Create an iTunes Account without a credit card

iTunes Store offers a large variety of free content, but to download it you have to have an account. Usually you have to enter your credit card information to sign up, but here’s an easy way to get an iTunes account for free downloads without entering any payment info.

Although iTunes Store is known for paid downloads of movies, music, and more, it also has a treasure trove of free media.  Some of it, including Podcasts and iTunes U educational content do not require an account to download.  However, any other free content, including free iPhone/iPod Touch apps and free or promotional music, videos, and TV Shows all require an account to download.  If you try to download a free movie or music download, you will be required to enter payment information.

Even though your card will not be charged, it will be kept on file so you can be charged if you download a for-pay item.  However, if you only plan to download free items, it may be preferable to not have your account linked to a credit card. The following steps will get you an account without entering your credit card info.

Getting Started

First, make sure you have iTunes installed.  If you don’t already have it, download and install it (link below) with the default settings.

Now open iTunes, and click the iTunes Store link on the left.

Click the App Store link on the top of this page.

Select a free app to download.  A simple way to do this is to scroll down to the Top Free Apps box on the right side, hover your mouse over the first item, and click on the Free button that appears when you hover over it.

A popup will open asking you to sign in with your Apple ID.  Click “Create New Account”.

Click Continue to create your account.

Check the box to accept the Store Terms and Conditions, and click Continue.

 

Enter your email address, password, security question, and date of birth, and uncheck the boxes to get email if you don’t want it…then click Continue.

Now, you will be asked to provide a payment method.  Notice now that the last option says None!  Click that bullet option…

Then enter your billing address.  Simply enter your normal billing address, even though you are not entering a payment method.  Click Continue and your account will be created!

If you get the Address Verification screen just verify your county and click Done.

An email will be sent to you to verify your account…

Click on the link in your email to verify your account, iTunes will launch and you’re prompted to enter in the Apple ID and Password you just created.

Your account is successfully created!

Now you can easily download any free media from iTunes.  Keep an eye on the Free on iTunes box on the bottom of the iTunes Store page for interesting downloads, or if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, watch the popular Free downloads on the Apps page.