You can create an Apple ID without a credit card or debit card by skipping the payment method step during setup
Apple does not require a payment method to create an Apple ID. During account creation on any Apple device or at appleid.apple.com, you will see a screen asking for payment information — but you can select "None" as your payment method and continue. This option appears on the payment method selection screen and lets you finish setting up your account without entering card details.
The catch: if you later want to download paid apps, make in-app purchases, or buy anything from the Apple ecosystem, you will need to add a payment method at that time. But for basic account use — email, iCloud storage, two-factor authentication, and access to free apps — you do not need one from the start.
Key Takeaways
- Select "None" when prompted for a payment method during Apple ID setup to skip adding card details entirely.
- You can use a free Apple ID to download free apps, use iCloud email, and enable two-factor authentication without any payment method on file.
- If you add a payment method later, you can remove it again by going to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping and deleting the card.
- Some features like iCloud+ subscriptions or Apple Music trials may prompt you to add a payment method when you try to use them.
- Creating an Apple ID with no payment method takes the same time as creating one with a card — usually under five minutes.
Where to find the "None" option during setup
On an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the payment method screen appears during initial setup or when you create a new Apple ID in Settings. Look for a row of payment options: credit card, debit card, and at the bottom, "None." Tap or click "None" and the system will skip to the next step without storing any card information.
If you are setting up on a computer at appleid.apple.com, the same "None" button appears on the payment information page. You will still need to enter your name, date of birth, and country, but you can leave the card fields blank by choosing "None."
If you do not see a "None" option, you may be trying to set up a payment method for a specific service (like Apple Music or iCloud+) rather than creating the account itself. In that case, close that screen and create your Apple ID first without a payment method, then add services later if you want them.
What you can do with an Apple ID that has no payment method
A payment-method-free Apple ID gives you access to most core Apple services. You can download any free app from the App Store, use iCloud email (your @icloud.com address), store photos and documents in iCloud Drive, enable two-factor authentication for security, and use FaceTime and Messages. You can also sign in to Apple devices, access your Apple account settings, and use Siri.
What you cannot do without adding a payment method later: buy or download paid apps, make in-app purchases, subscribe to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, or iCloud+ (the paid storage tier), or use Apple Pay for purchases. If you try to do any of these things, the system will prompt you to add a payment method before proceeding.
How to add a payment method later if you change your mind
If you decide later that you want to buy apps or use a paid service, go to Settings (on iPhone or iPad) or System Settings (on Mac), tap or click your name at the top, then select "Payment & Shipping." Tap "Add Payment Method" and enter your card details. You can add a credit card, debit card, or use Apple Pay if you have set that up.
Once you add a payment method, it stays on file until you remove it. To delete it later, go back to Payment & Shipping, find the card you want to remove, and tap or click the delete option. You can have multiple payment methods on file and choose which one to use for each purchase.
Removing a payment method after you have added one
If you added a payment method during setup but want to remove it later, the process is straightforward. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping, find the card, swipe left on it, and tap "Remove." On Mac, go to System Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping, click the card, and select "Remove Payment Method."
After you remove your only payment method, your Apple ID will revert to having no payment method on file. You can still use free apps and services, but you will need to add a card again if you want to make any purchases. Removing a payment method does not delete your Apple ID or affect your account in any other way.
Why Apple asks for a payment method and when you might need one
Apple collects payment information to process purchases and subscriptions. Even if you never plan to buy anything, some features may prompt you to add a card — for example, if you start a free trial of Apple Music or iCloud+, the system will ask for a payment method so it can charge you after the trial ends. You can decline and skip the trial, or add a card if you want to try the service.
The "None" option exists because not everyone needs to buy from Apple, and requiring a card would create friction for users who only want free services. By letting you skip the payment step, Apple makes account creation faster and removes a barrier for people who do not have a credit card or prefer not to link one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create an Apple ID without a phone number?
You need either a phone number or an email address to create an Apple ID, but not both. If you do not have a phone number, you can use an existing email address instead. The system will use whichever one you provide for account recovery and two-factor authentication.
What happens if I try to buy an app without a payment method on file?
The App Store will stop you before the purchase goes through and ask you to add a payment method. You cannot complete the purchase without one. Once you add a card, the purchase will process immediately, so make sure you want the app before you enter your card details.
Do I need a payment method to use iCloud email?
No. iCloud email (your @icloud.com address) is free and requires only an Apple ID with no payment method. You can set it up during account creation or add it later in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Mail.
Can I use someone else's payment method on my Apple ID?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. If you add someone else's card to your account, they will see all purchases you make, and you will see their payment information. For family purchases, Apple offers Family Sharing, which lets a family organizer manage purchases for multiple people without sharing card details directly.
What if I forgot to select "None" and already entered my card details?
You can remove the card immediately by going to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping and deleting it. Your Apple ID will then have no payment method on file. Removing a card does not affect your account or any purchases you have already made.