Can’t download free apps

Why does my payment method keep getting declined?

If your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes Store, see -> 

If your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes Store - Apple Support

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How to complete your purchase if a payment failed or was declined

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
2. Tap your name.
3. Tap Payment & Shipping.
4. Add a different payment method and remove the old one. 
5. Try to complete your purchase.

If you still can't make a purchase

• You might have an unpaid order. Learn how to pay an unpaid order.
• Contact your financial institution. 
  • You might need to ask your financial institution to allow international purchases on your debit or credit card.
  • If you want to know why a debit card, credit card, or other payment method was declined, speak with your financial institution. Apple doesn't have information about why the payment method was declined.
• In some countries and regions, your payment method might be declined because of changes to local law. Learn about billing and purchases in Europe or what to do if your card is declined in India.
• Still need help? Contact Apple Support.

You can have a credit card / debit card on file and an Apple Account balance.

If you have set your Apple Account balance as your default payment method, your default payment method will be used first by Apple when you need to make a payment.

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

See also -> Payment methods you can use with your Apple ID

Payment methods you can use with your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)

fyi: Not all credit & debit cards seem to work with App Store / iTunes Store, try a different one, or preferably a credit card. If your card is not accepted as a paymenf method, you need to contact your bank.

If you still need help, get more help and assistant from Apple directly, see Contact Apple for support and service -> Contact Apple for support and service – Apple Support (UK) 

Hello,

Read this document about how to view your current payment types and add Apple ID payment methods on an Apple mobile device, a Mac, or a PC --> Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support

If an item appears in red then it is no longer working and you either need to replace it or get it working again.

Check this resource about what to do if your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes Store. Click here --> If your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes Store - Apple Support

- Apple is checking with your financial institution if the payment method is valid and receiving a negative response. Make sure the name and address are entered exactly as it appears on your financial institution bills and that the 3 digit CVV is correct. Check with your financial institution about the status of your card.

- Make sure your payment method is up to date or to try a different one ( If you need to change or update your Apple ID payment method - Apple Support ).

- Make sure this is one of the payment methods that you can use with your Apple ID ( Payment methods that you can use with your Apple ID - Apple Support ) A solution may be to use a method from the same country as the store you are using, but Apple no longer states either way if this is a requirement (it used to say, "Make sure that the billing address for your payment method matches the billing address for your Apple ID" but has now downsized this to "You might need to ask your financial institution to allow international purchases on your debit or credit card." in: If your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes Store - Apple Support .

・Unfortunately the list is somewhat general and does not list individual brands of cards (I guess there are too many and are constantly changing).

・Also read any footnotes in the document.

・Finally, note that the document only says which methods _are_ acceptable. Apparently certain types (usually a credit or debit card) _must_ also be present under certain situations such as when a subscription is involved.

If you still have problems, contact official Apple Support. Click here --> Choose your country or region - Official Apple Support 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:

See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world, in this article --> Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

How do I fix it so I can download free apps in store

You haven't said what is broken.

If it is asking for a payment method then you need to add one. No alternative.