Apple Gift Card redemption for in-app purchases without a US credit card

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3amr116 Author

Level 1

4 points

Apple Gift Card redemption for in-app purchases without a US credit card

Hello Apple Support,

I am contacting you regarding an issue with my Apple Gift Card redemption and in-app purchases.

**My Situation:**

- I successfully redeemed a $2 US Apple Gift Card to my Apple ID

- My Apple ID region is set to United States

- I am currently residing in Iraq

- I do not have a US credit/debit card on file

- When I try to make in-app purchases in Clash of Clans, I receive the error: "Your Purchase Could Not Be Completed"

**What I've Tried:**

- Confirmed the gift card was properly redeemed and shows in my Apple ID balance

- Signed out and back into my Apple ID

- Restarted my device

- Checked that my account region is set to United States

**My Question:**

Is it possible to use my Apple Gift Card balance for in-app purchases without having a credit card on file? I understand that Apple sometimes requires a backup payment method, but I only want to use the gift card balance I have already redeemed.

If there is a solution or workaround for users in my situation, I would greatly appreciate your guidance.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Best regards

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 3, 2025 07:23 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Limnos

Level 10

424,241 points

Sep 3, 2025 12:50 PM in response to 3amr116

To me your issue isn't about the value of the card or the amount of money in your account, it is about the message you are seeing:

I receive the error: "Your Purchase Could Not Be Completed"

That frequently means Apple wants to see a valid payment method on your account*. No; account balance is not sufficient. In fact the card may to even be used, but it has to be there.

You say you reside in Iraq but have your account set to the USA. That alone could be the root of the issue. You're working against how Apple has things set up and will find it hard to resolve. Change your store to the Iraqi store. If the item you want isn't there then learn to live without the item (I have moved countries several times and you learn to adjust).

* Ref.:

Add a payment method to your Apple Account - Apple Support

"To make purchases from the App Store and use subscriptions like iCloud+ and Apple Music, you need at least one payment method on file." Note that there may be a differences between “purchasing” an app for money, and simply “getting” one for free. I get free ones with no payment method.

If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

- "You might need to have a payment method on file, even if the app that you want to download is free."

Remove a payment method from your Apple Account - Apple Support

- If you have any active subscriptions, you must have at least one payment method on file other than Apple ID credit.

- You might not be able to remove a payment method if you have a balance due.

Sign in to your Apple Account on the web or in your device settings - Apple Support

- "When you sign in to the App Store and other media services for the first time, you might need to add a credit card or other payment information."

How apps, content, and subscriptions from Apple are billed - Apple Support

- You can’t charge gifts to your Apple ID balance. If you send a gift or gift card, your primary payment method is charged.

- Some subscriptions might not be charged to your Apple ID balance.

What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance - Apple Support

"Some purchases might require that you have a credit card on file, even if you use your Apple Account balance to make the purchase."

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Answer 2

Limnos

Level 10

424,241 points

Sep 3, 2025 08:26 AM in response to 3amr116

If Apple is asking to see a credit or debit card them you absolutely must enter one to continue purchasing. The card will probably have to be issued by a US financial agency and billed to you at an address in the USA.

Basically Apple's online stores are country specific and access appears to be restricted to people who can meets the criteria normally available to residents of that country. There is no real solution or workaround unless you plan on relocating to the USA.

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Answer 3

Phil0124

Level 10

214,627 points

Sep 3, 2025 08:31 AM in response to 3amr116

This is a user to user forum. Apple support is not here. Only other user's much like yourself. To contact Apple support directly click here ➜ Contact - Official Apple Support
$2 gift card? Do you mean $20?
How much is the in-app purchase for? Prices in the US App Store are before taxes, therefore a $20 gift card would not be enough to cover say a $19.99 purchase plus taxes.

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Answer 4

3amr116 Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 3, 2025 03:46 PM in response to Limnos

Thank you very much for your guidance. I’ve learned a lot more about Apple, its system, and its policies.

In this case, I just wanted to add funds to my own Apple account and use it to buy things inside and outside a game. This is my first time doing this, and I’m not sure where the issue is coming from.

I asked around, and some people told me I should try adding more funds because sometimes Apple doesn’t register the payment properly unless there’s more balance. Others said it might be because my Apple ID is restricted or disabled, and that’s why I can’t use the balance.

However, my Apple account is working perfectly fine with no issues — it’s just the payment part that isn’t working. I even spoke with an Apple support representative, and they told me it might take up to 48 hours while they look into the issue and find a solution.

So for now, I’m just waiting until that timeframe is over.

Again, thank you so much! If you have any other information or notice I’ve made a mistake, please let me know. I’d be happy to learn more.

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