off with interest-free monthly payments -- an option worth considering if you can't afford the entire balance up front, or are considering financing the purchase with a credit card with a high annual percentage rate.



A few other Apple Card basics: In addition to its digital format, there's also a traditional, physical card, made of titanium, that has no number, CVV code or expiration date or signature. It's characteristically Apple, both minimalist and elegant. There are no late fees, annual fees, international fees or fees for going over your credit limit. 

And if you intend to buy directly from Apple, you can use the [url=]Apple Store app on your iPhone to speed up the process. You can pick out your exact model, go through the approval process with your carrier for the upgrade and proximus verkooppunt even sign up for Apple Card or agree to the iPhone Upgrade Program terms. 









See also





iPhone 12 and 12 Pro with 5G, HomePod Mini launch and more: Everything Apple just announced


iPhone 12 and 12 Pro: Apple makes 5G official









The fine print -- and the alternatives

But you will pay interest (on non-Apple purchases, at least): The variable APR ranges from 12.49% to 23.49%. And there are other caveats. Some carriers and retailers may offer a discount on the iPhone 12 that exceeds what you'd earn back paying list price with the Apple Card. As with most credit cards, approval for the Apple Card and the installment payment plan are both subject to a credit check. And, even if you sign up for the installment payment plan, Apple will still charge interest on taxes and shipping costs. 

Read more: [url=/personal-finance/your-money/apple-card-vs-apple-pay-vs-apple-cash-differences-you-need-to-know/]Apple Card vs. Apple Pay vs. Apple Cash

Furthermore, the Apple Card's rewards program isn't necessarily as compelling as other cards'. Its top tier cash-back rate of 3% applies only to Apple products (and services) and a modest, though growing, list of merchants that includes Duane Reade and Walgreens, Exxon and Mobil, Uber and a handful of others. Otherwise, you get 2% cash back on purchases made using Apple Pay and 1% on everything else. In contrast, the Citi Double Cash Card offers 2% on all purchases -- 1% at purchase and 1% when you pay off the purchase -- no matter how you pay.



As such, unless you're regularly buying big-ticket Apple items throughout the year -- or the iPhone 12 is the one credit card purchase you intend to make in 2020 -- there may be [url=/personal-finance/credit-cards/best-cash-back-credit-cards/]better cash-back options. The  gives you 5% cash back on all Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, which covers a much wider swath of products and services. 

[url=]

Read more: Apple Card vs. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa: Which credit card is best for you in 2020?

It's also worth noting that the Apple Card offers no new signup bonus -- a staple of the cash-back card category that can earn you hundreds of dollars when you meet certain spending thresholds. For example, the  pays a $300 bonus when you spend $3,000 within the first three months. And that's on top of the 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores and 1% back on all other purchases.

[url=]
See it at Capital One

As with most things, the best credit card for you depends on how you use it. In 2020, we've looked at dozens of credit cards and identified the best credit card options across a variety of categories. We've analyzed rewards credit cards -- including those that pay cash back on every purchase, earn you rewards points and miles for all kinds of travel purchases, or Best airline credit cards to use for March 2021. We've assessed which credit cards are best for students, optimal for Amazon Prime shoppers and worthwhile for Apple Pay aficionados. Check out all of our credit card reviews at CNET's personal finance site.








CNET Apple Report








Stay up-to-date on the latest news, reviews and advice on iPhones, iPads, Macs, services and software.
























The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.