Apple has rebranded iTunes Pass to Apple Account Card, which might be confusing for some since it sounds like Apple Card. Apple users can pay for apps and subscription services using a credit, debit or gift card, and although both the Apple Account Card and Apple Card relate to payments and balances, they are very different.

The Apple Card was introduced in 2019 as a credit card issued by Apple. The digital version lives inside the Wallet app and is linked to Apple Pay. There is also a physical version of the card made of titanium that can be used for payments in physical stores that do not accept Apple Pay. Like all credit cards, there are requirements to be eligible for an Apple Card.

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The new Apple Account Card replaces iTunes Pass, the credit storage system used by Apple users to make purchases on the App Store, iTunes Store, iCloud Apple Books, and Apple Store (online and retail). What Apple has done following the release of iOS 15.5, according to 9to5Mac, is to replace the pass with a digital card that appears in the Wallet app. The card shows the balance tied to the user’s Apple ID and performs the same function as the iTunes Pass. However, since it is now a card, it doesn’t require a QR code before completing payment at an Apple retail store. Users simply have to choose the card from their wallet as the form of payment and proceed to complete the transaction using Apple Pay.

Apple Card Is A Credit Card


Apple Card on top of an iPhone

Put simply, the Apple Card is a digital and physical credit card while the Apple Account Card is a digital-only card for money available in a user’s Apple ID balance. Notwithstanding, there are other differences. Unlike the Apple Card which has requirements such as an age limit (18 or older) and a credit score check, the Apple Account Card doesn’t have such requirements. All a user needs is to have funds in their Apple ID balance. They can add funds by redeeming a gift card (Apple Gift Card or iTunes Gift Card) or code. There is also the option to fund the account using a credit or debit card.

As stated, there is no physical version of the Apple Account Card and this means that it can’t be used to make purchases at non-Apple stores. Instead, the money in a user’s Apple account balance can only be used for the purchase of goods and services from Apple. In contrast, those who own an Apple (Credit) Card can use it to pay for Apple apps and services and also use it anywhere credit cards are accepted. They also get perks for using the card. There is also no signing up for Apple Account Card as the user just had to open the Wallet app, tap the “+” button and select “Add Apple Account.” The card will then appear in the app, providing the user has money available in their Apple ID balance.