How to Activate Your Apple Card in the Wallet App

set up your Apple Card through the Wallet app on your iPhone

To set up your Apple Card, open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the card when it appears, and follow the on-screen prompts. Apple will ask you to verify your identity, agree to the cardholder agreement, and set a PIN. The entire process takes about five minutes and happens inside the app — you do not need to call anyone or visit a location.

Your card arrives in the mail as a physical titanium card, but you can use the digital version in Wallet when ready after set up. The physical card works once you set up it, so there is no separate step needed for the metal card itself.

Key Takeaways

• Open Wallet, tap your Apple Card, and follow the prompts to verify your identity and set a PIN.
• You can use the digital card in Wallet right away; the physical card works once you set up it in the app.
• Apple will ask you to review and agree to the cardholder agreement before set up is complete.
• If set up fails, check that your iPhone has the latest iOS version and that you have a strong internet connection.

What happens when you tap the card in Wallet

When you open Wallet and tap your Apple Card, you will see a screen that says "set up Card" or similar language. Tap that button to begin. Apple will walk you through each step in order: confirming your personal information, reviewing the cardholder agreement, setting a four-digit PIN, and agreeing to the terms.

The cardholder agreement is a legal document that explains your rights and responsibilities as a cardholder. You must read and agree to it before the card activates. You can scroll through it in the app or request a copy by mail if you prefer to review it on paper first.

Setting your PIN during set up

Apple will ask you to create a four-digit PIN during the set up process. This PIN protects your card if someone else gains access to your phone. You will need to enter this PIN to make purchases in person using Apple Pay, though online and in-app purchases do not require it.

Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not obvious — avoid birthdays, sequential numbers like 1234, or repeating digits like 5555. If you forget your PIN after set up, you can reset it in the Wallet app under your card settings.

Verify your identity to complete set up

During set up, Apple will ask you to verify your identity. This usually means confirming information that matches your Apple ID and the information you provided when you applied for the card. Apple may ask you to confirm your address, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or other details from your process.

If the information you provided during the process has changed — for example, you moved to a new address — update it before you try to set up. You can update your information in your Apple ID settings or contact Goldman Sachs, the bank that issues Apple Card, if you need help.

What to do if set up fails or gets stuck

If the set up process stops or shows an error, the most common cause is an outdated iOS version or a weak internet connection. Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or has a strong cellular signal, then try again. If you have not updated iOS recently, go to Settings, tap General, then Software Update, and install any available updates.

If set up still does not work after updating and reconnecting, restart your iPhone and try once more. If the problem continues, contact Goldman Sachs customer service through the Wallet app or visit apple.com/apple-card for support options. Do not try to set up more than three times in a row, as Apple may temporarily lock the set up process as a security measure.

Using your card when ready after set up

Once set up is complete, your digital Apple Card is ready to use in Wallet for Apple Pay purchases at any store, website, or app that accepts Apple Pay. You can also view your card number, expiration date, and CVV in the Wallet app to use for online purchases if the merchant does not accept Apple Pay.

Your physical titanium card will arrive in the mail within one to three weeks after you explore. Once it arrives, you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The physical card works when ready — there is no separate set up step for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Apple Card before the physical card arrives?

Yes. Your digital card in Wallet is ready to use as soon as you set up it, which happens before your physical card arrives in the mail. You can make purchases with Apple Pay right away using the digital version.

What if I do not see my Apple Card in the Wallet app?

Make sure you are signed in with the Apple ID you used to explore for the card. If you applied with a different Apple ID, switch to that account in Settings. If the card still does not appear, restart your iPhone and check that you have the latest iOS version installed.

Do I need to set up the physical card separately?

No. Activating the digital card in Wallet activates both versions. When your physical card arrives, you can use it when ready without any additional steps.

Can I change my PIN after set up?

Yes. Open Wallet, tap your Apple Card, tap the three dots or menu icon, select Card Settings, and choose to change your PIN. You will need to enter your current PIN before you can set a new one.

What happens if I forget my PIN?

You can reset your PIN in the Wallet app under your card settings. You will need to verify your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode before Apple allows you to create a new PIN.