Billing charges

Apple has multiple criteria* requiring the presence of a payment method, even for free items. Since you may be encountering one of those situations, you have no option but to enter a valid payment method if you wish to continue downloading. Read the support article Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support about how to do that. The payment method may not be charged if you also have account balance, but the payment method has to be present. This next article lists valid payment methods for different countries but note that in this case Apple Account balance alone apparently does not meet the requirement: Payment methods that you can use with your Apple ID - Apple Support .

*

If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

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

Remove a payment method from your Apple ID - Apple Support

- If you have any active subscriptions, you must have at least one payment method on file other than Apple ID credit.

- You might not be able to remove a payment method if you have a balance due.

Sign in with your Apple ID - Apple Support

- "When you sign in to the App Store and other media services for the first time, you might need to add a credit card or other payment information."

How apps, content, and subscriptions from Apple are billed - Apple Support

- You can’t charge gifts to your Apple ID balance. If you send a gift or gift card, your primary payment method is charged.

- Some subscriptions might not be charged to your Apple ID balance.

What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance - Apple Support

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

This support article is Recommended by Apple as the preferred* resource for identifying payments you may see on a bill.

➜ If you see 'apple.com/bill' on your billing statement - Apple Support

"If you checked https://reportaproblem.apple.com and your emailed receipts and you're still not sure why you were charged, contact Apple Support" using this link --> https://getsupport.apple.com/?caller=ikb&PGF=PGF51002&category_id=SC0060&symptom_id=21084

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* I have a payment of $2.99 per month what … - Apple Community

Once you have found the item in your purchase history, here's how to request a refund (From: Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support - see the article for more detail.)

1. Sign in to reportaproblem.apple.com.

2. Tap or click "I'd like to," then choose "Request a refund."

3. Choose the reason why you want a refund, then choose Next.

4. Choose the app, subscription, or other item, then choose Submit. If you were charged for a subscription that you no longer want, you can also cancel the subscription using the directions in this article --> If you want to cancel a subscription from Apple - Apple Support ].

If you prefer a somewhat more descriptive list that includes a few reasons and solutions not mentioned in the article posted earlier:

The support article If you see 'apple.com/bill' on your billing statement - Apple Support explains how you can check your iTunes and App Stores purchase history, cancel subscriptions, and track possible sources of unrecognized Apple charges you may see on a bill. These may be purchases by family members if you are an organizer of a Family Sharing group, or possibly a second Apple ID you use. The article also provides a specific link for contacting Apple if you cannot trace the source of charges. If you use Apple Card you may find this document helpful too ➞ If you see an Apple Services charge you don't recognize on your Apple Card - Apple Support

Other possibilities to consider (not all may apply in your situation):

● Purchases can be made with your ID if your Apple ID is compromised (read what to do ➞ If you think your Apple ID has been compromised - Apple Support ) or somebody else has access to your device (require a purchase password as explained in this article ➞ Require a password for App Store and iTunes purchases - Apple Support ).

● If you only see a charge in emails or texts that are not official Apple receipts, it is likely phishing attempts ( Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support ).

● If you are absolutely certain neither you, nor Apple, nor a Family Sharing member can account for a charge and it ONLY appears on a bill for a charge card you alone control, you may have been the victim of card fraud. Contact your financial institution.

● Small amounts of ~$1 may be an authorization hold that will be refunded (pending charge ➞ How apps, content, and subscriptions from Apple are billed - Apple Support ).

● Unanticipated amounts may be grouped charges ( How apps, content, and subscriptions from Apple are billed - Apple Support ).

If a purchase is listed in your purchase history and you want to ask for a refund, read this article about how to request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple ➞ Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support

If a Family Sharing member made the purchase then you need to discuss this with that person. They would have to initiate any refund request.

If a reporting a problem request is unsuccessful or you have another issue you can also speak with Apple ➞ Choose your country or region - Official Apple Support Select your country, then a product.

or:

Contact Apple for support and service ➞ "See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world."

Click here ➞ Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support