Payment issues

When redeeming a gift card, (1) the amount will be credited to your Apple Account balance and (2) then 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)

See also -> 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)

Apple Gift Card and Apple Account balance can't be used for some purchases

• 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.