How to Create an Apple ID without using a Credit Card?

Many a times you need a UK or US based Apple ID to install some apps available as free downloads such as Google Earth, etc in the iTunes App Store. Same is true for some iBooks and podcasts which have geo restrictions. These are only available to iTunes users who are logged in with an Apple ID for one of the available countries.

Now, the workaround is pretty simple. It is possible to create multiple IDs. You can create one for UK and another one for US Apps Store, and easily switch between them inside iTunes. In this case, if you’re signed in from India, you can easily switch to your US based Apple ID. Now, you can download the app that is otherwise not available in the Indian Apps Store.

However, there’s a small difficulty here. When you create an Apple ID, iTunes will require you to enter your credit card and the billing address of your card should be in that country only. Thus, you’ll need US based credit card or Paypal account to create an Apple ID for US iTunes Store. You will not be able to create an ID without entering valid payment information.

However, there’s also an alternate route to create an Apple ID for an country that too, without using a credit card.

How to Create an Apple ID without using a Credit Card :

1. After launching the iTunes software on you PC sign out of your existing Apple ID. Select Sign Out from Store in the menu.
2. Next, scroll to the bottom of the iTunes page and click Change Country. Select the one for which you need an Apple ID.
3. Further, open the Apps Store inside iTunes, select a free app and click the Get button to download the app.
4. You will now be prompted to enter you Apple ID and password. Do not enter your existing Apple ID. Click the Create Apple ID button, and agree to the terms & conditions. Enter you email address, password &minimum age.
   
5. Proceed to the Payments screen. You’ll see a new option which says NONE(see the screenshot given below). After selecting this option, enter a dummy postal address and submit. Your new Apple ID will be created which is valid in the iTunes store of that country.

This will also prove useful in case you have kids.   Now, you can create a separate Apple ID for the kids, one that is not associated with your credit card, thus, preventing accidental purchases.

An Easier Way to Create a New Apple ID

There’s an easier way to create an Apple ID if you don’t intend to use it to download apps. Got to icloud.com and click the Create Apple ID link and choose a different country from the dropdown. Your Apple ID will be created instantly. However, if later, you decide to use it to download iTunes content, you’ll still need to supply the credit card.

You Cannot Create An Apple ID Because You Do Not Meet The Minimum Age Requirement

You need to be at least 13+ years old to create an Apple ID inside iTunes. No matter how many times you try the process , even if you enter an incorrect date, iTunes will refuse you Apple ID no matter how many times you try the process. You will keep getting the following error message: “You cannot create an Apple ID because you do not meet the minimum age requirements.

This is most probably a caching related bug in the iTunes software which can be easily fixed. Open Preferences inside iTunes. Switch to the Advanced tab and Reset Cache. Quit iTunes and then launch the Safari browser.

Go to Preferences and under Privacy, choose the option “Remove all Website date” to clear the cache.

There, all done!!