How to Create an iTunes Store Account without a Credit Card

You do not need a credit card to create an iTunes Store Account.
All you need is a Redeem Code, if you can find one.

One method is to join Facebook (free) and then join the " Apple Students" group (also free). Then you'll periodically get offers for "free music downloads" which will provide you with a Redeem Code. When you use this code (Click "Redeem" under "Quick Links" in the iTunes Music Store) just click "Create New Account". The final step includes OPTIONAL billing information, just select "None". I believe these offers are U.S. Only, but you should be able to change to the U.S. iTunes Store regardless of what country you actually live in. Click the Home button in the iTunes Store and then look towards the bottom where it says "My Store" and choose "United States".

OK, I just used my latest Redeem Code to prove this actually works. Here is what the Apple Students offer from Facebook looks like. You can try to use the same code, but it won't work since I've already used it.


And here is an image of the final step when I created my iTunes Store account without using a credit card. Notice how it says "OPTIONAL" and "None".


Once again, all you need is a Redeem Code and you will not need to use a Credit Card to create an iTunes Store account. Then you can use your account to freely download Album Art or whatever else .

I also tested this method further by creating a new Facebook account with a .com email address (instead of my .edu email). I thought maybe you had to confirm your status as a student to join the Apple Students group. Well .com worked so apparently anyone can join the group. I was then able to instantly get another "Free Music" Redeem Code.

Of course you will not be able to make purchases without entering U.S. Billing Information. And if you do not live in the United States, but wish to purchase content through the U.S. iTunes Music Store you can set up a PayPal Account to do so. 00fez has already written a guide for this: Alternative iTunes Store Account Method. Thanks 00fez !

If you decide to use this process please let us know about your experience. If for no other reason, you will satisfy my own curiosity!
Please include:

• The country you live in.
• The source of your Redeem Code. Did you use Facebook? Did you find a code elsewhere?
• Which country did you select to create your iTunes Store account in?
• Any other information that you think is useful.

 

Nice article +rep!

 

Nice use of Ichigo's problem in creating a guide, Xander . Let's see if I can rep you yet .

 

How long does it take for to get your code after you joined the group on facebook?

 

You should be able to instantly get a Redeem Code (Free Music Code).

After you create your Facebook account, click "Groups" under Applications, then search for "Apple Students" and click "Join Group" and confirm by clicking "Join" once again.


You should now be at the Apple Students group page. From here, click the link to "Get FREE Sampler" (you may also need to click the leftmost blue box under the "What's New" ads).


Next you should see a link to "Check you inbox for your free download code."


And finally, read the message in your Inbox for the Redeem Code and link to the iTunes Store.


Either copy/paste the "FREE MUSIC CODE" via the "Redeem" link on the iTunes Store "Quick Links" or click the link in your message that says, "To receive your 5 FREE Songs click HERE." You will see the following prompt, just click "Create Account".


Then you will be able to setup an iTunes Store account without using a credit card or paying any money, just follow the 3 easy steps .

 

You do not need to live in the US for this to work. You will still be able to create your account without a credit card, you just won't be able to receive the free songs.

 

Slightly off topic; I find it interesting how Microsoft's sponsored Facebook group, Microsoft Student Group, has about 17'500 members, while Apple's sponsored Apple Students has 420'000 members .

 

Yes, thank you for the clarification .

You can use this method to create an iTunes Store account for locations other than the United States too. You do not need to choose "United States" as "My Store" in iTunes. The only difference should be that you will not be able to download the free songs unless you choose the United States store. That's not really important because the purpose of this process is to create an iTunes Store account without entering your credit card information. And I don't know about your personal music preferences, but I usually do not like the bands that offer free downloads. Also, I really do not want DRM-protected music anyways.

If you decide to use this process please let us know about your experience. If for no other reason, you will satisfy my own curiosity!
Please include:

• The country you live in.
• The source of your Redeem Code. Did you use Facebook? Did you find a code elsewhere?
• Which country did you select to create your iTunes Store account in?
• Any other information that you think is useful.

 

Sweet! I am totally going to try this out. Then one day when my iPod dies... I will never buy another Apple product ever again.

(FYI: No I am not a random flamer, I have been working on Macs for about 8-9 years.)

Hmm, probably because Apple users need to justify the amount of money they spent on their computer with a sense of community, maybe kind of like a support group.

Oh and all the people that join the group to hack iTunes so we can get album artwork on our iPods w/out giving a personal credit card for something that is free.

 

You can also buy pre-paid credit cards if you actually want to buy something.

 

What are the things that I can get from iTunes store?

 

Songs. Movies. TV Shows. App for you ipod. Audiobooks, Podcasts.

 

You haven't heard of the iTunes Store? Like Seshan said, just about anything in music, quite a few movies, tons of music videos, thousands of podcasts, and much more!