So I want to download an app, but it won’t let me because supposedly I need to add a payment method. I do not have a credit card or anything like that so I can’t, What do I do?? I’ve tried looking it up on google but nothing works.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPhone 11 Pro Max
If you are being asked to enter a payment method, Apple has multiple criteria* requiring the presence of a payment method, even for free items. Since you may be encountering one of those situations, you have no option but to enter a valid payment method if you wish to continue downloading. Read the support article Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support about how to do that. The payment method may not be charged if you also have account balance or the item is free, but the payment method has to be present. This next article lists valid payment methods for different countries but note that in this situation Apple Account balance alone apparently may not meet the requirement and you need to use another payment method until you find one that satisfies Apple's requirement (often a credit or debit card): Payment methods that you can use with your Apple ID - Apple Support .
If you have already entered a payment method, use the first link above to check it. If a message appears in red there is a problem with it. If the information is still correct and current, contact your financial institution.
* Ref.:
Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support
"To make purchases from the App Store and use subscriptions like iCloud+ and Apple Music, you need at least one payment method on file."
If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
- "You might need to have a payment method on file, even if the app that you want to download is free."
Remove a payment method from your Apple ID - Apple Support
- If you have any active subscriptions, you must have at least one payment method on file other than Apple ID credit.
- You might not be able to remove a payment method if you have a balance due.
Sign in with your Apple ID - Apple Support
- "When you sign in to the App Store and other media services for the first time, you might need to add a credit card or other payment information."
How apps, content, and subscriptions from Apple are billed - Apple Support
- You can’t charge gifts to your Apple ID balance. If you send a gift or gift card, your primary payment method is charged.
- Some subscriptions might not be charged to your Apple ID balance.
What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance - Apple Support
"Some purchases might require that you have a credit card on file, even if you use your Apple Account balance to make the purchase."
Apple does now require a payment method on the account in order to download a free app.
If you don't want the money taken from your debit/credit card, you can always purchase an apple gift card and apply it to the apple ID acct. But remember once you're out of store credits it will then take from the credit/debit card on the acct.
Annisita88 wrote:
It won’t let me download any free apps it says it’s needs a payment, I want free apps. So how do I fix it. This just started, it was fine before!
If you have any apps that have subscriptions or had a subscription in the past, or if you have any apps that offer in-app purchases, you must have a valid, working payment method.
If you have a prepaid gift card like a Visa gift card, you can try to enter that credit card number in and see if it will let you continue.
The answer is in the thread you posted to without reading. Please go back and read the other messages in the thread.
SleviraJ35 wrote:
So I want to download an app, but it won’t let me because supposedly I need to add a payment method. I do not have a credit card or anything like that so I can’t, What do I do?? I’ve tried looking it up on google but nothing works.
You have to provide a payment method to verify the account. Until you do, you can't download anything.
Contact Apple and they will let you know what the issue is. We have no way of knowing any problem with your account that is preventing you from downloading an app when you have already added a payment method.
Appleofknowledge333 wrote:
This issue of not being able to download free apps without submitting my credit card info is going to lead me to dropping apple products if it isn’t fixed. It creates an avenue for hacking.
Using your card to download apps or even make purchases in the App Store does not transmit your card information to the developers of the app. It is much safer than using your card to get gas, at a restaurant, or at a retail store where your card information is transferred. The only way your card would be charged is if you downloaded an app with a free trial and did not cancel 24 hours before it ends, used in-app purchase, or signed up for a subscription.
Developers have to pay to have their apps in the App Store every year and it also costs time and money for them to create the apps for you to download. They offer these deferred payment options in hopes you will like their app enough to support their efforts. Without a payment method, there is no chance that they will be able to recoup their costs. You are not required to use an in-app purchase, but if that option is there you would need a payment method.
dzulani wrote:
I hi I want download without payment
The developers of the apps also want you to try out there apps without charging you, but they do offer additional purchases so they can stay in business if you do find their work useful. Without a payment method there is no chance that they will be able to have any income. It costs developers each year to have the apps in the store and also time and money to create and continue to update them. You are not required to use the additional purchases, but may be required to have a payment method on file in case you do.
Mac Jim ID wrote:
Without a payment method there is no chance that they will be able to have any income.
Apple could just use personal balance for this. However, personal balance is not a guaranteed method of payment, particularly if a user does not keep it topped up. Apple has its own reasons, which it doesn't outline for us, but I could see that having an open-ended payment method may be more desirable if there is something such as an on-going subscription. I don't know if this is a something a developer can require for an app in the store. I know I have apps with in-app options (I don't use any) and I downloaded those with no payment method. This situation may be more complicated with both Apple and developers having separate requirements as I posted a while back.
Mariasav14 wrote:
I’m trying to download app and it asking me for payment method and I don’t have a credit card
Do you have a debit card? Do you have a friend with one? Can you join a Family Sharing group where you don't need your own card?
I had to fix this problem by creating a new temporary icloud account. even though this might include making up a whole new entire gmail.. it was worth it. I put in my card info in my payment info. And it worked. I was then able to download new apps on my phone. Even with a low bank account. Hope this helps
Charli-123 wrote:
It won’t let me download apps with out a payment method
That is a true statement. You need a valid payment method for your Apple ID to download even free apps.
In rare circumstances you may be able to have an account without an Apple ID, but not if you have any current or former subscriptions or apps that have in-app purchases→Add a payment method to your Apple ID- Apple Support
Wisewardenofbeigerealm wrote:
What I can do to download free apps without payment method
You won't be able to use the App Store without a valid payment method. Many apps that are free to download, also include options for purchases like Free Trials, In-App Purchases, and Subscription.
The option “None” is no longer available. It’s only gives either credit or PayPal.
You would become enlightened by reading the post right above yours in this thread, or almost any post on the 12 pages of the thread.
How to download apps without payment method?
