As of iOS 15, Apple Card gets an advanced fraud protection feature with rotating security codes

Advanced fraud protection for Apple Card owners is now available as part of the iOS 15 update, which automatically rotates the card’s three-digit security code every now and then.


STORY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • iOS 15 includes a new security feature for Apple Card owners
  • The feature changes the card’s three-digit security code every so often
  • This boosts security in case a merchant compromises your card details
  • Disabled by default, advanced fraud protection must be turned on manually

Apple's promotional image showing two physical titanium Apple Cards

iOS 5 brings advanced fraud protection for Apple Card

In online transactions, a credit card’s security code is your last line of defense.

Suppose I stole your credit card number and the associated information like first name, last name and address. Without also knowing your card’s security code, I wouldn’t be able to use the information I have to use your card for online payments. For security reasons, the physical Apple Card doesn’t display the security code. Instead, you can see it in the Wallet app along with other details of your Apple Card.

With iOS 15, Apple has introduced a new fraud protection system that automatically changes your card’s security code regularly. Dubbed Advanced Fraud Protection, it must be turned on manually. Doing so will change your three-digit Apple Card security code periodically after it’s been viewed in the Wallet app or auto-filled from Safari.

A support document on the Apple website explains how to use this feature:

You should check your security code each time you want to make a purchase with Apple Card to be sure you’re using the most up-to-date code. You can also use Advanced Fraud Protection without affecting your recurring purchases and subscriptions, such as streaming services or memberships, because these merchants use your security code to authorize payment just once when you first sign up.

Even stronger security would be something akin to a disposable virtual card. I can create as many of these as I like in Revolut, and it’s been a huge change for me—now my Revolut’s security code and card number change automatically after each and every transaction.

Aside from this security feature, iOS 15 brings improved Apple Card number discoverability in the Wallet app. Similar to finch apps like Revolut, you can now quickly view your card number by opening Apple Card in Wallet and tapping the card icon.

How to turn on advanced fraud protection for Apple Card

To turn on the ability for Apple Card to change its security code every so often, you need to flip a switch in the Apple Card settings on your iPhone or iPad.

On iPhone

If you want to turn on advanced fraud protection for your Apple Card from your iPhone or iPod touch, you’ll need to access your Apple Card settings in the Wallet app.

  1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone running the iOS 15.0 software or newer
  2. Touch your Apple Card in the Wallet app
  3. Now touch the card number icon and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or passcode
  4. Turn on Advanced Fraud Protection at the bottom

A clock icon appears next to the security code when the rotating security code is turned on. Note that you must be using iOS 15 and your Apple Card must be added to the Wallet app. Otherwise, you won’t see the option to toggle this feature.

On iPad

As you know, iPad lacks a native Wallet app. To turn on advanced fraud protection for your Apple Card on iPad, you’ll need to access the Apple Card section within Settings.

  1. Open Settings on your iPad running the iPadOS 15.0 software or later
  2. Choose Wallet & Apple Pay from the root list
  3. Now touch the Apple Card option
  4. Next, touch the Info tab
  5. Now select the option Card Number
  6. And lastly, turn on Advanced Fraud Protection at the bottom

You’ll see a clock icon next to the security code when the rotating security code is turned on. Note that you must be using the iPadOS 15.0 software or newer. Also, your Apple Card must be added to Settings. Otherwise, you won’t see the option to toggle this feature.

Turning off the rotating Apple Card security code

To turn off advanced fraud protection, which will disable the rotating security code, follow the steps above to set the Advanced Fraud Protection switch to the OFF position. Doing so will turn off the rotating security code and remove a clock icon shown next to the code.

Apple is also working on future security features for Apple Card. As an example, Apple Card will drop the easily-hacked magnetic stripe in 2024, another way to boost your security.