Apple Begins Rolling Out iTunes Pass in United States [Updated]

MacRumors · Jul 16, 2014

Yesterday, Apple debuted its new iTunes Pass service in Japanese Apple Stores, allowing users to buy iTunes Store credit directly without the need for physical gift cards. Today, Apple has begun to roll out the service in the United States (via iPhoneHacks).

To use the service, customers must add a new iTunes Pass inside of the existing Passbook app in iOS, and then locate a Specialist at an Apple Retail Store. Once located, a customer can tell the Specialist how much money they would like and the amount is instantly transferred to the Pass. Essentially, the service streamlines the process for customers who rely on iTunes gift cards to purchase things on the iTunes Store, App Store and iBooks Store.

Earlier this year, reports indicated that Apple was working on its own mobile payments service, which could bear some resemblance to iTunes Pass. The payments service would reportedly be integrated within iOS and allow customers to pay for physical goods in stores with their iPhones.

Update 11:48 PM: As spotted by Apfelpage.de (Google Translate), iTunes Pass has also gone live in Germany.

Article Link: Apple Begins Rolling Out iTunes Pass in United States [Updated]

sputnikv · Jul 16, 2014

I find this to be strange. Is this for people who only have cash to use for iTunes? Don't you need a credit card linked with your iTunes account even if you're spending redeemed credit? Who is this for?

Corrode · Jul 16, 2014

This makes sense in Japan, where they primarily use cash and many people don't own credit cards, but not sure how it'll fly in N.A. iTunes cards are too widely available to make heading to an Apple Store more convenient for most people.

dylanlive · Jul 16, 2014

Personally, I don't see how I will ever use this. It must be for people that primarily use cash, as I wouldn't drive all the way to Apple just to get credit added.

Jakexb · Jul 16, 2014

"Once located" really makes it sound like a mythical journey.

MonstaMash · Jul 16, 2014

Corrode said:
This makes sense in Japan, where they primarily use cash and many people don't own credit cards, but not sure how it'll fly in N.A. iTunes cards are too widely available to make heading to an Apple Store more convenient for most people.

Yeah, Japan is primarily a cash-only society. Visit a restaurant or store in Japan and almost 90% pay in neatly stacked bills. Debit cards are only used to withdraw cash, not to make purchases. Credit Card purchases in Japan are typically for online or very high value purchases.

PocketSand11 · Jul 16, 2014

It's better to use gift cards only on iTunes, or any online store, just so you can't be hit with a larger bill than expected. You never know when you or even Apple might slip up. Accidental purchases, a Netflix free trial that expires and starts billing, fraudulent purchases, kids who buy Temple Run gems...

MikhailT · Jul 16, 2014

sputnikv said:
I find this to be strange. Is this for people who only have cash to use for iTunes? Don't you need a credit card linked with your iTunes account even if you're spending redeemed credit? Who is this for?

Pretty much for folks who only wants to pay cash and no, you don't need a credit card to have an iTunes account or to redeem apps. You can select none for the payment option when creating a new account and add iTunes gift cards or iTunes Pass to add credit to your account.

kockgunner · Jul 16, 2014

Are they trying to turn Apple Stores into banks now?

aristobrat · Jul 16, 2014

kockgunner said:
Are they trying to turn Apple Stores into banks now?

I think they might be laying the infrastructure for being able to use an iTunes/App Store account as a method of payment at other stores, like how you can pay with PayPal in Home Depot stores.

If that's what Apple's plan is, and they're not going to charge any fees for "loading" money, then once they're accepted in a lot of places, that will make them a better deal than most of the reloadable credit cards that a lot of Americans that don't have a checking accounts use (like Greendot, etc).

Paddle1 · Jul 17, 2014

aristobrat said:
I think they might be laying the infrastructure for being able to use an iTunes/App Store account as a method of payment at other stores, like how you can pay with PayPal in Home Depot stores.

