How to Remove a Credit Card From Your iTunes Account

Apple requires you to supply the credentials for a valid form of payment, usually a credit card, when you register for an iTunes account. The information is kept on file, so it's always at hand for quick purchases. But, if you don't want to store credit card information in iTunes because you're worried about privacy, or you don't want your child making unauthorized purchases while using your computer, you can remove it. Here's how.

Delete Your Credit Card From the iTunes Store

This involves just a few steps:

1. Open iTunes.

2. If you're not already signed in, go to the Store menu, choose Sign In, then log in to your account.

3. Once signed in, go to the Store menu, then choose View my Apple ID. You may be prompted to enter your password.

4. In the Apple ID Summary, click the Edit link (it's located to the right of Payment Type).

5. In the Edit Payment Information screen, instead of choosing a credit card, click None.

6. Scroll down and choose Done.

7. Your Apple iTunes account now has no credit card attached.

How to Get Apps on an Account Without a Credit Card

After the credit card is removed from your iTunes account, you can still get apps, music, movies, and books on your iPad. There are a number of options, including one that allows kids to download what they want without having to do anything special.

• Give apps as gifts: Instead of buying apps on the iPad, use a different account that has a credit card attached to buy the apps. Or, give music and movies as gifts through the iTunes store.
• Set up an iTunes allowance: This option is great if you want a low-maintenance solution. Use the allowance to closely monitor what your kid is doing on the iPad. Setting up an allowance can be great for older kids, as well.
• Add and remove: This one takes the most maintenance, but it is a viable solution. Add the credit card to the account when you want to purchase something, then remove it after the purchase is confirmed. This works best if you schedule once-a-week or once-a-month purchases for the iPad.
• Load it up first: This is the easiest way if you have younger children who don't need the latest and greatest apps on their iPads. After you register for an account, download all the apps, books, music, and movies you want on it before removing the credit card.