How do I put money on the App Store?

Quick Answer

There are a few different ways to add money or payment methods to your App Store account:

  • Add a credit/debit card – Go to Settings > [your name] > Payment & Shipping > Add Payment Method
  • Use an iTunes gift card – Redeem code in App Store app or Settings > iTunes & App Store > Redeem Gift Card
  • Use Apple Pay – Set up Apple Pay with a supported credit/debit card
  • Use Apple ID balance – Add money directly to your Apple ID balance

Adding a Credit or Debit Card

The easiest way to put money on your App Store account is by adding a credit or debit card. Here are the steps:

  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app
  2. Tap on your name at the top of the screen
  3. Tap on Payment & Shipping
  4. Tap on Add Payment Method
  5. Choose Credit/Debit Card
  6. Use your device’s camera to scan your card or enter your card details manually
  7. Enter your billing details and tap Next
  8. Your card will be verified and added to your account

Once your card is added, any app or subscription purchases you make on the App Store will be charged automatically to that card.

You can add multiple credit/debit cards and choose which one to use at checkout. You can also set your default payment method in Settings.

Tips for Adding a Card

  • Make sure your card details are entered correctly to avoid issues.
  • The name and billing address on the card must match the details you enter.
  • If your card is declined, double check that you entered the right details.
  • If you have issues adding the card, contact your bank or card issuer.

Using iTunes Gift Cards

Another way to add money to your App Store account is by redeeming iTunes gift card codes. Here’s how:

  1. Purchase an iTunes gift card (physical or digital code)
  2. Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad
  3. Tap on your profile picture in the top right
  4. Scroll down and tap on Redeem Gift Card or Code
  5. Enter the gift card code and tap Redeem
  6. The gift card balance will be added to your account

You can also redeem gift card codes directly in your iPhone/iPad Settings:

  1. Go to Settings > iTunes & App Store
  2. Tap on your Apple ID banner
  3. Tap on Redeem Gift Card or Code
  4. Enter the code and tap Redeem

Once redeemed, you can use your gift card balance to make purchases on the App Store. The balance doesn’t expire.

Tips for iTunes Gift Cards

  • Make sure to enter the gift card code carefully to avoid errors.
  • Check the balance on the back of physical gift cards before redeeming.
  • Digital gift card codes are usually delivered by email right after purchase.
  • The balance can only be used in the iTunes Store and App Store, not the Apple Store.

Using Apple Pay

Apple Pay provides another convenient way to pay on the App Store. To use it:

  1. Set up Apple Pay on your iPhone/iPad with a supported credit/debit card.
  2. When checking out on the App Store, look for the Apple Pay payment option.
  3. Confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
  4. Your card will be charged through Apple Pay.

Apple Pay works with most major credit and debit cards from top providers like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

The payment information is stored securely through Apple Pay. You don’t have to manually enter card details when making App Store purchases.

Benefits of Using Apple Pay

  • Seamless one-touch checkout.
  • Card details are not shared directly with merchants.
  • Works on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
  • Supported by most major card providers.
  • Payments confirmed securely through Face/Touch ID or passcode.

Adding Money Directly to Your Apple ID

You can also add money directly to your Apple ID balance and use it to make App Store purchases:

  1. On your iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > [your name] > Media & Purchases.
  2. Tap on iTunes & App Store.
  3. Tap on your Apple ID banner.
  4. Tap on Add Funds to Apple ID.
  5. Choose the amount you want to add.
  6. Complete the transaction with your card or PayPal.

The balance will be updated instantly and you can spend it right away on apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, and more.

Adding money directly to your Apple ID is available in many countries. The minimum amount can vary.

Key Tips for Adding Funds to Apple ID

  • Funds added can take 1-2 days to appear across all devices.
  • Balance does not expire and can be used on any Apple service.
  • Always add funds from a trusted device for security.
  • Monitor balance to avoid adding more than you need.
  • You can’t transfer Apple ID funds between accounts.

Checking Your App Store Balance

To see your current App Store/iTunes balance:

  1. Open App Store app, tap profile > tap your name.
  2. Or go to Settings > [your name] > iTunes & App Store.
  3. Scroll down to see Apple ID balance.

This balance includes:

  • Any funds added directly to your Apple ID.
  • Remaining value on redeemed iTunes gift cards.
  • Credit from returns or refunds.

You can spend this balance on any App Store purchases. Tap Buy with Apple ID Balance during checkout.

If your balance doesn’t cover the full amount, you can pay the remainder with another payment method.

Tracking Your App Store Purchase History

To see a detailed history of all your App Store purchases:

  1. Open the App Store app.
  2. Tap on your profile icon.
  3. Scroll down and tap on Purchase History.

Here you’ll find:

  • A list of every app, game, subscription, etc you’ve purchased.
  • The date and amount of each transaction.
  • Your total all-time spending.

