You can create an Apple ID with just an email address and password, skipping the payment method step entirely
Apple does not require a payment method to create an Apple ID. When you set up a new account through Apple's website or on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you reach a screen asking for payment details — but you can select "None" as your payment method and continue. The account works fully without it. You will not be able to buy apps, music, or subscriptions until you add a payment method later, but you can use the ID for iCloud storage, Find My, Apple Mail, and other free services.
The "None" option appears on every device type and in every region, though the exact wording varies slightly. On an iPhone or iPad during setup, it shows as a button at the bottom of the payment screen. On a Mac or at appleid.apple.com, it appears as a link. The process takes the same amount of time either way — roughly five minutes from start to finish.
Key Takeaways
- Select "None" when prompted for a payment method during Apple ID creation, and the account will be ready to use without one.
- An Apple ID without a payment method can access iCloud, Find My, Apple Mail, and other free services, but cannot purchase apps or subscriptions.
- You can add a payment method at any time later through Settings on your device or at appleid.apple.com.
- The "None" option is available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and at Apple's website, regardless of your country or region.
Creating an Apple ID on iPhone or iPad
On an iPhone or iPad, start by opening Settings and tapping "Sign in to your [device]" at the top of the screen. If you do not see this option, you are already signed in — sign out first by scrolling to the bottom and tapping "Sign Out." Enter your email address (you can use any email, not just an Apple one), then create a password at least eight characters long with uppercase, lowercase, and a number.
When you reach the payment method screen, you will see options for credit card, debit card, and other payment types. Below these options is a button or link labeled "None" — tap it. Apple will ask you to verify your email address by entering a code sent to your inbox, then ask for your name, phone number, and billing address. You do not need to fill in the billing address if you selected "None," though the field may appear. Complete the remaining steps and your Apple ID is active.
Creating an Apple ID on Mac
On a Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), then click "Sign In" at the top left. Enter your email and password as above. When the payment method screen appears, look for a link that says "Don't want to add a payment method right now?" or similar wording — click it. You will then verify your email, provide your name and phone number, and finish setup.
If you do not see the "None" option on your Mac, you may be running an older version of macOS. Update to the latest version through System Settings > General > Software Update, then try again. Older versions sometimes require a payment method, though Apple has phased this out across all current operating systems.
Creating an Apple ID at appleid.apple.com
Visit appleid.apple.com and click "Create your Apple ID." Enter your email, create a password, and provide your name and phone number. On the payment method page, scroll down to find the link "Don't want to add a payment method?" and click it. Verify your email with the code Apple sends, and your account is ready.
This method works from any computer or phone with a web browser, and the process is identical whether you are on Windows, Mac, or Linux. The web version sometimes loads faster than the device setup process, especially if you are creating an ID for someone else or on a device you do not plan to use regularly.
What you can and cannot do without a payment method
Without a payment method on file, you can use iCloud to back up your device, store photos and documents, and sync data across Apple devices. You can use Find My to locate your phone or Mac if it is lost. You can create and receive email through iCloud Mail. You can use FaceTime, Messages, and Siri. You can access Apple Books and read free titles. You can read free apps from the App Store.
You cannot buy apps, games, or in-app purchases. You cannot subscribe to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, or iCloud+ (the paid storage tier). You cannot buy or rent movies and TV shows. You cannot purchase books or audiobooks. If you try to buy something, Apple will prompt you to add a payment method before the purchase goes through.
Adding a payment method after account creation
You can add a payment method at any time. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping and tap "Add Payment Method." On Mac, go to System Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping and click the plus sign. At appleid.apple.com, sign in, click "Payment & Shipping," and add a card or other payment option.
Apple accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Apple Gift Cards as payment methods. In some countries, you can also add a mobile carrier billing option. Once you add a payment method, you can when ready purchase apps and subscriptions. You can remove the payment method later if you want to return to a no-payment setup, though you will not be able to make purchases again until you add one.
Why Apple asks for a payment method during setup
Apple collects payment information during account creation because most users eventually buy something — an app, a subscription, or additional iCloud storage. Asking during setup means Apple has the information ready when you decide to purchase, rather than interrupting you mid-transaction. The "None" option exists because some users genuinely do not plan to buy anything, and forcing a payment method would create friction for them.
Selecting "None" does not flag your account as unusual or limit its functionality in any way. Apple treats accounts with and without payment methods identically for all free services. The only difference is whether you can spend money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Apple charge me if I create an ID without a payment method?
No. Apple will not charge you for creating an account or using free services like iCloud backup, Find My, or iCloud Mail. You will only be charged if you explicitly purchase something and provide a payment method at that time.
Can I use an Apple ID without a payment method on multiple devices?
Yes. Sign in with the same email and password on as many devices as you want. The account works the same way on each one — you can use free services and will be prompted to add a payment method if you try to buy something.
What happens if I forget to select "None" and accidentally add a payment method?
You can remove it when ready. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping on your device, or sign in at appleid.apple.com and navigate to Payment & Shipping, then delete the card. Your account will function normally without it.
Do I need a payment method to use iCloud backup?
No. iCloud backup is free up to 5 GB and works without any payment method on file. You only need to add a payment method if you want to buy additional storage beyond the free tier.
Can I create an Apple ID for a child without a payment method?
Yes. You can create a child account through Family Sharing without adding a payment method. The child can use free services and will need parental approval before any purchase, regardless of whether a payment method is on file.