Apple Card users affected by the LA fires are eligible for delayed payments.
Apple is donating to LA wildfire relief efforts and will let impacted Apple Card users postpone their payments.
Apple Card users residing in an area declared a natural disaster zone by FEMA may be eligible for delayed payments, as part of a program launched by Apple on Thursday. Eligible users can enroll in the program via the Messages app, where they must contact Apple Card Support.
As shared by Mark Gurman, those affected by the situation in Los Angeles can skip a payment in the month they enroll, and no interest will accumulate during this period. If an account is in good standing, it will remain current while it is enrolled in the program.
Accounts that are past due will not go further past due for the duration of the program enrollment. Standard purchase APR will apply the following month.
Apple and Goldman allowing Apple Card users impacted by the fires in LA to postpone payments. pic.twitter.com/jyXdqWY7wa
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) January 9, 2025
If a user’s spending is restricted, then it will remain restricted for the duration of the program. Users’ previously scheduled payments will be processed as normal, unless a payment is canceled via Apple Wallet, online, or with the help of an Apple Card Specialist.
The wildfires in the Los Angeles area have caused significant damage, with thousands of structures destroyed. Thousands of people have left the area, and the current death toll is unknown at the time of writing. At least six people are known to have died as a result of the wildfires.
In a social media post on X, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has described the Los Angeles fires as heartbreaking. He also praised the heroic efforts of first responders, and said that Apple would make a donation to support relief efforts.
The devastation caused by the fires in Los Angeles is heartbreaking. Thank you to the incredible firefighters, first responders, and all those assisting for your heroic efforts. Apple will be donating to support the victims and recovery efforts on the ground. https://t.co/9ry0olSQFh
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) January 9, 2025
Apple typically provides assistance for users affected by natural disasters as a means of easing the financial burden in times of crisis. The company also frequently donates to natural disaster relief efforts, as was the case in October 2024 during the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
