I’m trying to download free apps from the Apple App Store, but it keeps asking for a payment method. I don’t want to save one to my account, but it’s not letting me proceed without it. Is there a way around this or any solution to fix this issue?
Bruh, it’s an Apple thing. They want a payment method on file even for free apps—like, why? No one’s buying a $0.00 app with a credit card. 
Anyway, you can try to set up your account without a payment method, but it’s tricky. If you’re creating a brand-new Apple ID, there should be an option that says ‘None’ when you’re prompted to add payment info. If you already have an account, they make it so hard to remove payment details after you’ve attached one. You might have to log into your Apple ID settings online and fiddle around with the payment options to remove anything currently saved.
Also, sometimes they bug you for a payment method if there’s something unresolved on your account—like if you had a failed payment for a subscription or something dumb like that. Double-check your purchase history just in case. If all else fails, you can try contacting Apple support, but they’ll probably suggest jumping through flaming hoops while blindfolded because that’s Apple for you. 
Apple wants you to have a payment method on file for “convenience” (read: so they can charge you the minute you slip up and subscribe to something accidentally). Unlike what @stellacadente mentioned, it’s not always about unresolved payments; sometimes, it’s just the way their system is built—painfully obtuse. Even for free apps! Wild, right?
Here’s a lesser-known workaround: if you create your account directly on the App Store itself (not on your device setup), you’re more likely to see the elusive ‘None’ option under payment methods. But once your account is set up WITH a payment method, deleting it gets… absurdly complicated. They claim it’s for security reasons but come on—it’s clearly a sales funnel tactic.
If you’re stuck because of old subscriptions or billing issues, one shortcut is making sure your region’s App Store doesn’t require certain methods. For example, changing your country/region settings sometimes cuts out the payment requirement temporarily (but be warned, this can screw with your access to previous purchases). Another option? Use Apple Gift Cards instead of traditional credit card info. Throw a small balance on one just to appease Apple’s insatiable hunger for payment details.
Lastly, let me warn you, Apple support will absolutely gaslight you into thinking this is all part of “protecting your account integrity.” No, this is them doubling down on a system designed to make downloading a free flashlight app feel like applying for a mortgage.
So here’s the deal: Apple’s insistence on tying a payment method even for free apps is maddening but not entirely without a workaround if you’re willing to get a little creative. While @suenodelbosque and @stellacadente have shared some excellent methods, I’ll toss in a slightly different perspective.
Why Apple Does This:
Apple says it’s about security and convenience, but come on—it’s more about ensuring there’s always a funnel for charges. They’re playing the long game here, subtly nudging you towards services, subscriptions, and in-app purchases. If there’s no payment method attached, their “spontaneous purchase revenue” takes a hit. Simple, cold business logic.
Another Workaround (Yes, Another One):
If you’ve already jumped past creating your Apple ID without selecting “None” as a payment option, resetting your account might seem like a nuclear option, but it works. Sign out of your Apple ID, go to the Apple website, and edit your account details from the ground up. If you’re lucky, you might find a way to reintroduce “None” by re-enrolling through a specific country or region that doesn’t require payment. Just don’t expect this process to be smooth—it’s like defusing a bomb blindfolded.
Apple Gift Card Pro Hack:
Using gift cards, as mentioned by @stellacadente, is a great move, except when you’re in regions where gift cards are limited in functionality or hard to find. The benefit is you avoid linking a bank card, but here’s the downside: micromanaging your funds can get old fast. Suddenly downloading free apps becomes a math game where you calculate remaining balances before Apple freezes certain actions. Yay, fun.
Direct Region-Based Account Setup:
Here’s a rogue strategy: set up a completely separate Apple ID with a region/country account that doesn’t push for these payment details. Examples include certain EU locations or emerging markets. Careful, though—this could cause account access conflicts down the line, especially with app updates. Pros: immediate access to free apps; cons: regional restrictions might block certain downloads.
Why Contacting Apple Support Feels Like Pulling Teeth:
You’ll notice no one here, including me, seems thrilled about suggesting support. That’s because Apple will preach their “security policies” at you like a broken record. Sure, you might get through to someone with real solutions, but most of the time, it’s wasted energy because their maze of policies backs you into requiring a payment option eventually. Even reaching out can sometimes get you stuck with a more firm lock on your account.
Alternatives to the Apple Ecosystem:
I know you’re not here to hear alternatives, but if things like this bug you to no end, platforms like Android aren’t as intense about linking payment to free downloads. Play Store’s process doesn’t usually demand this, and if Apple’s nickel-and-diming hits you hard, it’s worth exploring.
In the end, Apple’s built this system with frustrating intentionality, and while the workarounds shared here are good to have, none of them are perfect or pain-free. All I’m saying is, maybe prepare for a battle of bureaucracy if you attempt to unravel their meticulous Apple-only cage. Pros of this setup? Easy future purchases. Cons? Literally everything else. You’ve been warned.