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Why do I need a credit card to download a free app?

There is a global pandemic and many of us are out of work. As a result, all my credit cards are maxed. None of this should even matter if I'm trying to download a free app. What possible reason is there for Apple to require a CC to be on file? It's one of the reasons why I'll never buy an iPhone and I'm not the only one. Google doesn't have this requirement.

iPad Air 2, iPadOS 14

Posted on Feb 3, 2021 2:26 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 3, 2021 2:29 PM

Free apps requiring a payment for m being entered is not an uncommon observation. Several reasons are outlined in the links below such as outstanding balance or ongoing subscriptions. You can try to set up your account without a payment method but you may find there is no option other than to enter a valid payment method to satisfy Apple's requirement. If the item is free you will not be charged.


If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - https://support.apple.com/HT207165

- "You might need to have a payment method on file, even if the app that you want to download is free."


Create or use your Apple ID without a payment method - https://support.apple.com/HT204034


If you can't remove your last payment method or use no payment method with your Apple ID - https://support.apple.com/HT203905 - "Learn why you can't use your Apple ID without a payment method in the App Store, iTunes Store, and more."


If you still have problems Click here --> https://support.apple.com/choose-country-region/media-services Select your country, then a product. If you don't see one that handles your issue then keep experimenting with selections until you reach one that gets you a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.


or:


Contact Apple for support and service --> "See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world." - https://support.apple.com/HT201232

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 3, 2021 2:29 PM in response to thom240

Free apps requiring a payment for m being entered is not an uncommon observation. Several reasons are outlined in the links below such as outstanding balance or ongoing subscriptions. You can try to set up your account without a payment method but you may find there is no option other than to enter a valid payment method to satisfy Apple's requirement. If the item is free you will not be charged.


If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - https://support.apple.com/HT207165

- "You might need to have a payment method on file, even if the app that you want to download is free."


Create or use your Apple ID without a payment method - https://support.apple.com/HT204034


If you can't remove your last payment method or use no payment method with your Apple ID - https://support.apple.com/HT203905 - "Learn why you can't use your Apple ID without a payment method in the App Store, iTunes Store, and more."


If you still have problems Click here --> https://support.apple.com/choose-country-region/media-services Select your country, then a product. If you don't see one that handles your issue then keep experimenting with selections until you reach one that gets you a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.


or:


Contact Apple for support and service --> "See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world." - https://support.apple.com/HT201232

Why do I need a credit card to download a free app?

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