Apple Card advertises itself as being just about the most user-friendly credit card in the history of finance. But, surprisingly, it doesn’t let you easily upload your transaction history into a spreadsheet.
Fortunately, New York-based developer Jed Schmidt has created a tool that changes that. And you can start using it right now.
Apple Card is designed to be transparent
Apple puts users in command of their data. The company, which unlike other tech giants doesn’t monetize this information as its primary business model, is pretty good when it comes to letting users control their data. Apple Card picks up on those core values.
As Tim Cook said when he unveiled the Apple-branded credit card in March 2019, it was “built on principles that we stand for — like simplicity and transparency and privacy.” Jennifer Bailey, VP of Apple Pay, continued where Cook left off. Apple Card would, she said, “help everyone live a healthier financial life. It starts with having a better understanding of your spending so you can make smarter choices with your money.”
All of this is very true. Apple Card’s ease of use is one of its greatest selling points. But right now Apple Card can’t do everything. And one thing it, infuriatingly, can’t do is to let users download their transaction data to scour through in the form of a spreadsheet.
While you can download a PDF of this information, you’re fresh out of luck if you want to analyze the information in the form of Microsoft Excel, Apple Numbers, or Google Sheets. Since a lot of people I know (and, when I’m organized, I myself) like to do this as part of their tax and budgeting system, that’s quite frustrating.
New app lets you view Apple Card transactions in a spreadsheet
Csv.wtf is the answer you’ve waited for. “[It’s] a small and simple tool to liberate transactions from Apple Card PDF statements,” Schmidt told Cult of Mac.
Schmidt, an early Apple Card adopter, said he signed up almost immediately to use Apple Card. He then used it exclusively for two months before realizing there was no way of getting transactions out for tax itemization. His app, which he built late last year, offers one solution.
“It respects your privacy and converts statements locally, in your web browser, so that your personal information never leaves your device,” he explained. That’s something that’s going to be a particular relief to those who worry about the possibility of their Apple Card statement making its way into the hands of a stranger. Simply put, it never does.
Keeping your data secure
The web app works on both iOS and macOS, meaning you can use it on your iPhone or your Mac. To use csv.wtf, you’ll need to download monthly PDF statements via Apple’s Wallet app.
This is done by first opening the Wallet app on your iPhone. Then tap your Apple Card, tap Total Balance, and then select the month for your statement. Finally, select Download PDF Statement. Once this is done, Schmidt’s site will then extract the necessary data. That includes date, description, and transaction amount. The app then places this data into a downloadable CSV file.
The full app costs $5. A free-to-use version will randomly remove one transaction per month. Users can manually add this in, but if you already find things like tax itemization a headache, it may just be easier to pay the few bucks.
Does Schmidt expect to get Sherlocked at some point in the near future? Sherlocked, for those unfamiliar with it, refers to what happens when Apple bakes into its OS what was once a third-party feature. “Definitely,” he said. “Although I also expected them to have export functionality out of the gate. I’d be surprised if they don’t get their act together by tax time, [though.]”
Via: CNBC
