filljoyner
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: For Family Sharing, why must I add a credit card to add a child? Please explain why my debit card, on file, isn't enough.

I recently added "Family Sharing" to my account. Adding an existing Apple Id wasn't a problem but, when adding a child, I was told I couldn't add them without first adding a Credit Card to my account. I have a debit card on file right now. The same I've used for the 6+ years I've been an Apple account holder. Why is my debit card an invalid form of payment when adding a child? Why is it necessary to add a Credit Card? Please explain.

Posted on Dec 4, 2014 3:05 PM

Close
filljoyner

Q: For Family Sharing, why must I add a credit card to add a child? Please explain why my debit card, on file, isn't enough.

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by ed2345,

    ed2345 ed2345 Dec 4, 2014 7:41 PM in response to filljoyner
    Level 7 (24,998 points)
    Dec 4, 2014 7:41 PM in response to filljoyner

    Fill Joyner,

     

    There are two things going on in Family Sharing.  At set up you have to validate that you have legal authority for the child, and on an ongoing basis you have to pay for purchases.  The latter can use either a credit or debit card, but the former must be a credit card.  After the initial setup, you can change back to a debit card.

     

    I trust that Apple has a correct legal basis for this.  I can assure you it is annoying lots of parents.  However, there is no alternative.