Ever found yourself eyeing that sleek, minimalist credit card often associated with a certain tech giant, or perhaps a GM rewards card, and wondered how you could get your hands on it? If you're thinking of a "Goldman Sachs card," you're likely referring to one of the credit cards issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA. While Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking powerhouse, their consumer credit card offerings have primarily been through partnerships. The most prominent one, which many associate directly with Goldman Sachs, is the Apple Card. They also previously issued GM-branded credit cards, though that partnership is transitioning.
Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to navigate the process of obtaining a credit card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, specifically focusing on the Apple Card, as it's their most widely available consumer offering.
The Quest for a Goldman Sachs Card: A Step-by-Step Journey
Ready to embark on your credit card journey? Let's start!
Step 1: Are You Ready for the Commitment? Understanding Your Financial Landscape
Before you even think about hitting "apply," it's crucial to take a good, hard look at your current financial situation. Applying for any credit card, especially one with a prestigious issuer like Goldman Sachs, requires a certain level of financial preparedness.
Sub-heading: What Goldman Sachs Looks For
Goldman Sachs, like any other lender, assesses your creditworthiness to determine if you're a responsible borrower. They consider several key factors:
Credit Score: This is perhaps the most critical factor. Goldman Sachs uses your credit score (often FICO Score 9 and VantageScore) to gauge your ability to pay back debt. Generally, a good to excellent credit score is highly recommended. While there isn't a publicly stated minimum for the Apple Card, sources suggest a FICO Score 9 of 600 or higher is typically needed, with higher scores increasing your chances and potentially leading to a better credit limit and APR. For GM Cards, a FICO9 score below 660 or a VantageScore below 630 could lead to a decline.
Credit Report History: They'll scrutinize your entire credit report, looking for your payment history, how much debt you currently have, the age of your credit accounts, and how much of your available credit you're utilizing (your credit utilization ratio). Being past due on debt obligations, having negative public records (like tax liens or bankruptcies), or recently having your checking account closed by a bank can significantly hurt your application.
Income: Your reported income plays a vital role in determining your ability to make payments. Goldman Sachs assesses your income in relation to your existing debt obligations to decide your initial credit limit.
Recent Credit Applications: Too many recent credit applications can make you look like a high-risk borrower. Lenders see frequent applications as a sign of financial instability or desperation for credit.
Step 2: Choosing Your Path - The Apple Card (The Primary Goldman Sachs Card)
As of now, the most prominent consumer credit card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA is the Apple Card. While they previously issued GM-branded cards (My GM Rewards Mastercard, GM Business Mastercard, GM Extended Family Mastercard), Marcus by Goldman Sachs is no longer accepting new applications for these. The GM card program is transitioning to Barclays. Therefore, if you're looking for a "Goldman Sachs card" as a consumer, the Apple Card is your main target.
Sub-heading: Why the Apple Card?
The Apple Card, issued by Goldman Sachs, is known for its unique features:
Integrated with Apple Wallet: A digital-first experience, deeply integrated with your iPhone.
Daily Cash Back: Earn unlimited Daily Cash back on every purchase (3% on Apple purchases and select merchants with Apple Pay, 2% on all Apple Pay purchases, and 1% on all other purchases).
No Fees: No annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, and no late fees. However, late or missed payments will result in additional interest accumulating.
Privacy Focus: Apple Card does not sell your data to third parties.
Financial Health Tools: Built-in tools in the Wallet app help you understand your spending and interest.
Step 3: Meeting the Prerequisites - Eligibility for Apple Card
Before you even open the Wallet app, ensure you meet the fundamental requirements set by Goldman Sachs for the Apple Card:
Age: You must be 18 years or older, depending on your residency.
Residency: Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful U.S. resident with a valid, physical U.S. residential address (not a P.O. Box). Military addresses are also accepted.
Apple Ecosystem: You need an iPhone or iPad with the latest iOS or iPadOS.
Apple ID: You must be signed in to your Apple Account with two-factor authentication enabled.
Credit Freeze: If your credit report is frozen, you'll need to temporarily lift the freeze (specifically with TransUnion, as Goldman Sachs primarily uses them and other credit bureaus).
Identity Verification: You might need to verify your identity with a Driver's license or State-issued Photo ID.
Step 4: The Application Process - Applying for Apple Card
This is where the rubber meets the road. The application for the Apple Card is designed to be quick and seamless, all within your iPhone.
Sub-heading: Applying Through Your iPhone
Open the Wallet App: On your iPhone, open the pre-installed Wallet app.
Tap the Add Button: Look for the "Add" button, usually a "+" sign in the upper right corner.
