The fall out from the COVID-19 pandemic continues, with Americans everywhere finding themselves in precarious situations. Because of the overrevving situation, many find themselves working from home or subject to quarantine. This has a significant impact on finances – something more and more credit card issuers are realizing. Apple is the latest to address the problem, letting those with the Apple Card enroll in its Customer Assistance Program. Just what is this program, however, and how can it help?
Apple Customer Assistance Program
Apple’s email offer to current Apple Cardholders allows them to skip the next payment on their credit card. What this means in practice is that cardholders can reach out via Messages on their iPhone and enroll. Once enrolled, they can skip their next monthly credit card payment, which will be generated on March 31, 2020.
There are no fees or additional interest payments from skipping the payment. Cardholders also don’t have to worry about a missed payment mark being put on their credit reports. The full amount is then due the following month, essentially giving cardholders a little extra breathing space.
Goldman Sachs is one of the largest banks in the world and the issuer of the Apple Card. In the immediate aftermath of the announcement of the Customer Assistance Program, the bank claimed that tens of thousands of cardholders have taken advantage of the offer.
Will This Offer Be Extended?
The Customer Assistance Program from Apple is undoubtedly a grand gesture of goodwill. The nature of the times means that all Americans now live with a higher degree of uncertainty. While the gesture is admirable, however, it will be interesting to see if this program rolls out for additional months. Given that health experts currently have no estimates as to when the worst will be over, the summer months may prove even more financially difficult for consumers.
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