How do I direct the purchase to a gift card instead of a credit card

See -> The gift card for everything Apple -> Apple Gift Card - Apple

This 'universal' gift card was launched in the US at the end of July 2020.

Since June 29, 2022, a number of European countries have been added, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK and the Netherlands.

(on macOS) Click Add money -> iTunes Store opens in iTunes.

See also: App Store & iTunes gift card:

Apple Gift Card - Apple (UK)

Where to buy:

Actually, you can buy an Apple gift card at many places, it depends of course on where you live.

At an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Reseller in your region certainly, but also at a good bookstore, supermarket and/or drugstore.

If you redeem a Apple gift card, the funds will be add to your Apple Account balance.

If you have add funds to your Apple ID balance, it would take about 1 to 3 business days.

See -> How to redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes gift card

How to redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes gift card – Apple Support (UK)

What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple ID balance

What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance – Apple Support (UK)

See -> Check your gift card balance

Check your gift card balance - Apple Support

OR on your iPhone -> Tap App Store -> tap your profile (top right corner of the screen).

Or see -> Check your Apple ID balance

Check your Apple ID balance – Apple Support (UK)

Read also ⤵️

Terms and Conditions for Apple Gift Cards and Codes, Apple Account Associated Balance, and Content Codes

Legal - iTunes Gift Cards and Codes - Apple

If you can't redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes Gift Card

If you can't redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes Gift Card - Apple Support

• You can't redeem Apple Gift Cards or App Store & iTunes Gift Cards outside the country or region of purchase. For example, if you bought an App Store & iTunes Gift Card in France, you can't redeem it in the App Store in the United States.

❗️Beware of -> About Gift Card Scams

About Gift Card Scams - Official Apple Support