So, still waiting (and waiting… and waiting…) for Apple Pay to hit your country and/or banking institution? Like many, we here at GB too are trapped sitting in the same boat, somewhere back in the technological dark ages of phone banking and online pay where only the Neanderthals still play. But wait, there’s a light shining down from the darkness…! *cue light from the sky and angelical music*… enter, Apple Card.

Well, in theory anyway.

Apple Card represents the tech giant’s latest foray into Pay services, and on the surface, it could be a good one. But that’s what we thought about Apple Pay too, so how is Apple Card going to be any different?

Firstly, Apple Card is first and foremost a credit card, which means you need an issuing bank. Apple has partnered with credit giant Goldman Sachs for this purpose, collaborating on the company’s first consumer-based credit card. Aside from a unique interest and fee structure that claims a “fee-free” banking experience, Apple Card will also offer a cash-back rewards scheme currently providing between 1-3% cash back on purchases. The key thing about this partnership is that it is not going to be limited in the way that Apple Pay was, by having to establish partnerships with individual banks all over the world. Goldman Sachs gains Apple entry into the MasterCard network, which means the world is now, finally their oyster when it comes to expansion.

Secondly, it is hard to deny that the laser-etched, titanium (repeat – titanium!) physical credit card is not only dang sexy, but also factors in some great security options. Full integration into the Apple Pay app means that none of the important identifying features normally inscribed on a credit card need be there, they’re all stored in Apple Pay instead, protected behind Face and FingerPrint ID.

…cnt…