Can't buy free apps with an account without a creditcard?

No, I know it's not much help, but I'm able to use my account that has only a gift card credit and no credit card number, for both free and purchased apps.

I have the same problem. It's weird, because I don't experience any problems when buying/downloading apps for my iPod Touch. Hopefully there's an easy fix, because I don't want to create a new Apple ID (or get a credit card for that matter).

Chantal C wrote:
FYI I found a workaround. Changed the payment method to "clickandbuy". Now when I purchase a free app, I had to agree with the new terms. After that it installed fine.

Where exactly did you change the payment method? I don't see that option anywhere, neither on iTunes nor the Mac App Store.

You can change it in "Show my account". Problem is I don't have (or want to create) a ClickAndBuy account, I just want to download some free apps or pay using gift cards. I'm guessing you had to use/create an account?

I don't see that option. I see up to PayPal and that's it. In iTunes I can see all the payment methods and then "None", which is selected. But in the Mac App Store I don't see neither "Click and Buy" nor "None" as payment methods.

How do I get it to appear? Do I need to create a new Apple account or something?

And to create a Click and Buy account you need a credit card. This is not a solution to this problem. Apple has to allow users to download free apps without any workarounds. This is borderline ridiculous.

I'm hoping this is just a glitch, but I'm losing trust in Apple if this is their new policy. It's stupid you need a credit card just to buy apps or download free ones, even if you have more than enough credit collected using gift cards. If Apple really wants to demand from their users that they have an online payment method available, let them use PayPal. A PayPal account is free and set up in a matter of minutes.

yes my problem is the same. I originally set up my Appl ID account but when I tried to download free apps it said I have not used the Ap store, something like that. Then It made me accept the terms of agreement, then it took me to entering a credit card or gift card number. There is no "opt out" or select "non" for payment. I've tried and tried and can not download anything without having to enter some sort of payment. This is crazy. Why should I have to add either of these payment options if it is a free AP. I think they want you to put it on because you will then be more Apt to buy things at regular price.

**You can! When you log in to the app store (more than likely verifying your password) next to the credit card options (visa, mastercard, etc.) click NONE! Then continue :)

When you agreed to the Terms of Service you agreed to provide a credit card, that's why it happened.