Apple Card users now receive a new benefit at Booking.com, automatically upgrading to Genius Level 2 after completing just one eligible stay or car rental instead of the usual five bookings within a two-year period. Genius is Booking.com's free loyalty program, with Level 2 unlocking benefits including discounts of 10–15% on select stays and car rentals as well as free breakfast and/or room upgrades at select properties.

Booking.com has been a premier Apple Card partner for some time, with users receiving enhanced 3% Daily Cash when booking stays and car rentals using Apple Card with Apple Pay, plus 2% in Booking.com Travel Credits. The fast-track upgrade significantly accelerates access to premium travel perks for cardholders.

This enhancement comes as competition heats up in the credit card space, with Samsung recently debuting its Galaxy Card offering 5% cash back to challenge Apple Card's market position.