Issue with in-App purchases using apple balance

A possible reason for seeing this message is Apple cannot find a functioning payment method to use in association with making this purchase. Even if you do have adequate Apple Account balance, Apple may require a payment method (usually a credit or debit card) be present on your account (particularly if you are starting a subscription or trial). Even free apps may require the presence of a payment method, although it won't be charged if they are free. In addition, some items cannot be purchased with account balance.

Use the article Add a payment method to your Apple Account - Apple Support to review your payment methods such as credit or debit cards. Problem methods will usually have a notice in red lettering below them. The article: If your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes Store - Apple Support has some information about declined payment methods.

Apple Support video with similar information: “What to do if you can’t make a purchase on your iPhone” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKHOJFWOJHk

For information about updating payment methods on various platforms (iPhone, Mac, etc.), click here --> If you need to change or update your Apple Account payment method - Apple Support

If there's an issue [such as you having a subscription or being a Family Sharing Organizer], add a new card first, then remove the old card.

If using Apple Account balance to pay for an item, ensure there is adequate balance to pay for the item, including tax if applicable. Read this article about how to check your Apple Account balance.--> Check your Apple Account balance - Apple Support Some purchases may require the presence of another payment method such as a credit card even if the final payment will be made by account balance.

If it is not a payment method issue, Apple may have placed a block on your account for other reasons. In that case do as Apple says and contact them. There is nothing more that anybody on this forum can do than advise you to do that. I personally have found Apple's contact method in this situation somewhat confusing and leading me in circles. Try this:

-Click on this link —> Choose your country or region - Official Apple Support

-Choose your country from the list.

-Scroll down the page to “Get Support” and click on “start now”.

-Scroll down to “Get more help” in the bottom left and click on it.

-What you see will depend upon the support types available in your country. You will hopefully get a chat session.

If that fails to work, this support article has various country telephone numbers for contacting Apple for support and service ➔ Contact Apple Support - Apple Support The people on this forum (users like yourself) cannot do this for you.

It has been stated:

"The ability to complete an app purchase on the App Store requires a functioning payment method."

Only to the extent that that means you need to have a way to pay for the item upfront – Apple does not sell things on credit. The type of payment method depends upon the kind of purchase. Some purchases require a specific kind to back up the purchase even if account balance is used to actually pay for the item in full. Apple lists these in general in the article: Payment methods that you can use with your Apple Account - Apple Support although the article does not distinguish between ones that meet the criteria of a required "payment method" and ones that can be used in pretty much any situation (such as account balance).

The bottom line is, your purchase may be the kind where Apple won't accept account balance at all, or may require you to show one of their required payment types (again, there is no list of types meeting the "required" criteria but generally it is a card of some kind). There are, however, many things that may require a card of some kind, or not even account balance on your account if an item is completely free. Read some of the links I posted earlier for details about what is required and when.

Welcome and thank you for reaching out. 🤗

The ability to complete an app purchase on the App Store requires a functioning payment method.

A payment method is often required to verify your identity, prevent fraud and ensure a streamlined process if you decide to make in-app purchases or purchase paid apps later.

It also helps companies manage age restrictions and regional content availability.

Check your payment method in Settings ➢ [your name] ➢ Payment & Shipping, ensure it’s valid and update if needed. Also, sign out and back into your Apple Account, then try again.

If it still fails, contact Apple Support directly.

Good Luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

Hello~ Try adding a functional and region appropriate valid payment method.

Add a payment method to your Apple Account - Apple Support

If needed…

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

~Katana-San~