If that's what Apple's plan is, and they're not going to charge any fees for "loading" money, then once they're accepted in a lot of places, that will make them a better deal than most of the reloadable credit cards that a lot of Americans that don't have a checking accounts use (like Greendot, etc).

iTunes cards are not like paypal.

Jstuts5797 · Jul 17, 2014

I really don't see the point in this at all. Apple Store locations are few and far between yet itunes gift cards can be had anywhere... Even gas stations. If you want to pay with cash just buy an iTunes giftcard....with cash.. Right down the street. Just seems really pointless.

aristobrat · Jul 17, 2014

Paddle1 said:
iTunes cards are not like paypal.

Not currently.

magicMac · Jul 17, 2014

iTunes pass is working in the UK as well

the8thark · Jul 17, 2014

Jstuts5797 said:
I really don't see the point in this at all. Apple Store locations are few and far between yet itunes gift cards can be had anywhere... Even gas stations. If you want to pay with cash just buy an iTunes giftcard....with cash.. Right down the street. Just seems really pointless.

You expect people to get off their ass waddle down to the petrol station and buy an Apple iTunes card? You expect too much. being to get iTunes credit without even getting of the couch is what a lot of people want.

0007776 · Jul 17, 2014

the8thark said:
You expect people to get off their ass waddle down to the petrol station and buy an Apple iTunes card? You expect too much. being to get iTunes credit without even getting of the couch is what a lot of people want.

If you're wanting to use cash to get the iTunes credit this makes you get up and go to your nearest apple store which for 99% of people will be farther than the nearest place selling iTunes cards.

jc1350 · Jul 17, 2014

Jakexb said:
"Once located" really makes it sound like a mythical journey.

It's a game like The Amazing Race or MagiQuest.

andrew.boswall · Jul 17, 2014

Active in Canada now as well

oacory · Jul 17, 2014

Jstuts5797 said:
I really don't see the point in this at all. Apple Store locations are few and far between yet itunes gift cards can be had anywhere... Even gas stations. If you want to pay with cash just buy an iTunes giftcard....with cash.. Right down the street. Just seems really pointless.

Not necessarily true... I was in WalMart a few months back and the person in front of me was trying to get an Olive Garden Giftcard and was paying cash but the cashier said giftcards all had to be purchased with a credit card or bank card so their was insurance to the store. I am not sure if this is a weird WalMart thing or a weird NJ law or the cashier was completely confused.

madsci954 · Jul 17, 2014

the8thark said:
You expect people to get off their ass waddle down to the petrol station and buy an Apple iTunes card? You expect too much. being to get iTunes credit without even getting of the couch is what a lot of people want.

Pretty much this. My ways of getting iTunes Credit now is either buy a gift card from my local grocery store, or dump all my spare change in my local Coin Star unit and get an iTunes voucher.

I added the iTunes Pass to my Passbook, but I don't expect to use it much, probably getting a better balance update if anything.

Parasprite · Jul 17, 2014

the8thark said:
You expect people to get off their ass waddle down to the petrol station and buy an Apple iTunes card? You expect too much. being to get iTunes credit without even getting of the couch is what a lot of people want.

So, you live in an Apple Store then?

jonnysods · Jul 17, 2014

Don't know if I would ever use this. Hooked on plastic!!

yg17 · Jul 17, 2014

kockgunner said:
Are they trying to turn Apple Stores into banks now?

Basically Apple wants to get all the money up front to earn interest on it. If you give them $100 up front and spend it over the course of a year, they're able to earn interest on it. If you use a credit card tied to your iTunes account, and pay for stuff as you buy it, they don't earn any interest on it.

3282868 · Jul 17, 2014

Can you buy a iTunes card online and enter the numbers just to get a Passbook place card?

KazuSnow · Jul 17, 2014

Since you can share the card with others, can you provide your card to a relative so they can charge it to give your account money?
I can see family and friends taking my card I shared with them into the apple store to give me credit for what ever reason...

Apple Begins Rolling Out iTunes Pass in United States [Updated]

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