Why doesn’t it let me change my payment method?
Why can’t I add edit payment and shipping?
Why can't I add a payment method to my Apple ID?
Why is the edit button greyed out when I try to change my payment method?
How do I manually update my Apple ID payment method?
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Apple is simply trying to make it easier to purchase apps if you decide to do that in the future. Providing the security code on the card lowers the fees Apple pays to the credit card processing company since it is evidence you are in physical possession of the card.
You aren't required to provide a credit card at all just to sign up. When you are prompted for the credit card type, Apple gives the option to chose "None". If you choose this while purchasing a free app, it will allow you to sign up without a credit card.
Apple provides walkthrough steps for doing this on both a computer and on an iPod touch or iPhone.
If this method is not available in your country but your country does have iTunes Store gift cards available, you can purchase one gift card and use it to create an account. You'll have to pay a little up front of course, but you won't have to provide a credit card before starting to purchase the free apps.
If you bring an Apple ID to the store that exists (instead of making a new one), you are not presented with the None option.
Try the following steps as a work around:
- Try to purchase a free item in the iTunes or Mac App Store on a non-iOS device
- Log in when prompted
- Accept any terms you have to
- If None is not an option on the Review Payment Information screen, click Paypal
- Click the To redeem a code, click here link that appears below
- Log in again when prompted
- Accept any terms you have to again
- The new Review Payment Information screen should allow you to select None
Alternatively, clicking Redeem in the Quick Links box on the main page of the Mac App Store may allow you to bypass steps 1-5. You also can just put in payment method one time, do not make a charge and then remove it.
Lastly, someone that's a family organizer can ask you to join and then you would leave once your account is "verified" into the app store.