This document outlines what you can buy with your Apple Account [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."
"Where the Apple Gift Card is available, you can use your Apple Account balance to buy products and accessories at apple.com or in the Apple Store app."
How apps, content, and subscriptions from Apple are billed - Apple Support
Apple Gift Card and Apple Account balance can't be used for some purchases
• You can't use your Apple Account balance to send gifts or gift cards.
• For some recurring charges, like AppleCare+, you can't start your subscription with Apple Account balance. But as long as you keep another valid payment method on file and your Apple Account balance would cover an entire charge, your recurring charge will pull from your Apple Account balance.*
• Some subscriptions might not be charged to your Apple Account balance.
• 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 available only to you. Learn more about how purchases bill to your Apple Account balance.
• Some purchases might require that you have a credit card on file, even if you use your Apple Account balance to make the purchase.
So one scenario might be you can use your balance to buy something in one game and maybe it isn't looking at your card (which has problems you need to sort out). The other game doesn't let you use balance and then the problems with the card prop up.
Ask your bank if your card is working.