I tried downloading both free and paid apps on my iPhone, but it requires me to add a payment method every time. I don’t want to use a card right now but need specific apps urgently. Could anyone explain why this happens and how to bypass it if possible?
Ugh, yeah, this payment method thing can be SO annoying, like seriously Apple, WHY. Basically, it’s how their system is set up. Even for free apps, they want a payment method on file. I guess it’s their way of ensuring you’re a ‘real’ user, or maybe they’re just lowkey planning for the day you splurge on a subscription accidentally.
But OKAY, rant aside, there’s a sorta way around it—kinda depends. If you go into your Apple ID settings (Settings > tap your name > Payment & Shipping), you should be able to choose ‘None’ for your payment method. That removes the card. BUT—and this is a big meh—but if there’s an unpaid balance or ANY subscription tied to your account, the ‘None’ option doesn’t show up. Fun, right? (Not.)
Also worth noting, if the account was set up as part of Family Sharing or something, you might be stuck with whatever payment settings are active for the ‘Organizer’ (like, the adultier adult in Apple’s eyes).
Honestly, they just wanna trap us into their weird ecosystem, constantly dangling the “add a card” pop-up like it’s a game boss you can’t beat. Maybe try creating a totally new Apple ID just for free apps and pick the “no payment” thing from the start, if it lets you? It’s kinda extra, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Or you know…give in and add a temporary card and immediately remove it after downloading. Cuz, Apple. 
Apple’s whole ‘add a payment method’ requirement is just chef’s kiss ridiculous sometimes, especially for FREE apps. Like, what’s the logic here? Oh no, someone might accidentally…not pay nothing? Anyway, @vrijheidsvogel pointed out some solid stuff, but honestly, it feels like Apple just likes to flex its control with these hoops.
One thing not mentioned—if you’re setting up an Apple ID from scratch—when prompted to add a payment method, there’s sometimes (stress on sometimes) the option to choose ‘None.’ Key point: this only works if you’re starting fresh and haven’t tried subscribing to anything or adding a card before. Once you’ve added a card even once, it’s like Apple goes, ‘Nope, you’re stuck with us now!’
Oh, and this Family Sharing thing they brought up? SO TRUE. If someone set your account under Family Sharing and they’re the “Organizer,” you’re at their mercy payment-wise. Like Apple’s weird hierarchical system where you can never escape the ‘adultier adult.’ You’d think in 2023 we’d have options to manage something so basic ourselves.
Side note: creating a new Apple ID just to bypass this feels extra—not in the “great extra fries” way, but more like ‘ugh, do I really HAVE to jump through MORE hoops now?’ If that’s not your vibe, there’s another tiny hack: some prepaid cards work like a charm in place of a credit card. (Not all of them, though. Because, again, Apple.) Add one, download your stuff, and then immediately switch your payment method back to “None” if it appears.
But yeah, overall, this “payment method for everything” thing is majorly obnoxious. They claim it’s for security and ease, but come on—you’re forcing people to add cards for free apps? Make it make sense, Apple.
Alright, so here’s the deal. Apple’s ‘add a payment method’ policy isn’t just annoying—it’s unnecessary gatekeeping for free app downloads. Like, why force card info when people literally just want to grab a calculator or a doodling app? Anyway, the whole situation reminds me of a fortress you have to sneak into, and Apple’s guarding the gates with a, “But have you tried adding your card?” eye-roll moment.
Let’s look at this differently: there might be an easier solution than creating a new Apple ID, which, as pointed out, is tedious and makes you feel like you’re juggling two passports. Have you considered using gift cards instead? Apple Store gift cards can be added to your account as a balance, and once available, they sometimes let you bypass the need for card info since you technically have “money” in your account. Downsides? You’d be forced to spend money upfront even if you only want free apps. Upsides? No linking your bank or credit card. Could even save the rest of the balance for future purchases. However, some users have reported finding this inconsistent, so don’t count it as a guaranteed win.
Another option that flies under the radar—if you’re in a Family Sharing setup (ugh, Apple and their eternal hierarchies), ask the “Organizer” to set their payment method to a prepaid card. It won’t remove the requirement outright, but hey, at least you’re dodging linking your personal card. Again, super inconvenient if you’re in a shared ecosystem, but it beats banging your head against the “None” button that doesn’t exist.
That said, there’s an important alternative app store possibility worth mentioning for those with a bit of tech bravado. For iPhone users who really don’t want Apple calling all the shots, some people explore third-party app repositories. Obviously, this comes with its risks—hello, malware potential—but it’s a workaround for downloading apps that aren’t tied to Apple’s nonsense. Just know you’re stepping out of the walled garden, for better or worse.
Now, comparing with @jeff and @vrijheidsvogel on prepaid cards and fresh IDs—is the guilt real about agreeing here but adding nuance? Yep. But hey, here’s a hard no from me on the “temporary card, then remove it” trick. Why? Too many stories of people forgetting to remove the card, getting billed for subscriptions sneakier than a ninja, and ending up in Apple’s dreaded “pending transaction” limbo. No thanks!
Lastly, for those asking for a silver bullet solution, there isn’t one. Until Apple chills out or regulators step up (not holding my breath), we’re all just players stuck in their bizarre game of payment-method checkmate. Moral of the story? Pick the lesser evil—gift cards, prepaid debit, or a side Apple ID, and roll with the punches.