iCloud+ payment information disappears

Possible Causes

1. You're on the Free iCloud Plan, but Apple Still Needs a Payment Method

Even if you’re using the free 5GB iCloud plan, Apple still wants a valid payment method on file—for:

• Verifying your account
• Enabling any free trials, in-app purchases, or future upgrades

If the payment info gets declined, removed, or not verified correctly, Apple may keep prompting you—even if you're not being charged.

2. There’s a Problem with the Payment Method

Common issues:

• Expired credit/debit card
• Address mismatch
• Bank decline or fraud hold
• Prepaid cards (Apple often rejects them)
• Apple ID region mismatch (e.g., U.S. card, Canadian account)

Apple will keep re-requesting a valid payment method if:

• The card fails verification
• There's a $0.00 or $1.00 authorization that your bank blocks
• A prior failed transaction (like from a forgotten subscription or family sharing plan) exists

3. You're in a Family Sharing Group

If you're part of a Family Sharing group and the organizer’s payment method is invalid or missing, all members might get payment-related messages—even if you’re not paying.

4. You’re Being Phished

If the email doesn’t come from an Apple domain (like apple.com or id.apple.com), it could be a phishing attempttrying to get your payment info.

Check for red flags:

• Generic greeting (“Dear user”)
• Urgency or scare tactics
• Suspicious links (hover over them to preview)
• Typos or odd formatting

If you’re unsure, don’t click the link in the email. Go directly to https://appleid.apple.com and manage payment info there.

How to Check & Fix This

On iPhone/iPad:

1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping
2. Tap Add Payment Method or edit existing one
3. Ensure billing address, ZIP code, and card info are accurate
4. Look for any alerts or issues at the top of that screen

On Mac:

• System Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases > Manage Account
• Or visit: https://appleid.apple.com

If It Keeps Disappearing

If your payment method keeps being removed or marked invalid:

• Try a different card or PayPal (if supported in your country)
• Check with your bank about any holds or declines
• Contact Apple Support to investigate account-specific flags:
  • Subscriptions and Billing - Official Apple Support

“iCloud+ payment information disappears 

I keep getting an email asking for my payment information for iCloud+ which I enter, but a week or so later I get another email requesting it. Why is it disappearing? (Also, I don’t have iCloud plus I have basic iCloud storage.)“

———-

eMail Regarding Apple Account Info:

Looking at the sender’s email address, is one of these two domains?: @apple.com or @appleid.com? If not, then this is a scam, and you should change your Apple Account information immediately, starting with a new account password:

Troubleshooting Account Info Message:

That is a scam. Apple wouldn't send you an a ransom-sounding eMail or SMS text message. So, what seems to have occurred here is a scam..

So, Report this Message and Secure your Info:

Being account accessibility is of big concern here, (I.)report this message, and (II.)secure your account.

I. Report this Message:

So, report phone call's and messages info to Apple and others (such as your government). Use my User: Using the Photos App to Report Scams - User Tip

and...

II. Secure your Info:

A. Verify your Devices:

Verify that all devices are logged in to your account, by using this link: Check your Apple ID Device List to See where you're Signed in - Apple Support

then...

B. Modify your Credentials:

Having received this, someone may have your credentials. So, by all means, consider modifying them...

• Modify: your login credentials (Using Both a New eMail and a New Password for each and all sites)
• Associate: a different method of payment to your account
• Enable: Two-Factor Authentication for Apple ID and for all other accounts that have such an applicable option