Is card details necessary for Apple ID?
Emma Miller
Updated on January 29, 2026
Apple does not require credit card information to create an Apple ID. Free content can be downloaded without a billing method.
How do I skip credit card details on Apple ID?
In iOS and iPadOS:
- If you have an existing Apple ID account you don’t want to use, log out: go to Settings > account name > Media & Purchases and tap Sign Out.
- Launch the App Store.
- Find an app you can download at no cost.
- The App Store prompts you for an Apple ID.
- When prompted for a payment method, select None.
Why does Apple need billing info for free apps?
You get this message when a payment method has failed, or if the particular device has never purchased a paid app, or downloaded a free app, or if there is a pending unpaid balance on the account. As you can see, the leading cause for the “Verification Required” message on your iPhone or iPad is a faulty credit card.
Can you download free apps from the Apple Store without a credit card?
You can skip the credit card requirement if you go into the App Store first and select a free app to download before you create an account. You can set up an Apple ID on the computer through the iTunes program or with the App Store app on an iOS device.
Why is it asking for payment for free apps?
It helps identify you, verify your country and your age (indirectly). You can set it to None if you don’t have any subscriptions paid through your iTunes account. If it isn’t recognizing your credit card, here are some of the possible reasons: Insufficient balance or account in arrears.
Why does Apple want my credit card for free apps?
… Although Apple does request your credit card information when you create an Apple ID or try to download a free app, it’s not actually a requirement. If you don’t yet have an Apple ID for downloading apps, you can create one without a credit card. If you already have an Apple ID, you can remove your credit card information.
Do you need a credit card to create an Apple ID?
When I sign in with the new Apple ID it says that the has never been used on the App Store, agree to terms, blab blah blah, and then requires a Credit Card. I tried creating an new ID by going to the App Store and downloading a free app after doing a master reset on the device but it still requires a Credit Card.
Where do I put my credit card on iTunes?
On iTunes on a computer, sign in with your Apple ID, click “Store,” and then click “View Account.” Click “Edit” beside the Payment Type and then select “None.” Although Apple does request your credit card information when you create an Apple ID or try to download a free app, it’s not actually a requirement.
How to stop Apple from asking for credit card information?
Enter your password when prompted, select “Payment Information,” and then select “None.”. On iTunes on a computer, sign in with your Apple ID, click “Store,” and then click “View Account.”. Click “Edit” beside the Payment Type and then select “None.”. Although Apple does request your credit card information…
