You can use your Apple Account balance.
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 -> 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.
See also -> 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)
When redeeming a gift card, the amount will be credited to your (1) Apple Account balance and (2) you need to set your Apple Account balance as your default payment.
(1)
See -> Check your Apple Account balance
Check your Apple Account balance – Apple Support (UK)
(2)
See -> Add a payment method to your Apple ID
Add a payment method to your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)
If you already use your Apple Account balance, the Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes gift card is automatically added to your Apple Account balance.
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.
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.
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If you have a valid payment method on file, instead of buying or order an App Store & iTunes gift card, you can Add money to your Apple Account balance anytime, no gift card needed, see -> Apple Gift Card - Apple (UK)
See also this Apple article: 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
Beware of -> About Gift Card Scams -> About Gift Card Scams - Official Apple Support
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.