Use the App Store Without a Credit Card

Signing up to use the App Store requires a credit card, right? Wrong. We showed you how to use iTunes without a credit card, and it turns out you can do the same thing with the iOS and Mac App Store too.

A credit card-free account is a perfect solution for setting up an iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Mac for a kid or for use in a public space, when you want to provide access to the free downloads and updates in the App Stores without the ability to make purchases through it. Even without a credit card attached to the Apple ID, you can add gift certificates and redeem codes through this account, making for an easy budgeting system should you wish to provide limited access to App Store purchases down the road.

How to Setup and Use iOS & Mac App Store With No Credit Card

Note: If you are having problems with the method described below, open a link to a free app available on the App Store first. That will allow the “none” payment option to be available.

• Open the iOS App Store or Mac App Store and click on “Account” from the right-hand side
• If currently logged into an Apple account, click on “Sign Out” otherwise click the “Create Apple ID” button (alternatively, you can sign up on the web directly from Apple)
• Agree to the Terms and Conditions and fill out the Apple ID creation page, set this up for a new email address than your primary app store account
• At the “Provide a Payment Method” screen, select “None” as the payment option
• Optionally, add a gift certificate to pad the account with an app purchase budget
• Click “Create Apple ID” and verify the email address you provided earlier, your credit card free Mac App Store login is now active

Now log into the App Store with the newly created Apple ID and the user will be able to download any free apps or download updates to existing apps.

The credit card free account can also redeem promo codes and add gift cards to their account should they need to make purchases.

You’ll still need to login (or use Touch ID) as usual when downloading things, but there will no longer be a credit card tied to the account which limits the account to free downloads, or to whatever credit is applied to the account. This is a great solution for setting up secondary devices, devices for kids, or even for yourself if you just want to avoid spending too much on apps and games.