Why does it ask for a payment when I download or update apps?

I think Apple should get rid of that payment thing. Absolutely no one wanted it. Whoever did is an idiot.

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

See -> Add a payment method to your Apple ID

Add a payment method to your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)

• If you want to change your card, add first the new card, then remove the old one.
• or if you want to use your Apple ID balance, you need to set your Apple ID balance as your default payment.

See also -> Payment methods you can use with your Apple ID

Payment methods you can use with your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)

fyi: Not all credit & debit cards seem to work with App Store / iTunes Store, try a different one, or preferably a credit card. If your card is not accepted as a paymenf method, you need to contact your bank.

Rest_this_device wrote:

I think Apple should get rid of that payment thing. Absolutely no one wanted it. Whoever did is an idiot.

You would not find any apps in the App Store if developers could not make any money on the apps that they provide to you. It costs them time and money to make those apps along with constant updates. You will find many apps that are free to download also have these options that developers provide for income:

• Free Trial
• In-App Purchase
• Subscriptions

Without a payment method there would be no chance that any developers would be able to recoup any of the costs if you chose to use one of those optional methods. What you think is a free program does cost someone to provide those apps to you. They are not doing it without a way to make money. That wouldn't be very smart, would it, and there is nothing wrong with you supporting a developer of an app that you find useful.

donella67 wrote:

Why I have to make payments when I try to download app

The only time you would need to pay anything is if you had previously made a purchase and it had not been processed by your payment method. There is no charge to download free apps, but you will still need a valid payment method. If you are asked to update your payment information when attempting to download an app, then that is why you are seeing that message.

Apple's official support articles present multiple statements* about situations requiring the presence of a payment method at times, even for free items. You do not always have to have one, but if you are encountering one of those situations then you have no option but to enter a valid payment method if you wish to continue downloading. 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 “Add a payment method” 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. Also check this resource --> If your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes Store - Apple Support

* 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."

Why I have to make payments when I try to download app

Hello~ Like…if you are being asked to add a payment method then you need to add one…

Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support

~Katana-San~

Why???

licici wrote:

Why???

Please review the information already provided in this post.

I did this with an app and it did not say ‘In-App-Purchase’ and it still asked for it, I tried all that and it’s still asking for payment method.. like????