Select Apple Card: Choose "Apple Card" from the list of cards you can add.
Tap Continue: Follow the on-screen prompts.
Complete Your Application: You'll be asked for personal information, including your income.
Review Terms & Conditions: Carefully read and agree to the Apple Card Terms & Conditions.
Accept Your Offer: If approved, Goldman Sachs will present you with an offer, including your initial credit limit and Annual Percentage Rate (APR). You can see this offer without impacting your credit score. Only upon accepting the offer will a hard inquiry be made on your credit report, which may impact your score.
Card Added to Wallet: Once you accept, your Apple Card will be instantly added to your Wallet app, ready for immediate use with Apple Pay. You can then request a physical titanium Apple Card.
Sub-heading: What to Expect During the Application
The application process is designed to be very fast. You might receive an instant decision. In some cases, Goldman Sachs might need more time to review your application or request additional information to verify your identity. If your application is declined, you'll receive a message explaining the reasons, often including your credit score and instructions on how to request a free copy of your credit report if a credit bureau's information contributed to the decision.
Step 5: Post-Approval Action - Managing Your New Card
Congratulations, if you've been approved! Now it's time to manage your new Goldman Sachs-issued card responsibly.
Sub-heading: Activating and Using Your Apple Card
Digital First: Your Apple Card is immediately available in the Wallet app for Apple Pay purchases online, in apps, and in stores where Apple Pay is accepted.
Physical Titanium Card: If you requested one during the application, your physical titanium Apple Card will arrive in the mail. Activate it through the Wallet app when it arrives. This card is for purchases where Apple Pay isn't accepted (e.g., swiping or inserting).
Daily Cash: Your Daily Cash rewards will be automatically deposited into your Apple Cash account or, if you set it up, into a high-yield Savings account provided by Goldman Sachs Bank USA.
Sub-heading: Responsible Card Management
Monitor Spending: Use the Wallet app's intuitive interface to track your spending, categorize purchases, and see your interest accrual in real-time.
Pay on Time (or Early!): Always pay at least your minimum payment on time to avoid interest accumulation. The Apple Card also shows you an estimate of the interest cost if you choose to pay different amounts, helping you make informed decisions.
Keep Utilization Low: Aim to keep your credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you're using compared to your total available credit) below 30% to maintain a healthy credit score.
Review Statements: Regularly review your monthly statements for accuracy and to understand your spending habits.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my credit score before applying for a Goldman Sachs card?
You can check your credit score for free through various credit monitoring services (e.g., Credit Karma, Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) or sometimes through your existing bank or credit card issuer.
How to improve my credit score for a Goldman Sachs card application?
Focus on paying all your bills on time, keeping your credit utilization low (below 30% of your credit limit), avoiding opening too many new credit accounts in a short period, and addressing any errors on your credit report.
How to apply for a Goldman Sachs GM credit card?
As of late 2024 and early 2025, Marcus by Goldman Sachs is no longer accepting new applications for GM-branded credit cards. The GM credit card program is transitioning to Barclays. You'll need to check with GM or Barclays for future application details.
How to contact Goldman Sachs about my Apple Card application?
You can contact an Apple Card Specialist at Goldman Sachs by calling 1-877-255-5923 or by messaging them directly through the Wallet app on your iPhone (tap Apple Card > tap the three dots > tap "Message" or "Call").
How to increase my credit limit on my Apple Card?
Goldman Sachs periodically reviews accounts for credit limit increases. You can also proactively request a credit limit increase through the Wallet app. Your income and responsible payment history are key factors in approval.
How to set up Daily Cash to go into a Savings account with Goldman Sachs?
When you have an Apple Card, you can open a high-yield Savings account through the Wallet app. Once opened, you can choose to automatically deposit your Daily Cash earnings into this Savings account.
How to manage my Apple Card if I don't have an iPhone?
While the Apple Card is designed for iPhone integration, you can manage some aspects of your account online at card.apple.com. However, for full features and benefits, an eligible iPhone or iPad with the latest iOS/iPadOS is required.
How to get a physical Apple Card?
After your Apple Card application is approved and you accept the offer, you can request a physical, laser-etched titanium Apple Card directly through the Wallet app on your iPhone.
How to dispute a charge on my Goldman Sachs Apple Card?
You can dispute a charge directly through the Wallet app. Select the transaction you wish to dispute and follow the prompts for initiating a dispute.
How to close my Goldman Sachs Apple Card account?
You can typically initiate the process of closing your Apple Card account by contacting an Apple Card Specialist at Goldman Sachs directly through the Wallet app (message or call) or via their support phone number. Be aware that closing a credit card can sometimes impact your credit score.