Since its launch in 2019, Apple Card, Apple’s digital credit card, has only been available in the U.S. Despite being granted trademark approval in several countries, including the U.K., France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, Apple has remained tight-lipped about expanding its availability internationally.
Rumors of an international expansion were fueled in 2022 when Apple acquired Credit Kudos, a U.K. open banking startup. Many speculated that the takeover would help bring Apple Card overseas, but nothing has publicly materialized from the buyout yet.
Alongside Apple Card, Apple Cash—the digital card in Apple Wallet that allows users to send and receive money through the Messages app on iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, similar to a prepaid debit card—is also available only in the U.S.
Initially, the delay in the international expansion of Apple Card and Apple Cash was believed to be due to Apple’s issuing bank, Goldman Sachs, which operates primarily in the U.S. However, Apple recently ended its partnership with Goldman Sachs in favor of a new partnership with Mastercard, a much more international issuer who could open the doors to Apple Card expanding globally.
So, could today be the day Apple Card expands internationally? The answer: maybe. The global stage of WWDC would be the perfect place for Apple to announce an Apple Card and Apple Cash expansion. However, no credible sources have suggested that an expansion is imminent. Additionally, Apple will require regulatory approval in each country it expands its banking services into, and to date, there hasn’t been any solid evidence that Apple has progressed far enough in talks to make an expansion certain.
Thankfully, there isn’t long to wait until all will be revealed.
