Let’s say you want to buy books, music, movies, or apps from Apple. You were able to purchase all the items earlier, but suddenly you can’t because iTunes or App Store won’t allow you to do so. It accompanies an error message as “You Payment Method” was declined. The message indicates directly that you are not able to make the transaction, if this happens multiple times then you could be in a troublesome situation. You cannot buy any items or pay for your Apple Music subscription.

Some users reported that iTunes and iTunes just stop accepting their debit or credit card. It could be due to a brand-new card or it could be the transaction method that makes you stuck on the purchasing procedure. But don’t you worry because we got you all covered up.

In this article, we will show you how to fix the “Your Payment Method Was Declined” Error in iTunes or App Store. Read on the article till the end that we have managed to provide you.

See also: Why are my iTunes Songs Greyed Out? Here’s the Real Fix.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

Check Internet connection

I know this is silly, but many users reported that their internet connection was not there while making the transaction which failed. While making the transaction, make sure that your Apple device is connected to the internet.

An intermittent internet connection sometimes causes the issue, if that’s the case connect your device to Wi-Fi in order to make the transaction.

Check your card information

New credit or debit card users are unfamiliar with their card number, in the beginning, so they just enter the card details in hurry resulting in a failed transaction. We all do mistakes; you might have to enter incorrect digit or latter in your name located on the card. If that’s the case, you need to verify the details that you have entered while purchasing an item on iTunes or App Store.

Enter the card information correctly and you are good to go, this is the most basic thing you can do.

Did the transaction fail? Wait for a while

When you are purchasing any items from iTunes or App Store and transaction files in a row, another smart thing can do is to wait for a while. The transaction might be not happening due to the temporary glitch. Sometimes the issue is from the bank’s end, their server might not be working temporarily.

Wait for few hours and then try to purchase the item that you want from iTunes and App Store.

Update Apple ID payment information

Here, we are going to update Apple ID payment information for iTunes and App Store. You might have changed something, so it needs to be updated in Apple ID payment information. If not, you can re-update the payment info to see if this works.

How to payment info on iPhone, iPad, or iPod?

Step 1: Visit Settings > iTunes & App Store.

Step 2: Go to Apple ID, then tap on View Apple ID.

Step 3: Enter your Apple ID password.

Step 4: Tap on Payment information.

Step 5: Update Card Numbers, Expiry Date, CVV, and billing address.

How to update payment info on Mac or PC?

Step 1: Open iTunes on your computer.

Step 2: Go to Account > View My Account, from the menu bar.

Step 3: Enter Apple ID password.

Step 4: Click Manage Payments, under Apple ID Summary.

Step 5: Click on Edit located right next to your payment method.

Step 6: Update Card Number, Expiry Date, CVV, and billing details.

Step 7: Click on Done when you finished.

Check your purchase history

If there are unpaid purchases in the list, you are unable to update or purchase any items from iTunes and App Store. Apple does a verification while making a purchase, it means the purchase goes into the pending list so you cannot buy the items till the verification is completed.

How to check payment history on iPhone, iPad, or iPod?

Step 1: Visit the Settings app and click on iTunes & App Store.

Step 2: Tap on your Apple ID, then view your Apple ID.

Step 3: Enter your Apple ID password.

Step 4: Scroll down and search for Purchase History, tap on it.

Step 5: You will find unpaid purchases under Pending.

How to check purchase history on Mac or PC?

Step 1: Open iTunes on your computer.

Step 2: Go to Account, and then View My Account.

Step 3: Enter your Apple ID.

Step 4: Scroll down to Purchase History, and click See All.

Step 5: You will find unpaid purchases under Pending.

If you see there are unauthorized purchases on your account. That happens because there is not enough balance left in your account. It might possible someone from your family has purchased the item from your account, if that is the case, you need to have control over the permission.

Step 1: Visit Settings > (Youe Name) > Family Sharing.

Step 2: Tap on the family member’s name (he or she must be 18 or above).

Step 3: Tap Ask to Buy.

Now someone from the family members tries to purchase any iTems, your device will ask for authorization.

Sign out and sign in yourself in iTunes and App Store

A glitch in the software also causes the payment issue. Here, we suggest you sign out of your account from iTunes and App Store and sign in back again.

How to sign out of iTunes and App Store on iPhone, iPad, or iPod?

Step 1: Visit Settings > and go to iTunes & App Store.

Step 2: Tap on Apple ID and tap on Sign Out.

How to sign out of iTunes and App Store from Mac and PC?

Step 1: Open iTunes on your computer.

Step 2: Visit Account, and then Sign Out.

For Mac users: Visit App Store, from the menu bar, go to Store > Sign Out.

After this, restart your device and then try to sign in and make the payment.

What if Nothing Works?

All the methods mentioned above are valid fixes. At this point, the “Your Payment Method Was Declined” error should be get resolved. You should be able to make transactions without any issues. But even the error still tends to exist, it’s time to call the bank, check your balance. If everything is fine, you can still call the bank;’s customer care service and explain your situation to them. There are banks that won’t allow you to make a small payment, but you can remove the restrictions.

Another thing you can do is contact Apple Support. Express your situation to them, tell them everything you did including contacting the bank. They will assist your further.

FAQs

Following are some common FAQs that we have covered that can be helpful.

Can I use another debit or credit card for iTunes or App Store?

Yes, you can use another debit or credit card to purchase items from iTunes or App Store. It is always good to keep the secondary cards in situations where your first card fails to make the transaction. This can turn out to be a life-saving moment in critical situations.

I am unable to use an iTunes gift card to purchase an app, what to do?

If you are unable to use the gift card to purchase an app, then you need to look at card details. Make sure it is filled correctly to purchase an app from iTunes. Sometimes, the iTunes gift card fails to work on Mac OS X, instead, you can try it on on another device such as iPhones, iPad, or iPods.

Why am I facing a “This payment cannot be processed at this time try again later” message?

It happens sometimes that your bank server is not working for a moment. Or there could be a block on your account due to a suspicious transaction. If that’s the case, you should call your bank directly. Else, the card details you have entered might be incorrect so re-check the card details.

Moreover, iTunes or App Store server could be down due to maintenance. You can know the server is working or not by visiting downdetector.com. The best thing you can do is to wait for some time and then make the payment,

That’s it for now, hope this helps! Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. Till then stay tuned for more info.

See next: How to Fix iTunes Error Code 1671, Stuck While Restoring iTunes