Apple Expands Apple Card Testing

Apple has expanded the test phase of its credit card with Goldman Sachs to its retail employees, according to a report by Bloomberg. The company, which has tens of thousands of retail workers, launched an internal beta program for the Apple Card, and it is the first major trial for the upcoming product, set to launch publicly in the summer.

The group using the card, despite the size of the workforce, will be a controlled one, and the workers were asked to not talk about the card, even though they’re allowed to use it publicly. The card can be used directly from the iPhone, though there’s also a physical card available, too. The physical card has a sharp-looking metal design.

Goldman Sachs takes care of the payment processing, credit obligations, disputes and customer service for the card. In addition, Apple is already discussing expanding the card into Europe.

The workers found out about the test through a company message, and can sign up for the trial right from their phones. Workers can use the card on the phone right away, and the actual card itself will arrive after two or three weeks. Workers get the same APR that Apple has been advertising for everyone, which is between 13.24 percent and 24.24 percent.

The card is being tested in the Wallet app on iOS 12.4 and 13, both of which are forthcoming. The test versions seen show that the card works as advertised, and allows for the ability to get cash back, pay bills, see the status of when a physical card will arrive and get tech support through texting. There’s also the ability to see the credit limit, connect bank accounts and schedule payments. The Apple workers can set the card as their default payment method for Apple products and purchases.

There are about 30 people from Goldman Sachs working from its side, and Apple has people from its Apple Pay and Wallet teams working on the beta as well.