I cannot make purchases with my Apple ID store balance

Hello ascot95,

Thanks for asking the Apple Support Communities for help with your account, a payment method, and for downloading apps. Yes, you will need some sort of a payment method for verification. Verification can occur for a few reasons, but are mostly to ensure you are authorized to use the account, Apple ID, payment method, and that the payment method is still active. Here are some articles to help:

1. This article talks about the payment methods you can use and states: Payment methods that you can use with your Apple ID - Apple Support

"To make purchases from the App Store, iTunes Store, or Apple Books, or buy iCloud storage, you need an Apple ID and a valid payment method."

"If you can't make purchases or update apps, including free apps, you need to update your payment method or add a new one. If you already verified that a payment method is available in your country or region and you're still having trouble, learn more."

2. This article also says: What you can buy with your Apple ID balance - Apple Support

"Some purchases might require that you have a credit card on file, even if you use your Apple ID balance to make the purchase."

3. You can change your payment method using the process in this help article: Change, add, or remove Apple ID payment methods - Apple Support

4. It's possible the system is trying to verify your account. This article talks about this: About payment card authorization holds from the App Store or iTunes Store - Apple Support

"When you update your billing information in the App Store or iTunes Store, or add a member to your Family Sharing group, a temporary authorization hold for a nominal amount might be placed on the payment method that you have on file. Like many other merchants, Apple uses authorization holds to confirm that your payment account is active and that you have funds available to make purchases."

5. Once verified, you can use the same article in step 2 to attempt to remove your payment method.

6. If you have trouble removing your payment method, please check this help article: If you can't remove your last payment method or use no payment method with your Apple ID - Apple Support

"In some cases, like if you're using an existing Apple ID with the App Store for the first time, you must provide payment information."

Thanks and have a wonderful day.