I can’t seem to send an email gift card through my apple account.
Then comes up with some message about European directive to contact bank
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 -> Give apps, music, films and more from Apple
Give apps, music, films and more from Apple – Apple Support (UK)
- Gifts are billed to your payment method, not to your Apple Account balance.
It is also explained in this Apple article -> What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance
What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance – Apple Support (UK)
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- You can't use your Apple Account balance to send gifts or gift cards.
- If you use Family Sharing, your family members can't spend your Apple Account balance. Funds that you add to your Apple Account balance are only available to you. Find out more about how purchases are billed to your Apple Account balance.
- Some purchases might require you to have a credit card on file, even if you use your Apple Account balance to make the purchase.
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To add a credit card / debit card to your payment method:
Sign in to your Apple ID account page and edit / update your Apple ID details -> https://appleid.apple.com
- On the Sidebar click Payment methods -> then tap Payments Methods and tap Manage payment method.
Or see -> Add a payment method to your Apple ID
Add a payment method to your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)
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)