Why won’t it let me use my balance on my apple ID

I have the same issue. I have more than enough funds in my Apple ID but it won't let me purchase anything that is a lesser amount. I have an Apple Card set up as backup....but nope. Sale won't go through. WTH

If you get a message -> Your purchase could not be completed, you need to Add a payment method to your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)

• If you want to change your card, add first the new card, then remove the old one.
• or if you use your Apple Account balance, you need to set your Apple Account balance as your default payment.

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.

Add money to your Apple Account balance -> Add money to your Apple Account balance - Apple Support

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.

Check also -> 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.

If you update your payment method or add funds to your Apple Account balance, It would take about 1 to 3 business days in order to process.

If you're still unable to update your payment method, Contact Apple Support.

If you have followed all the steps and instructions and if you still need help, get support from Apple directly -> Get Support or call Apple in your region see -> Contact Apple for support and service or check -> here for more support and assistance.

I have a balance of 20$ and it won’t let me buy an item for 99c

A likely reason for seeing this message is Apple cannot find a functioning payment method to use in making this purchase. You may not have adequate balance, the kind of payment method required, or there may be problems with the method(s) you do have.

Use the document Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support to review your payment methods such as credit or debit cards. Problem methods will usually have a notice in red lettering below them. The article: If your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes Store - Apple Support has some information about declined payment methods.

If using Apple Account balance to pay for an item, ensure there is adequate balance to pay for the item, including tax if applicable. Read this article about how to check your Apple ID balance.--> Check your Apple Account balance - Apple Support Some purchases may require the presence of another payment method such as a credit card even if the final payment will be made by account balance.

Providing a comprehensive listing of all possible issues and their solutions would be excessive in a single reply. If the information above does not indicate the nature of the problem then you may find the fastest route to resolution would be to accept the invitation to contact Apple for assistance with this.

To contact iTunes Support, do this:

1. Click on this link --> Choose your country or region - Official Apple Support

2. Select your country

3. Select: Billing & Subscriptions

4. Select: Subscriptions & Purchases

5. Select: Update payment method

6. Select a chat session or a phone call.

Note that your account balance is always your default payment method. You cannot change that even if you wanted to. From this support article --> How apps, content, and subscriptions from Apple are billed - Apple Support

"Which payment method is charged?

When you buy items or pay for subscriptions, Apple automatically attempts to charge your payment methods in this order:

1. Apple attempts to use your Apple ID balance to cover the full amount.

2. If you don't have Apple ID balance, you don't have enough to cover the full amount, or an item cannot be paid for with Apple ID balance, Apple attempts to charge your primary payment method (typically a credit or debit card, but varies according to country). The primary payment method is at the top of the list in Settings on your iPhone. You can control which payment method is at the top of the list.

3. If there's a problem with the primary payment method, or if the primary payment method can't be charged for the full remaining amount, Apple attempts to charge your other payment methods in order from top to bottom. If none of them can be charged, Apple may try again.