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."
Qboi_ wrote:
This is honestly one the stupidest features
it’s free but u can’t get it unless you put your card in ??
Most apps are free to download with an option to purchase additional items. Developers have to pay each year to have the apps in the store and it also cost them time and money to develop and continue to update them. Without a way for them to recoup their expenses, there would be no reason why anyone would have their apps in the store. Would you?
JPTR wrote:
I added a payment method and it charged my card. Why?
It did not charge your card, it put a small hold on the account to verify that the account is valid. It will disappear in a few days→iTunes Store & Mac App Store: About payment card authorization holds
Specifically from that link:
If you see a pending charge for a small amount
If you update your billing information or add someone to your Family Sharing group, a temporary authorization hold for a small amount might appear on your statement. Authorization holds are removed by your card issuer or financial institution after a short time.
That’s quite a different story. Go to https://reportaproblem.apple.com and you can view all of your Apple charges, and request a refund.
Or if you just want to see what you were charged for Here is a one-stop link for billing questions→Subscriptions and Billing - Official Apple Support. You can review your purchase history to see what you were charged for, cancel subscriptions, request refunds and update your payment method.
JPTR wrote:
No it did charge my card, it keeps trying to charge me $21.96 or $17.99 for what?
Sounds like it could have been a subscription that had not been cancelled. Review the link provided by Lawrence Finch to see what it is for. This could easily happen from a free trial that was not cancelled before the trial period ended. A free trial will automatically charge your card if not cancelled. You will not be able to download any apps if there are already pending charges.
If you are unable to see the subscription or charge, then you can contact Apple directly.
Wumpshire wrote:
Whew! I almost bought a class set of iPads. Now that Apple does forces payment methods in all downloads I will not be using Apple products in the classroom. Adios!
Classroom iPad are not subject to the same requirements. It seems you were misinformed. For others interested in how iPads for the class room work, you can view more information from this link:
How classes are created—with Apple School Manager, MDM, or by teachers - Apple Support
heinminthu wrote:
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.
Two statements that are incorrect as stand-alone comments.
1) I use the app store without a payment method. I simply do not download apps that require one be present. As I said earlier, if you are being told you need one then you need one, but again, I never have been told I need one.
2) Apple nowhere says why a payment method is required. Your second statement is speculation.
So if i stated TWICE that apple is trying to charge my card $30 for trying to download a FREE app AND HAVE, how can it be speculation?? I checked all my subscriptions..NOTHING is $30. This has been goin on since I had my XR, got a new phone thinking the problem would’ve been solved..NOPE same thing. Can’t be a speculation if I have literal proof of it happening. Starting to think apple is trying to take money from people for whatever reason. Maybe cause their products are going to absolute garbage. Apple wouldn’t be apple without its customers and problems like this is gonna cause them to lose customers. New phone, same problems.
And I remember when I was setting up my App Store I saw somewhere where it says add payment method or None so I made a mistake to put credit so help me now how I can find those settings so that I put none payments please
Dreajaz wrote:
I can’t download anything it say there is a billing problem with someone on my plan
That would be from the Family Organizer of the plan. Either they no longer have funds on their payment method or another issue with their account that will need to be resolved before you will be able to download apps.
Are you sure? Because not only am I required to add a payment method, but my phone has allowed me to download an app without a payment method before. So I don’t understand why suddenly I can’t do that anymore. The weird thing is, the rest of my family does not need a payment method to download an app. Can you explain what the change was for my iPhone?
Are you sure? Because not only am I required to add a payment method, but my phone has allowed me to download an app without a payment method before. So I don’t understand why suddenly I can’t do that anymore. The weird thing is, the rest of my family does not need a payment method to download an app. Can you explain what the change was for my iPhone?
I was sharing my iCloud with a friend but he added is billing info and I later removed him from my iCloud so I was unable to download Cuz I was told to add my previous billing info before I can download
Mojo1126 wrote:
Why is my iphone asking for payment method even if i am downloading a free app from app store?
It appears you have not read through the responses that have been provided. You will find the answer.
This having to put my cc or debit in to download free app is about the stupidest thing ever . Anything to take money from you without authorization. Thats why I removed mine. Kept getting charges that I did not do… Apple need to update and remove this
There are no charges without authorization. Anytime a purchase is made, you need to physically double click the side button, followed by authorization using either Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. This is not something that can be done by accident. Some apps offer free trials that would need to be cancelled 24 hours before the trial ends, so I would recommend not using a free trial if you are likely to forget to cancel.
How to download apps without payment method?
