Related Article: Add a payment method to your Apple ID

Can I avoid adding a payment method to download free apps from the App Store?

the card linked to my Apple account was cancelled bc of likely fraud and I do not wish to link any other card but the App Store is not letting me Re-download any of the FREE apps that I had but have since had to delete from my phone in orde to make space for other things needed at the time, but now am needing to download some of those again. I’m Dave it’s imperative I do so. How do I bypass the payment information it’s rewiring of me just to download anything that’s free and/ or I’ve previously had from the App Store? I currently won’t have any $ but again they are free apps


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Sep 27, 2023 3:30 PM

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1 reply

Sep 28, 2023 12:11 AM in response to LRPV_85

You can download free apps, but you may need to have a valid payment method on file, even if the app you want to download is free. 

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.

 

Free apps has also In-app pruchase.

See -> Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

See also -> Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions

Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple


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If you don't have a credit card or don't want to use a credit card, you can also use your Apple Account balance as payment method.

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.


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 

Can I avoid adding a payment method to download free apps from the App Store?

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