How to download apps without payment method?

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

Posted on Aug 9, 2023 11:24 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 9, 2023 11:28 PM

On the App Store, even if you're trying to download a free app, Apple requires you to have a payment method on file for your Apple ID. This is mainly for verification purposes and to ensure that you're a legitimate user. However, you can still proceed without adding a credit card by following these steps:


1. Choose "None" as the Payment Method:

Apple allows you to select "None" as a payment method when setting up your Apple ID. Here's how you can do it:


- Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.

- Tap on your name at the top.

- Tap on "Payment & Shipping."

- Tap on "Add Payment Method."

- Choose "None" as the payment method.


2. Use iTunes on a Computer:

Another way to set up your Apple ID without adding a payment method is by using iTunes on a computer. Here's how:


- Open iTunes on your computer.

- Sign in with your Apple ID or create a new one.

- Try to download a free app from the iTunes Store.

- When prompted to add a payment method, choose "None."


3. Use an Existing Apple ID:

If you've already created an Apple ID without a payment method, you can try using that Apple ID to download the app.


4. Contact Apple Support:

If you've tried the above steps and are still having trouble, you might want to contact Apple Support for assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the issue and guide you through the process.


Remember that Apple's policies and procedures can change, so the steps mentioned here might vary slightly based on your device's iOS version and your location. Additionally, make sure you're following legitimate sources for information and support to avoid scams.

195 replies

Jan 13, 2024 4:34 PM in response to SleviraJ35

Okay so apple is charging my card I didn’t have enough money on it to pay the thing that I bought so I put money on it and unlocked my card I got to download one game then it started saying payment method but I just did that I got a new card because of this so I put that one on there can someone please help me understand this I just want this gone I have enough money to pay the bill but it’s not taking the money

Feb 7, 2024 4:10 PM in response to Limnos

This is something NEW with Apple because I have been using Apple products for a minute now and I’ve NEVER had to input a payment method in order to download an App. Not any App! Not to mention that I KNOW 💯 that my card and my card info is GOOD. My card is active, valid and verifiable. My account with my financial institution is in “OVERLY GOOD” Status and my account with my financial institution, the account my card is attached to, is in the + by +1,000’s of dollars so it’s DEFINITELY NOT MY CARD, MY ACCOUNT or MY FINANCIAL INSTITUTION and I’ve contacted them and they have validated and verified EVERYTHING IS GOOD WITH BOTH MY CARD AND MY ACCOUNT! This is 💯 AN APPLE PROBLEM

Feb 29, 2024 7:42 PM in response to SleviraJ35

when i try to download something i have to put in a payment method but when i do it says in red “this card is already on your account” and it won’t let me use it to download anything so i tried to use a different card and it’s the same issue. wtf is goin on i js want to download games👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎 ts pissin me off 😒 AND THEY ARE BOTH VISA DEBIT

Feb 29, 2024 10:38 PM in response to iluvalex

iluvalex wrote:

when i try to download something i have to put in a payment method but when i do it says in red “this card is already on your account” and it won’t let me use it to download anything so i tried to use a different card and it’s the same issue. wtf is goin on i js want to download games👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎 ts pissin me off 😒 AND THEY ARE BOTH VISA DEBIT

You just need to contact Apple directly. None of us are able to determine if anything is wrong with your account or why your payment method is not working. Apple has all that information and will be able to assist.

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Mar 2, 2024 5:04 AM in response to Cimex2847

Cimex2847 wrote:

I had this debit gift card from a survey and I used it to buy things now I can’t download anything. Please help!

It may be that the debit card no longer has funds on it. Check with the link below to view your purchase history and also to make sure you do not have any active subscriptions. If you chose an app that has a free trial, you will need to cancel the trial 24 hours before it ends, otherwise your payment method will be charged automatically. If you choose a subscription app, it will automatically renew until the subscription is cancelled. Even if there is no longer funds available to renew the subscription, you will still be charged and are expected to pay for it.

Subscriptions and Billing - Official Apple Support

Mar 9, 2024 6:59 AM in response to Archangelshana

Archangelshana wrote:

I cannot download any free apps and I don't use a credit card, so how can I get a free antivirus app downloaded please? Thank you kindly.

You don't need a free antivirus app to protect your device. The system is already locked on a read only partition that even you do not have access to. Any such app is just a scam. What do you think they would gain by offering you a free app that claims to protect your device? You can do a simple search here by using the "Search" tab on the top of this page and enter "Anti-Virus". You will see that it is not just my opinion.

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How to download apps without payment method?

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