I have been using iTunes vouchers, gifts etc, for the last five years and no issues purchasing any content from Apple. There is always money in my account. Why now all of a sudden must my credit card details be given to have Family Sharing activated? (which I think is a brilliant idea). I don't like giving my credit card details, no matter how safe Apple says it is! IOS 8 has been brilliant otherwise apart from this....
iPad 2, iOS 5.0.1
Yes, I was really looking forward to this feature but was very disappointed to find that I have to register a credit card to activate it. Why? My wife and I both happily use gift cards to fund our purchases and do not want to use credit cards. Topping up one account rather than two would have been more efficient and less hassle. Come on Apple, get real on this.
It seems to have something to do with child online privacy protection laws. From Family Sharing and Apple IDs for kids:
Create an Apple ID for your child
Before you begin, make sure that you're using a credit card as your iTunes Store and App Store payment method. To comply with child online privacy protection laws, you will use the CVV or security code from a valid credit card as part of providing your parental consent. If the card on file is a debit card or another payment method, you’ll be asked to provide a credit card before you can continue. After you create the child's Apple ID, you can change your payment method back to a debit card.
This implies that after setting up your family group, you can go back and change it to a debit card.
I don't want to use my credit or debit card information in conjunction with Apple. That's why I've only ever used gift cards on my account. I can't see how allowing use of a card balance would compromise child online privacy protection. The explanation you posted indicates that the CVV number is required as part of providing parental consent. I think Apple is in the wrong here. The CVV code is meant to prove (yeah right) only that the card is in your possession, as opposed to being a stolen card #. It has nothing to do with proving who you are and your right to create an Apple ID for your child. What's more, if I don't want to have a child account, I shouldn't be asked to jump through such hoops. I do my part to protect my data, but Apple seems to be trying to circumvent that, forcing me to share sensitive data with them.
Well then call Apple and ask them why it's necessary.
Why only credit cards for Family sharing?
