Can't download free AppStore apps without credit card on file?

[ahfu25]

I'm pissed! I had to buy a new iPhone because my old one got damaged. So the new one had 3.1.3 with the new bootrom so I'm stuck with a plain iPhone. Now I go to download apps from the AppStore and I can't even do that without a credit card on file. The apps I'm trying to download are free so I don't understand why I would have to have a card on file. My question to you guys is...is there a way around not having to put a card on file to download free apps?

[svndmvn]

go into itunes, try downloading a free app from the app store, when prompted for you itunes account, create a new one, an option for "no payment" will appear. Use that account on the iPhone or iTunes to download free apps

[ahfu25]

Originally Posted by svndmvn

go into itunes, try downloading a free app from the app store, when prompted for you itunes account, create a new one, an option for "no payment" will appear. Use that account on the iPhone or iTunes to download free apps

I did it and still no luck. It still asks me for a credit card!....this must be a new thing

[LSUtigers03]

Originally Posted by ahfu25

I did it and still no luck. It still asks me for a credit card!....this must be a new thing

I think you need a credit card to open an iTunes account but once the account is created you can remove the credit card.

[ahfu25]

Originally Posted by LSUtigers03

I think you need a credit card to open an iTunes account but once the account is created you can remove the credit card.

Once I remove the credit card I'm not able to download apps. Even free apps. My GF doesn't have this problem. Actually I asked a few people and they don't have cards on file but they can still download apps....BTW this just started happening yesterday. I've had the new iPhone since Saturday and I downloaded a few free apps. Now I'm not able to.

[Vandam500]

Here is your solution. Follow those steps and that's it.

[iMrNiceGuy0023]

when I made my account about 2 years ago they never asked....I guess times have changed.

[shotts56]

Originally Posted by ahfu25

Once I remove the credit card I'm not able to download apps. Even free apps. My GF doesn't have this problem. Actually I asked a few people and they don't have cards on file but they can still download apps....BTW this just started happening yesterday. I've had the new iPhone since Saturday and I downloaded a few free apps. Now I'm not able to.

It must just be you they're picking on then. That's just not fair.

[windowman]

Why cant you log into your old account?
Mine is setup with no cc card and is jailbroken.

Originally Posted by ahfu25

I'm pissed! I had to buy a new iPhone because my old one got damaged. So the new one had 3.1.3 with the new bootrom so I'm stuck with a plain iPhone. Now I go to download apps from the AppStore and I can't even do that without a credit card on file. The apps I'm trying to download are free so I don't understand why I would have to have a card on file. My question to you guys is...is there a way around not having to put a card on file to download free apps?

[nrmillions]

i didnt use a credit card for mine. what i did is bought a $15 itunes giftcard and opened my itunes account with that. apple will let you use either a credit card or giftcard. then i could buy apps with it and you can buy unlimited free apps too. if you run out of credit it will still let you buy as many free apps as you want but if you try to buy something for more credit than you have left then u just get another giftcard and load it into your account.

[browncatt]

I've got an iPad. I've got an iTunes account set up months ago. Successfully set up account with gift card, bought multiple apps and downloaded multiple free app. Haven't used the account for a month. Just added more credit via gift cards, always had credit on account. Just tried to download two free apps both times I was asked for my credit card details and couldn't download these apps. What has changed and why when I have credit?

[djc6]

Did Apple's policy recently change? I want to download a free app.. when I go create an account, there is no 'None' option to the right of PayPal like in the screen shot of apple's KB article.

[dukebound85]

Originally Posted by ahfu25

I did it and still no luck. It still asks me for a credit card!....this must be a new thing

I was able to do that just now.

[djc6]

I still haven't figured it out.

[iHate Appstore]

Keep this thread open. I just got a new iPad2 and run into this problem. You can create AppStore account with no credit card, but it takes time to figure it out. Apple makes it deliberately difficult for you. I don't think they have legal right to take cc information without purchase, therefore they try to trick people into it. A consumer protection agency should start bugging Apple abut this. Probably there is some conspiracy behind it and they resell cc data or they use it to track people, otherwise why bother collecting this data form those who have no intention to buy anything?

[AdrianK]

Originally Posted by iHate Appstore

Probably there is some conspiracy behind it and they resell cc data or they use it to track people, otherwise why bother collecting this data form those who have no intention to buy anything?

It's not about 'tracking' people (whatever the hell that means), it's about encouraging people to pump money in to the App Store.

It's simple. If you make people give their payment details up front, they are much more likely to make purchases. How the hell you can turn that in to a "conspiracy", I honestly have no idea.

For example, a user who only intends to buy free apps with no CC on file finds hears about a great app for $0.99. Chances are, they'll get a 'lite' version, skip it altogether or decide to buy it. But they can't buy it straight away. Chances are they'll forget or end up buying it at a later time when the price has dropped, so Apple and the developer end up earning less.

[vinnieiMac]

Hello to everybody,
I know how terrible is this problem with the none option!!!
I like to make the people happy, i am here to help You!!!!
So today You will forget all this problems!
Here is the trick, i got the Non option it for every single time.
How?
First don't open any account...
The thing is works for all Stores:
App Store, iTunes Store, maybe (iBook store didn't try it)
1.So first go in the App Store( ForMac's) or iTunes for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch.
2.Look for Your free app.
3.Push the knob install, open for You create new Apple ID
4.Creat new Apple ID
5.The Store doesn't matter Us, Uk etc, its works!!!
6.Next, agree with conditions
7.Your email, password, Your special question and answer, fill everything and click next
8.Now You see the None option!!!
Congratulations!!!

[trinilopez99]

The "None" option is only available when creating a new account. If you begin the process of creating a new account, and don't choose "none" at the point, you cannot go back and switch it. So delete the old account, or just start a new one with a different email address, and you will see the "none" option. This is true both in iTunes and through the iPhone.

[cherrykate]

Originally Posted by Vandam500

Here is your solution. Follow those steps and that's it.

You're right, it helps me a lot! Thank you, guys!

[David Mac]

Here is your solution. Follow those steps and that's it.

I tried to do this and it went all the way to about step 12 after which it told me to contact itunes support. I even had the none option lit up and everything. Apple doesn't like making things easy apparently.

[Alpa Chino]

Hello, Everyone

I had the same problem as everyone here. I just got the Iphone 5, which was a major dissapointment. So I was trying to download a free app on my exsisting account and got the message of requiring CC info. I went on Itunes only to find out I dont have the "none" option. So I got back on my Iphone tried to download the app again followed the instructions in the prompts and when I got to the payment screen I saw the "none" option. I clicked none and it said red fiels must be filled so I was stumped until I realized that it was asking me to enter a title i.e. Mr., Miss, ...
So I clicked on Mr. and hit submit and PRESTO problem solved.
I really hope this helps someone out.

[antonrico]

I know from personal experience that if you have CC on file and attempt to purchase a paid app but yor card is denied for whatever reason, you will then be required to update it before you can download any apps (paid/free). I know that, that really doesn't answer your question. I just figured I could let you and others know that that's one way to cause that problem?