How apps, content and subscriptions from Apple are billed
Find out which payment method will be charged when you buy subscriptions, such as iCloud+, or items from the App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Books or Apple TV app. Several purchases may be grouped into one charge.
Multiple items may be grouped onto one bill
When you buy items or pay for subscriptions, your payment method will be charged at the time of purchase or within a few days.
If you don’t recognise a charge, try to identify that charge in your purchase history and see if multiple purchases were grouped onto one larger charge. Or look at the receipt that was emailed to you and see if multiple purchases have been included. If you use Family Sharing, both the purchaser and the family organiser will receive an email receipt.
In Europe and India, purchases may not be grouped.
If you see a pending charge for a small amount
If you update your billing information or add someone to your Family Sharing group, a temporary authorisation hold for a small amount may appear on your statement. Authorisation holds will be removed by your card issuer or financial institution after a short time.
Which payment method will be charged?
When you buy items or pay for subscriptions, Apple will attempt to charge your payment methods in this order:
Apple will attempt to use your Apple Account balance to cover the full amount. What you can buy with your Apple Account balance.
If you don't have any Apple Account balance or don't have enough to cover the full amount, Apple will attempt to charge your primary payment method. If you use Family Sharing, Apple charges your personal Apple Account balance before the family organiser's primary payment method.
If there's a problem with the primary payment method, or if the primary payment method can't be charged for the full remaining amount, Apple attempts to charge your other payment methods in order from top to bottom. Your primary payment method is at the top. When managing your payment methods, tap Edit to reorder a payment method.
If none of them can be charged, Apple may try again.
Some purchases won't be charged to your Apple Account balance
You can't use your Apple Account balance to send gifts or gift cards.
For some recurring charges, such as AppleCare+, you can't start your subscription with Apple Account balance. But as long as you keep another valid payment method on file and your Apple Account balance would cover an entire charge, your recurring charge will pull from your Apple Account balance.*
Some subscriptions may not be charged to your Apple Account balance.
If you use Family Sharing, your family members can't spend your Apple Account balance. Funds that you add to your Apple Account balance are only available to you.
* In some countries and regions, your Apple Account balance can’t be used for some subscriptions such as AppleCare+. Check if Apple Account balance in your country or region isn’t supported.
If none of your payment methods can be charged
If none of your payment methods can be charged, your account shows a negative balance. You can't buy, download or update more apps or items until you update your payment method.
Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.
