Mac App Store - No Credit Card

I too tried to download a free app. My Apple account that I created with iTunes has no credit card attached. I followed the steps in * http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2534* I can download for free from iTunes with this same account that has no credit card, but there is no way for me to download free apps from the App Store as of now without first introducing a credit card.

This *****. Why would they do such a thing?

Ugh, the Mac App Store could have been really wonderful. They just blew it for me.

Try this http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=12878616

That's no sense, have a credit card to get free apps.
I have an Apple ID and only use gift cards on it.
I can't use App Store.

See ya

I opened a free clickandbuy account in stead of using a creditcard. That worked around the problem.

Same problem here.... I don't have a credit card and never will, So, I purchased a $15 iTunes card. I installed 10.6.6, launched the App Store, signed in with my Apple ID, read the T&C which did not specify that a credit card was needed to redeem the cards which it does say are accepted forms of payment. Agreed to the T&C, continued to the main page of App Store and clicked link for iMovie '11.

Price listed as $14.99. Clicked 'Buy', logged in, page loaded with input for credit card, gift card code and previously registered account info. Entered the gift card, clicked continue....

Clicked again when prompted to redeem gift card and was returned to main page of App Store - No download of application occurred.

Clicked link for iMovie '11. Clicked 'Buy' presented with "Insufficient remaining store credit" and only option is to log in(again) and enter credit card info.

In App Store Help under "If you're having trouble", followed these instructions: If you’re still having trouble, click Support in the Quick Links section. Upon clicking 'Support' link in quick links of App Store, this page comes up:

"Hmm, the page you’re looking for can’t be found." NICE!

SUMMARY: Redeemed $15 iTunes card. Account showing $15 balance. Click to purchase $14.99 application. Unable to purchase and download app. Support link bad. No readily available contact information for App Store support to be found.

Needless to say, I am EXTREMELY disappointed with the "Mac App Store".

JP

Wait, I'm from Canada and when I tried to create a new Apple ID, NOWHERE is the "click and buy" option listed. This is bullsh**...

You do not need a credit card to download free apps or to purchase using an iTunes gift card. I do not have a credit card on file and have had no problems getting FREE apps or downloading. To use a iTunes gift card, follow the instructions in the Mac App Store help file. Go to Help->App Store Help and then click on "Purchase applications" from the menu on the left. Then when the menu expands click the first link, "Buy, download, and install applications". Now click on the first link "To buy, download, and install an application:" Look at number 1 on the list about using an iTunes gift card or credit.

I haven't tried this yet but I am guessing since the app store account is tied to your iTunes store account you could likely login to iTunes and redeem the gift card there too.

See if that helps.

Message was edited by: RacerX

No!

I want to download a free app from the App Store. Why should I give Apple money? I don't have to pay for an iTunes card and I shouldn't have to place my credit card. I want a FREE APP. Free as in you spend no money whatsoever to get it.

iTunes gives us the option to download free content without credit card information. The Mac App Store *DOES NOT.*

It is a terrible bug and I hope Apple will soon give us the option to download free apps freely.

Ugh.

And the Click and Buy solution? It doesn't work. There isn't even a "Click and Buy" method of payment in my list. And I'm not going to make a Click and Buy account for something that's supposed to +*just work.*+

Just click on the links that take you to the App web site and download it there.

Apple DOES NOT require a Credit Card to download FREE apps. Did you read my post on this thread? I have downloaded several FREE apps and I DO NOT have a credit card on file.

I mentioned gift cards as it was brought up that someone wanted to make a purchase with a gift card and did not want to use a credit card. This can be done too.

But for FREE apps you just simply log-in with your iTunes account, click the apps FREE button and it will download. You may have to re-enter your password but it has worked fine for me.

I've experienced that same thing. Using the same account that I've used for iTunes the past 5+ years (that has never had a credit card linked to it).

When I link my account with the App Store it recognizes that I do have an account balance of $10.43 (that I've accumulated from iTunes gift cards), however even when I go to download/purchase a free app, it prompts me to add credit card information to my account, and doesn't allow you to go on with the download until the data has been entered. There doesn't appear to be any workaround it either.

I can't imagine how Apple could expect that ever user of the system would have a credit card, I'm hoping that it's simply a bug or oversight that will be resolved quickly, I'm really looking forward to using the utility (And I plan on doing so, so long as the issue is resolved).

Message was edited by: SamCouch

I'm having the exact same problem. Apparently most people are able to download the free apps from the Mac App Store without credit card information, while others (like myself) can not. I'm guessing this is just a glitch in the Apple ID system, but I do hope Apple fixes it really soon. What's the point in having free apps if you need a credit card to download them?

Doesn't work for me. I click a free application (Alfred) and it takes me right to the billing information to enter/update my credit card information, and does not download the application. When I click "Continue" without entering any information it gives me an error, and when I click "Cancel" it goes back to the main App Store page.

This is ridiculous. I have two kids, ages 9 and 11, and they can't use App Store on their Macs to get free apps because I haven't entered my CC in their App.

Apple, fix this. My kids are mad at you... and me 🙂

From what I gather, existing accounts will not have the option of "no credit card"

I followed the instructions on TUAW (opening a new account) and apparently I could choose the "None" option, regardless of country.

I have a feeling it's just an overlooked bug (albeit an extremely frustrating one)