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Have funds in Apple ID but can’t use them to purchase a song

Whenever I try to purchase a song (1.99$) it doesn’t give me an option to use my funds in my Apple ID- it says to pick my payment option, master card or Apple ID, but when I click Apple ID it just takes me to a screen with a redeem and add funds option. How do I use my Apple ID funds?

iPhone 7, iOS 14

Posted on Apr 7, 2021 7:50 PM

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3 replies

Apr 7, 2021 8:34 PM in response to -sc-

Actually you do not get to select your payment method, it is done automatically. What it probably wants is for you to enter a credit or debit card for "verification" purposes (don't ask me what that means -- I have spent years wondering). Then it will proceed to charge according to:


How App Store and iTunes Store purchases are billed - https://support.apple.com/HT201359


"Which payment method is charged?

When you buy items or pay for subscriptions, Apple attempts to charge your payment methods in this order:


1. Apple attempts to use your Apple ID balance to cover the full amount.

2. If you don't have Apple ID balance or you don't have enough to cover the full amount, Apple attempts to charge your primary payment method. The primary payment method is at the top of the list in Settings on your iPhone. You can control which payment method is at the top of the list.

3. If there's a problem with the primary payment method, or if the primary payment method can't be charged for the full remaining amount, Apple attempts to charge your other payment methods in order from top to bottom. If none of them can be charged, Apple may try again.


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

- "You can remove payment methods from your existing Apple ID after you sign in to the App Store, iTunes Store, or Apple Books. You won't be asked for a payment method again until you make a purchase."

Apr 8, 2021 11:59 AM in response to -sc-

You cannot select which payment method is used. The order which I previously indicated is how it is done. Now that I see you are also referring to Family Sharing this element introduces new aspects.


The payment method for Family Sharing is automatic:


1. If anybody in the family buys or subscribes to something, Apple first attempts to charge the item to that individual's Apple ID balance, if any.

2. If a family member does not have enough personal balance, any excess will be charged to the Family Organizer's primary payment method (usually a card of some kind). The Organizer's personal balance will not be used for purchases made by other family members. If it cannot bill the primary payment method then it will just work its way down the Organizer's list of payment methods until it finds one it can.


- "Some purchases, including gifts, can't be billed to Apple ID balance and will be charged to the family organizer's payment method." "Some subscriptions might not be charged to Apple ID balance."


Ref:

- Family purchases and payments - https://support.apple.com/HT201079

- How App Store and iTunes Store purchases are billed - https://support.apple.com/HT201359

- Check your Apple ID balance - https://support.apple.com/HT202359


Have funds in Apple ID but can’t use them to purchase a song

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