Review your purchase history to:

  • Track subscription renewal dates.
  • Identify any unauthorized or accidental purchases.
  • View details of items you’ve purchased as gifts.
  • Check status of recent orders.

You can also access your purchase history on a Mac via iTunes.

Getting Refunds on iOS Apps or Subscriptions

If you request a refund for an iOS app or subscription, here’s what happens:

  • The transaction is reversed from your account.
  • The app is removed from your device (if downloaded).
  • Subscriptions are immediately cancelled.
  • Refunds are returned to your original payment method.

Refunds must be submitted within 90 days of purchase. You can request them via Report a Problem on your purchase history.

Apple reviews all refund requests. Providing an explanation improves your chances of approval.

Managing iOS Subscriptions

Here are some tips for managing ongoing subscriptions purchased on the App Store:

  • Review active subscriptions in your purchase history. Tap to see details.
  • Check renewal date so there’s no surprises when you get charged.
  • You can turn off auto-renewal at any time if you don’t want to continue.
  • Canceled subscriptions still run out the paid period before they stop.
  • Deleted apps lose access to subscriptions immediately.

If you don’t want to be charged when a subscription renews:

  1. Go to your purchase history and tap on the subscription.
  2. Tap Turn Off Auto-Renew.
  3. Confirm you want to turn off renewal.

You’ll then have access until the end of the current period before it cancels.

Family Sharing on the App Store

If you have Family Sharing enabled, keep these things in mind about the App Store:

  • All purchases are made from the family organizer’s account.
  • Family members can browse and download any apps purchased by the organizer.
  • Children accounts have Ask to Buy enabled by default.
  • Apps can only be used by one family member at a time.

To set up parental controls and Ask to Buy:

  1. Family organizer signs in to their child’s device.
  2. Go to Settings > [Child’s Name] > iTunes & App Store.
  3. Tap Share My Purchases.
  4. Toggle on Ask To Buy.

With Ask to Buy, children must request organizer approval for App Store purchases or downloads.

The family organizer gets an Ask to Buy request and can decline or approve based on their preference. This prevents unexpected App Store charges.

Switching to a Different Apple ID on the App Store

If you use multiple Apple IDs, you may need to occasionally change the account associated with the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how:

  1. Open Settings and tap your name at the top.
  2. Tap Media & Purchases.
  3. Tap Sign Out to sign out of your current Apple ID.
  4. Tap Sign In and enter the other Apple ID.

This will change the Apple ID used for App Store purchases, subscriptions, and more.

Your apps themselves do not get deleted. But keep in mind:

  • You’ll only see apps downloaded under that Apple ID.
  • You can’t update apps linked to a different Apple ID.
  • Subscriptions won’t renew if assigned to a different Apple ID.

So it’s best to use your primary Apple ID for purchases most of the time. Only switch temporarily when needed.

Updating Payment Methods

If your card details change, make sure to also update them in your App Store account:

  1. Go to Settings > [your name] > Payment & Shipping.
  2. Tap Saved Cards.
  3. Tap the existing card.
  4. Tap Edit Card Details to make changes.

Or you can just delete the old card and add your new one from scratch.

Be sure to update card expiration dates when necessary to avoid declined payments.

Also update your billing address if you’ve moved, as address mismatches can cause issues.

If your card is stolen, report it immediately and remove it from your Apple ID account to prevent fraudulent charges.

Fixing App Store Payment Errors

Here are some common App Store payment errors and fixes:

“There was an error with the Apple ID used for this purchase.”

  • Check that the Apple ID login details are correct.
  • Make sure the Apple ID country matches your payment method country.
  • If using gift card balance, add funds if the balance is too low.

“This card was declined.”

  • Confirm card details are correct.
  • Contact your bank to check if they declined the charge.
  • Update card expiration if it has expired.
  • Use a different card if this one was blocked or suspended.

“This card is invalid.”

  • Double check all card details entered correctly.
  • Try re-entering the card from scratch if details got mistyped.
  • Use a different card if this one has errors.

“Your payment method was declined.”

  • Card may be expired, so update card details.
  • If using gift card, add funds if balance is too low.
  • Contact bank to check why they declined the charge.
  • Enter a different valid payment method.

Conclusion

There are a variety of ways to add money to your App Store and iTunes account for purchases and subscriptions. The easiest options are adding a credit/debit card, redeeming an iTunes gift card, or using Apple Pay. You can also add funds directly to your Apple ID.

Be sure to monitor your purchase history and manage subscriptions accordingly. Keep payment methods up to date to avoid declined transactions. Address any payment issues promptly to restore access to the App Store.

Leave a Comment