You can spend money already in your Apple ID account instead of entering a credit card each time
Your Apple ID balance is money sitting in your Apple account that you can use to buy apps, in-app purchases, subscriptions, and content from Apple's services. When you make a purchase, Apple checks your balance first — if you have enough, it deducts from that balance instead of charging a linked credit card. You build this balance by redeeming gift cards, receiving refunds, or adding money directly through your payment method.
The main reason to use Apple ID balance instead of a credit card is control. You spend only what you've already put in, which stops accidental charges and subscription renewals you didn't intend. It also means you don't have to store a card on file if you don't want to — though Apple will still ask for a payment method as a backup if your balance runs out.
Key Takeaways
- Apple ID balance is money in your account that pays for purchases before any linked credit card is charged.
- You add balance by redeeming gift cards, receiving refunds, or manually adding funds through Settings on iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Purchases always draw from your balance first, so you control spending without a card on file.
- If your balance runs out mid-purchase, Apple will prompt you to add a payment method for the remaining amount.
- Subscriptions renew using your balance if it's available; if not, Apple charges your linked card or cancels the subscription.
How to add money to your Apple ID balance
On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name at the top, then select Media & Purchases. Tap Add Funds to Apple ID and choose an amount: $10, $25, $50, or $100. You'll be asked to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. The money appears in your account when ready.
On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click your Apple ID in the sidebar, select Media & Purchases, then click Add Funds. The process is the same: choose an amount and confirm with your password.
You can also add balance through a web browser by going to appleid.apple.com, signing in, selecting Payment & Shipping, then Add Funds to Apple ID. This route works from any device, including Android phones or Windows computers.
The payment method you use to add funds (debit card, credit card, or PayPal) is charged when ready. The balance itself never expires, so you can let it sit as long as you want.
Redeeming gift cards to build your balance
Apple gift cards are the most common way people add balance without using a card directly. You can buy them at grocery stores, pharmacies, electronics retailers, or online. When you have a gift card, open the App Store, Podcasts, Books, or Music app on your device, scroll to the bottom, and tap your profile picture. Select Redeem Gift Card or Code, then either scan the card with your camera or type the code manually.
The full amount of the gift card goes into your Apple ID balance when ready. If someone sends you a gift card code by email or text, you can redeem it the same way without ever opening the physical card.
Gift cards purchased in one country only work in that country's App Store. A US gift card cannot be redeemed on a UK Apple ID, for example. Check the card or receipt to confirm which region it's for before you buy.
What happens when you make a purchase with Apple ID balance
When you buy an app, subscribe to a service, or make an in-app purchase, Apple automatically deducts the cost from your balance first. You don't choose this — it's the default behavior. If your balance is $15 and you buy a $12 app, your balance drops to $3. The transaction appears in your purchase history under your Apple ID.
If your balance is lower than the purchase price, Apple will ask you to add a payment method for the difference. For example, if your balance is $5 and you want to buy a $20 subscription, you'll be prompted to enter a credit card or other payment method for the remaining $15. You can choose to proceed or cancel.
Once you've linked a payment method to cover the shortfall, Apple will use it for future purchases if your balance runs out. You can remove this payment method later in your account settings if you want to stop allowing charges.
Managing subscriptions with your Apple ID balance
Subscriptions renew automatically on the date they're set to renew. If you have enough balance, the renewal cost is deducted from it. If your balance is too low, Apple tries to charge your linked payment method. If you don't have a payment method on file, the subscription cancels automatically.
To see your active subscriptions and when they renew, open Settings, tap your name, select Subscriptions, and look at the list. You can cancel any subscription when ready by tapping it and selecting Cancel Subscription. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, not right away.
If you want to use only your balance and never be charged a card, you can remove all payment methods from your account. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping and delete any cards or PayPal accounts listed. After that, subscriptions will cancel instead of charging you if your balance runs out.
Checking your balance and purchase history
To see how much balance you have, open Settings, tap your name, then Media & Purchases. Your current balance appears at the top. On a Mac, the same path shows your balance in System Settings.
Your purchase history — every app, subscription, and in-app purchase — is listed under Purchase History in the same menu. Tap any item to see the date, amount, and whether it was charged to your balance or a payment method. This history is useful if you're tracking spending or looking for a charge you don't recognize.
You can also view your balance and history on the web at appleid.apple.com under Media & Purchases. This shows the same information as your device.
Refunds and how they affect your balance
If you request a refund for an app or in-app purchase within 14 days of buying it, Apple usually approves it. The refund goes back into your Apple ID balance, not to the original payment method. For example, if you spent $5 from your balance on an app and get a refund, that $5 returns to your balance.
Subscription refunds work the same way. If you cancel a subscription and request a refund for the most recent billing period, the amount is credited to your balance. You can then spend it on anything else in the Apple ecosystem.
To request a refund, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases > Purchase History, find the item, tap it, and select Report a Problem. Explain why you want a refund. Apple reviews your request and usually responds within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Apple ID balance to someone else?
No, Apple ID balance is tied to your account and cannot be transferred, gifted, or shared. If you want to give someone money to spend on Apple services, buy them an Apple gift card instead. They can redeem it into their own account.
What happens to my balance if I close my Apple ID?
If you delete your Apple ID, any remaining balance is forfeited. Apple does not refund unused balance or convert it to cash. Before closing your account, spend your balance or convert it to gift cards if possible.
Can I use Apple ID balance to buy physical products from Apple?
No, Apple ID balance only works for digital purchases: apps, subscriptions, in-app purchases, and digital content like music, books, and movies. You cannot use it to buy iPhones, Macs, or other hardware from Apple's online store. You must use a credit card or other payment method for physical products.
Does my Apple ID balance work across all Apple services?
Yes, your balance works in the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Books, Apple Arcade, and any other Apple service that charges through your Apple ID. One balance covers all of them.
What if I add too much money and want it back?
Apple does not refund unused balance or convert it to cash. The best approach is to spend it on apps, subscriptions, or content you actually want. If you have a large unused balance and no plans to use it, you could buy gift cards for friends or family as a workaround, though this is not an official refund process.