JackRGood

Q: Family share purchase problems

I Have always wondered why I can't make a purchase with my own account? I'm on a family share plan, so why doesn't  it just share my own purchase? I shouldn't have to transfer money to someone else to buy something. Just wondering, cause it seems like this is possible and we may not have it set up right. Thanks.

iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 9

Posted on Sep 16, 2016 8:40 AM

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Q: Family share purchase problems

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  • by irina_w,

    irina_w irina_w Sep 17, 2016 6:44 AM in response to JackRGood
    Community Specialists
    Sep 17, 2016 6:44 AM in response to JackRGood

    Hello there, JackRGood!

     

    Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities! That is a great question about Family Sharing. Firstly, you can make purchases without using the Organizers credit card/billing method by using an iTunes gift card and adding it to your personal Apple ID. Check out this article: Family purchases and payments

     

    After you set up your family, any time a family member initiates a new purchase it will be billed directly to your account, unless that family member has gift or store credit. First, their store credit will be used to pay the partial or total bill. The remainder will bill to the family organizer's card. As the family organizer, any receipts generated by the transaction will be sent to you. Learn more about how iTunes Store purchases are billed.

     

    As for your question of why the billing is set up this way, check out this article about Family Sharing

     

    Family Sharing makes it easy for up to six people in your family to share each other’s iTunes, iBooks, and App Store purchases without sharing accounts. Pay for family purchases with the same credit card and approve kids’ spending right from a parent’s device. Share photos, a family calendar, and more to help keep everyone connected.

     

    Cheers!