Gift card
Do I have to have a credit card on file to use a gift card?
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Use07 -- It depends what you mean by "use a gift card."
If you mean to redeem a gift card, it does not require a credit card. Just follow this procedure: Redeem your App Store & iTunes Gift Card - Apple Support
But if you mean to purchase a gift card for somebody, yes you need to have a credit card on file. You cannot use an account balance to purchase a gift.