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Why do we need a credit card for free apps

Cannot download free apps from the App Store on iPhone without a valid credit card. They are free apps! Why do I need credit card info?

iPhone 11, iOS 16

Posted on Oct 12, 2023 9:53 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 13, 2023 12:17 AM

You can download free apps, but you may need to have a valid payment method on file, even if the app you want to download is free. 

👉 You can have a credit card / debit card on file and an Apple Account balance.

If you have set your Apple Account balance as your default payment method, your default payment method will be used first by Apple when you need to make a payment.

 

Free apps has also In-app pruchase.

See -> Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

See also -> Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions

Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple

----- 


See -> Add a payment method to your Apple ID

Add a payment method to your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)

  • If you want to change your card, you need to add first the new card, then remove the old card.
  • or if you want to use your Apple Account balance, you need to set your Apple Account balance as your default payment.


See also -> Payment methods you can use with your Apple ID

Payment methods you can use with your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)


fyi: Not all credit & debit cards seem to work with App Store / iTunes Store, try a different one, or preferably a credit card. If your card is not accepted as a paymenf method, you need to contact your bank.


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 13, 2023 12:17 AM in response to Cd1982

You can download free apps, but you may need to have a valid payment method on file, even if the app you want to download is free. 

👉 You can have a credit card / debit card on file and an Apple Account balance.

If you have set your Apple Account balance as your default payment method, your default payment method will be used first by Apple when you need to make a payment.

 

Free apps has also In-app pruchase.

See -> Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

See also -> Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions

Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple

----- 


See -> Add a payment method to your Apple ID

Add a payment method to your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)

  • If you want to change your card, you need to add first the new card, then remove the old card.
  • or if you want to use your Apple Account balance, you need to set your Apple Account balance as your default payment.


See also -> Payment methods you can use with your Apple ID

Payment methods you can use with your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)


fyi: Not all credit & debit cards seem to work with App Store / iTunes Store, try a different one, or preferably a credit card. If your card is not accepted as a paymenf method, you need to contact your bank.


Why do we need a credit card for free apps

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