How to Add a Payment Method to the App Store

To add a payment method to the App Store on an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name, select Payment & Shipping, and tap Add Payment Method. On a Mac, open the App Store, open Account Settings, select Manage Payments, and choose Add Payment.

The payment method is saved to the Apple Account currently signed in on the device. Apple Account is the sign-in account used for Apple services, including the App Store.

What do you need before adding an App Store payment method?

Before changing App Store payment settings, confirm that the device is signed in to the correct Apple Account. If several people use the device, check the account name or email address before entering any payment details.

Have the following information ready:

• An eligible payment method accepted for the country or region assigned to the Apple Account.
• The card number or other account information requested on the screen.
• The correct expiration date and security code, when applicable.
• The cardholder name and billing address exactly as recorded by the payment provider.
• Access to any verification message or approval request sent by the payment provider.

Available payment types can differ by country or region. The options displayed in Apple Account settings are the relevant choices for that account.

How do you add a payment method on an iPhone or iPad?

On an iPhone or iPad, payment settings are reached through the Settings app. Use the device where the correct Apple Account is already signed in.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen.
3. Tap Payment & Shipping. The device may ask you to sign in or confirm your identity with Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode.
4. Tap Add Payment Method.
5. Select an available payment type and enter the requested details.
6. Enter the billing name and address exactly as held by the payment provider.
7. Tap Done or follow the final confirmation shown on the screen.

After saving, return to Payment & Shipping and confirm that the new method appears in the list. If it does not appear, do not repeatedly submit different information; first check the billing details and any verification request.

How do you add a payment method on a Mac?

On a Mac, use the App Store account settings to add a payment method to the signed-in Apple Account.

1. Open the App Store app.
2. Select your name near the bottom of the sidebar. If a Sign In button appears instead, sign in to the Apple Account that needs the payment method.
3. Select Account Settings near the top of the window.
4. Sign in again if macOS requests confirmation.
5. Find Payment Information and select Manage Payments.
6. Select Add Payment.
7. Enter the requested payment and billing details.
8. Select Done to save the method.

If the wording differs slightly because of the macOS version, look for Account Settings, Payment Information, or Manage Payments within the App Store account page. Confirm afterward that the method is listed under the intended Apple Account.

How do you change the App Store payment method order?

Apple generally attempts to charge payment methods in the order shown in the Apple Account payment list. A method placed higher in the list is normally tried before one placed below it, subject to Apple Account balance, Family Sharing, and other account rules.

On an iPhone or iPad:

1. Open Settings and tap your name.
2. Tap Payment & Shipping.
3. Tap Edit, if shown.
4. Use the reorder control to drag payment methods into the preferred order.
5. Tap Done.

On a Mac, open the App Store, select your name, choose Account Settings, and open Manage Payments. Select Edit beside a payment method, then use the available order controls and save the change.

Reordering does not guarantee that every charge will use the first listed method. An unavailable method may be skipped, and Family Sharing settings can affect which payment method is used.

What should you do if an App Store payment method cannot be added?

If an App Store payment method cannot be added, read the message on the screen and check each entered field before trying again. A rejection does not always identify the exact cause.

• Incorrect billing details: Match the name, street address, postal code, expiration date, and security code to the payment provider’s records.
• Unsupported payment method: Use one of the payment types displayed for the Apple Account’s country or region.
• Country or region mismatch: The payment method and billing address may need to match the country or region assigned to the Apple Account.
• Verification was not completed: Check for an approval request from the payment provider and complete it through the provider’s official app or usual verification process.
• Unpaid account balance: Resolve any payment issue shown in Apple Account settings before attempting to add or use another method.
• Family Sharing restrictions: Family Sharing is Apple’s feature for sharing eligible services among a family group. The family organizer’s payment settings or sharing rules may control the available options.
• Provider declined the method: Contact the payment provider through its verified support channel if all details are correct but the method is still rejected.

If the screen provides a specific instruction, follow that instruction rather than attempting to bypass verification. Apple Support can help with Apple Account settings, while the payment provider controls approval of its own method.

How can you protect your Apple Account and payment details?

Add or edit payment details only inside official Apple settings, the App Store app, or another Apple account screen reached directly from the device. Avoid entering account or card information after opening an unexpected message, advertisement, or search result.

• Never share an Apple Account password, device passcode, card security code, or one-time verification code with another person.
• Do not approve a sign-in or payment verification request that you did not start.
• Check that the Apple Account shown on the screen belongs to you before saving payment details.
• Use Face ID, Touch ID, or a strong device passcode to limit access to account settings.
• If someone may know your credentials, change the Apple Account password from official Apple settings and review the devices connected to the account.