I just signed up for the Apple Card. I have been fascinated by this partnership between Apple and Goldman Sachs ever since we learned about it last year. So, when it went live earlier this month I knew I had to get it.

While I may not be a true Apple fanboy I use many of their products including a Mac, iPad and iPhone. The Apple Card is designed to work seamlessly with the iPhone, in fact you must have an iPhone 6 or later to be able to apply for the Apple Card. There is no web-based application, you have to do it from inside the Wallet app.

I like to play the mileage and points game so I have several Chase and Amex credit cards and I regularly (2-3 times a year) apply for new cards. It never ceases to amaze me that, despite all the credit cards these companies issue, the online application process always feels clunky and unfriendly. They could and should make it much more simple.

The Card Application Process Felt Like Visiting the Future

This is what Apple has done. The user experience in the application process is simply superb. They have clearly thought long and hard about ways to reduce friction, especially considering you are applying on your phone. Here are some screenshots of the process: [Read more…]