User level: Level 1 (0 points)Setting up a family sharing account.
Need To set up an account for my child. I have gone to my profile - Family - Add member and followed the necessary steps.
i am unable to verify it though, because I don’t own a credit card.
my profile is age verified through my passport, but I can’t see an option to add an alternative method of verification in the family member setup, accept for a credit card.
is there any way to do this?
country UK
Posted on Sep 26, 2026 1:48 AM
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)Sep 26, 2026 1:04 PM in response to Suzid6050
Hi there
Please try this
Use a Debit Card: If you have a standard UK debit card (Visa or Mastercard linked to your bank account) rather than a credit card, Apple frequently accepts this as a valid payment method on your Apple Account. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping to add or update your debit card.
Add a Temporary Card / Friend or Family Member's Card: Some users successfully add a trusted family member or credit card temporarily to pass the child account creation checkpoint, and then change the payment method back to "None" or a debit card afterward.
Check Accepted Payment Types: Make sure your current payment method isn't set to PayPal or restricted; Apple requires a direct card for the family organizer role during child setup.
User level: Level 10 (462,771 points)Sep 26, 2026 8:46 PM in response to Suzid6050
To see the payment methods that you can use with your Apple Account [formerly Apple ID], click here --> Payment methods that you can use with your Apple Account - Apple Support
United Kingdom
Note that these are ones that are accepted for purchases made by you, but specific kinds (e.g., credit or debit cards) might be required as a Family Sharing Organizer (a debit card should work).
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256365302