The iTunes Store is the easiest way for iPod, iTouch and iPad users to download music, movies and more. In order to use the store, you have to create an account with iTunes. You can do this through iTunes or through the App Store on a handheld Apple device. However, most consumers familiar with the iTunes Store will tell you that to create an account you must add a credit card.
Apple wants to ensure you can pay for what you download right away without having to continuously enter in credit card information for each purchase. If you do not have a credit card or do not like the idea of using it online, you can create an iTunes account without a credit card.
How to create an iTunes account without a credit card
You want to open iTunes. If you are signed in on an account, you want to click the “Sign Out” link to the right of the screen.
If you create an iTunes Store account by clicking the “Sign in” link at the right hand corner of the window, you will be forced to enter your credit card settings to continue.
Instead, you want to click on the “App Store” link.
From here, you want to look for the “Free Apps” sidebar. You will need to scroll down to see it. It will be on the right hand side of your screen.
Pick a free app to download. This will open a new box where you can either login or create a new account. Since you want to create a new account, click on “Create New Account.”
You want to click “Continue” to begin the process.
Read through the Terms and Conditions of using the iTunes Store. When you have made your way through them, check the box that says “I have read and agree to the terms and conditions.” Then click “Continue.”
Now you want to provide Apple with all your details. Some consumers find it safer to create a new e-mail address for the iTunes Store to protect their information. This is generally a good idea when creating an account that involves purchasing any item online.
You also want to choose whether you receive special offers and other e-mails from Apple in regards to the iTunes Store.
Once you have filled out all the information, click “Continue.”
You will be asked to enter in your payment information now. If you had created an iTunes account from the first login, you would have been forced to choose a credit card or PayPal. Since you opted to create an account via the “App Store” link, you can choose the option “None.”
Now you can fill in your address information and click “Continue.”
Apple will want to verify the e-mail address you used to make sure it is you who signed up for the iTunes Store account. If you do not receive the e-mail, check your spam folders first. If it is not there, you can click the “Resend Verification Email” link. In most cases, this e-mail will be sent to you instantly.
Click the “Verify Email” link in the e-mail you received from Apple.
When you reach the web site in your browser, you will be prompted to login to your newly created iTunes Store account. Once you enter your details, hit “Verify Address.”
Once verified, Apple will let you know that you can login and begin using your new account with them.
You can either click “Done” in iTunes at this point to start using the store or click the “Return to Store” link in your browser. This will direct you to iTunes.
You want to click on the “Sign in” link on the right hand side of the screen.
The same pop-up that you used to create an account will appear again, this time you want to enter your “Username” and “Password” then click “Sign in.” A few seconds later, you will be ready to use your iTunes account.
You can now browse applications, music, videos and more on your new iTunes account. You can login to this account on your computer or your Apple handheld device to make purchases.
If you want to make a purchase for something that is not free, a pop-up will appear that lets you know you are going to have to pay for it.
If you click “Buy,” you will be prompted to login to your account again and add payment details before you are able to download the content.
Why create an iTunes account without a credit card?
Many consumers do not like using their credit cards online. Putting this information online, even though most web sites use security measures to protect your details, can be daunting for some consumers. By choosing not to add a credit card to your iTunes account, you can download free applications and more without having to add your payment details. While this gives you a sense of security, if you opt to make a purchase that requires you to pay, you will have to add some form of payment details to continue.
iTunes allows you to pay with major credit cards and PayPal. PayPal can be a powerful option to shop online if you do not want to use a credit card. The iTunes Store has plenty of download available whether you pay for them or not, so take the time to peek around and find out all it has to offer for your iPod, iPhone, iTouch or iPad.
