Is the Apple card unavailable in Canada? Here are some alternatives

You need to be a legal US resident to get the Apple Card — it’s not available to Canadians. We've got you covered, though.

In this article, we’ll explore alternatives to the Apple Card that offer similar benefits, including no-fee credit cards and premium credit cards from providers including Scotiabank, BMO, RBC and EQ Bank.

We’ll also look at the Wise card — a smart option for spending in over 40 currencies, using the real exchange rate.

Top No-Fee and Low-Fee Alternatives to the Apple Card

There are several credit cards available in Canada that charge zero or low fees with similar benefits to the Apple Card.

When choosing a card, consider what kind of rewards suit your lifestyle. Some cards let you earn points which you can redeem at select retailers, while others offer cash back directly.

If you want to use your card abroad, you might also want a card with no foreign transaction fees. Many cards also offer exclusive travel perks for an annual fee.

Top No-Fee Credit Cards in Canada

If you’re looking for a no-fee credit card in Canada, there are several options with attractive benefits and rewards programs.

Here are a few worth checking out:

Premium Credit Cards for Canadian Travellers

If you’re a frequent flyer, you might want to consider investing in a credit card designed with travel in mind.

When you spend with these cards, you’ll earn points that you can redeem on travel, while enjoying premium travel perks.

Here are a few cards and what they offer:

Spend like a local — with your Wise card

Although they come with multiple perks, many travel-oriented credit cards still charge a 2.5% fee on foreign transactions, making it more expensive to spend and send money abroad.

Wise offers a free multi-currency card with low international transaction fees that can nicely complement your Canadian credit card of choice.

Wise helps your money go further, converting currencies at the mid-market exchange rate — the conversion rate naturally determined by the market, with no hidden mark-ups.

Wise vs. Credit Cards: Which Is Better for Spending Abroad?

How to Apply for the Wise Card

Signing up for a Wise account takes minutes — once your account is verified, you’ll be able to order a Wise Card for free.

The Wise Card helps you shop like a local wherever you are, with low currency conversion fees and no additional mark-ups on foreign transactions.

You can order a digital card to use instantly, or a physical card which you’ll get within 14 working days¹⁸, or with expedited delivery for an additional fee.

Digital Wise cards are also a great choice for online payments, for example when you pay for a subscription and want to avoid charges for additional payments without your knowledge. Simply freeze your card within the Wise app after your purchase, and un-freeze it when you’re ready to use it again.

If you suspect your virtual card details have been compromised, you can also block the card and replace the details within seconds.

Here’s how to get started:

Step 1. First, you’ll need to register for a personal account with Wise.

Step 2. Verify your identity with your photo ID and proof of address. Typically, the verification process takes 1 business day.

Step 3. Open a balance and choose from over 40 currencies to hold money in, including CAD, USD, EUR, INR and more.

If you don’t have a balance in the currency you’d like to use, don’t worry — the Wise Card uses Smart Conversion— spending from the currency that gives you the best rate.

Can You Get the Apple Card in Canada?

The Apple Card is a no-fee credit card issued by Apple in the United States. It’s not the same as Apple Pay, which is a payment technology built into Apple products.

To get an Apple Card, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, own an iPhone or iPad, and be a US citizen or resident and have a valid US address.¹

One benefit of the Apple Card is that it charges zero foreign transaction fees². So, if you’re a Canadian living in the US you can easily use the Apple Card in Canada for Canadian dollar (CAD) transactions.

However, Canadian residents aren’t eligible for an Apple Card due to differences in banking regulations between Canada and the United States.

Although the Apple Card isn’t available in Canada, there are many alternative credit cards offered by Canadian banks that come with similar benefits, like cashback rewards.

For travel, you might also want to invest in a credit card with additional travel perks — or order a free multi-currency card from Wise to avoid foreign transaction fees so you always get the best rate when spending abroad. You can read more about all the features of having a Wise Card here.

Sources:

1. Apple - How to apply for Apple Card
2. Apple - Card features
3. Scotiabank - Terms and conditions
4. Scotiabank - No-fee Amex travel card
5. Scotiabank - Amex welcome kit
6. Scotiabank - Credit card fees
7. BMO - Cashback Mastercard
8. BMO - Terms and conditions
9. BMO - Important information about credit cards
10. EQ Bank - FAQ
11. EQ Bank - Legal agreement
12. EQ Bank - Card
13. Scotiabank - Passport Visa Infinite card
14. BMO - Air Miles World Elite Mastercard
15. BMO - Important information about BMO Mastercard cards
16. RBC Avion Visa Infinite
17. RBC Visa Avion Infinite essential information
18. Wise Card shipping duration
19. Mastercard Travel Pass