Apple credit card rumoured to be launching in Canada this fall
Apple Inc. has filed a Canadian application to trademark brand names for its consumer credit card, Apple Card, and its money transferring feature, Apple Cash.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based iPhone maker filed both applications with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) on July 15, prompting speculation that at least one of the services will be launched in Canada this fall when Apple is expected to unveil the latest iPhone and operating system upgrade.
On July 17 CIPO, the Canadian trademark administrator, also registered the Canadian trademark for Apple Pay Cash, which allows users to send and receive money through iMessage. It’s currently only available in the U.S., although references to the feature have appeared in the iPhone Wallet app in Canada.
The Apple Card is expected to launch this summer in the U.S., but the Canadian launch, if it happens, could still be some time off since it typically takes up to 10 months for a trademark application to be reviewed for approval here, according to Toronto-based intellectual property law firm Heer Law. The card is to be issued by Goldman Sachs in the U.S., with the investment bank suggesting a possible international rollout in the future.
The card is integrated with the Wallet app to allow digital Apple Pay payments geared toward online and in-store contactless purchases. Apple will also provide a physical card made entirely from titanium, with the holders’ name laser etched but with no card number, expiration date or CVV as part of a focus on security in the crowded credit card field. It will offer benefits for Apple-related purchases and charge an interest rate, although Apple says there are no annual fees, international fees, charges for making a late payment or fees for exceeding a credit limit.