When is the Apple Card coming to Europe? Alternatives for 2026

Is the Apple Card available in Europe? No, the Apple Card is still only available in the United States (September 2026).

In January 2026, Apple announced that JPMorgan Chase will replace Goldman Sachs as the card’s issuer, a transition expected to take about 24 months. Apple hasn’t announced any plans to launch the card in Europe.

In this guide, we explain how the Apple Card works in the US, why it isn’t available in Europe and which cards work best with Apple Pay for European users.

Is the Apple Card available in Europe?

No. The Apple Card is only available to eligible US residents. Since its launch in 2019, it has been issued by Goldman Sachs and runs on the Mastercard network.

In January 2026, Apple announced that Chase will become the new issuer of the Apple Card, with the transition expected to take about 24 months and subject to regulatory approvals. The card will keep using the Mastercard network, and nothing changes for current users in the meantime. None of these announcements mention a launch outside the US.

Why isn’t the Apple Card available in Europe?

There is no single official reason, but several factors make a European launch harder:

• Interchange fee caps: in the EU, card fees charged to merchants are capped at 0.2% of the transaction for debit cards and 0.3% for credit cards. In the US, credit card interchange fees are usually much higher, which helps card issuers fund cashback rewards like Apple’s Daily Cash.
• Different banking rules in each country: credit rules, consumer protection and data requirements differ across Europe, so a launch would require local banking partners and approvals.
• The issuer transition: with the move from Goldman Sachs to Chase underway, a European expansion seems unlikely in the short term.

How does the Apple Card work in the US?

The Apple Card is a credit card that lives in the Wallet app on your iPhone, with an optional titanium physical card. Its main features are:

• No fees: no annual, foreign transaction or late fees (interest still applies if you carry a balance)
• Daily Cash: up to 3% back on purchases at Apple and selected merchants, 2% when you pay with Apple Pay and 1% with the physical card
• Apple Card Monthly Installments: interest-free monthly payments on selected Apple products
• Savings account: Apple Card users can open a high-yield savings account, currently provided by Goldman Sachs
• Privacy and security: a virtual card number stored on your device, with Face ID or Touch ID for payments

Best Apple Card alternatives in Europe

While you can’t get the Apple Card in Europe, several European cards work with Apple Pay and offer some of the same features, such as low FX fees, cashback or instant spending notifications. Here are some of the best options.

1. Revolut

Revolut is one of the most popular financial apps in Europe, with multi-currency accounts, a debit card and full Apple Pay support. In some countries, it also offers credit cards.

Key features:

• Multi-currency account with currency exchange (fair usage limits and weekend markups apply on some plans)
• Instant spending notifications and budgeting tools
• Disposable virtual cards for safer online shopping
• Stocks, ETFs and crypto in the same app

Plans (France, from July 2026, prices vary by country): Standard (free), Plus (€3.99/month), Premium (€10.99/month), Metal (€18.99/month) and Ultra (€60/month). Paid plans include higher limits, insurance and other perks.

2. N26

N26 is a German digital bank with a full banking licence and supports Apple Pay. Its paid plans add perks for travellers, such as free ATM withdrawals outside the eurozone and cashback while travelling.

Key features:

• Real-time spending notifications and Spaces sub-accounts
• Free card payments in foreign currencies
• 1% cashback on qualifying payments outside the EEA, Switzerland and the UK on the Go and Metal plans (for up to 12 months after enrolment)
• Stocks and ETFs in the app

Plans: Standard (free), Smart (€4.90/month), Go (€9.90/month) and Metal (€16.90/month). You can compare them on the N26 plans page.

3. Wise

Wise is known for international money transfers at the mid-market exchange rate and offers a multi-currency account with a debit card that works with Apple Pay.

Key features:

• Hold and convert money in dozens of currencies
• Currency conversion at the mid-market rate, with a transparent conversion fee
• Local account details in several currencies
• Free ATM withdrawals up to a monthly limit, then a fee

Fees: a one-time fee for the physical card (€7 in the eurozone), plus a conversion fee that depends on the currency. There is no monthly fee.

4. bunq

bunq is a Dutch bank with a full banking licence and supports Apple Pay. It offers multi-currency accounts, budgeting tools and a credit card that draws on your balance.

Key features:

• Multiple sub-accounts with their own IBANs
• Real-time spending notifications
• Interest on savings (rates vary by plan and country)

bunq has a free plan and paid plans starting from a few euros a month. Check the bunq pricing page for the current plans in your country.

5. Monese

Monese is a mobile money account that became popular with people who have just moved abroad, as you can open an account without a local address history. It supports Apple Pay.

Since October 2024, Monese has been owned by the UK fintech Pockit, and its focus is now mainly on the UK. Before you choose it in another European country, check that Monese still accepts new customers there and review its current fees in the app.

Conclusion

The Apple Card is still only available in the US, and Apple hasn’t announced any plans to launch it in Europe. With Chase taking over as issuer over the next two years, a European launch seems unlikely in the near future.

If you’re in Europe and want a card that works well with Apple Pay, Revolut, N26, Wise and bunq are good options, each with a different mix of fees, features and perks. Compare their plans and fees in your country before you sign up.