Apple no longer accepts credit and debit cards for subscriptions and app purchases in India

Indian customers are now unable to use their Apple ID’s debit/credit card to purchase subscriptions or app purchases. They are no longer able to purchase App Store apps, subscribe for Apple services or buy Apple media using credit or debit.

Customers now have to add money to their Apple funds like they would a prepaid card. According to The News Minute, money will be deducted from their account each month as their subscription renews. All new Apple users must add their bank details during the device setup.

From Apple’s Support site on April 18:

Regulatory requirements in India apply to the processing of recurring transactions. If you hold an Indian debit or credit card and you have a subscription, these changes impact your transactions. Some transactions might be declined by banks and card issuers. To continue enjoying your subscriptions, you can pay with your Apple ID balance. You can add to your Apple ID balance using App Store Codes, Net Banking, and UPI.

Twitter users have been complaining – some even receiving error messages stating, “This card type is no longer supported”. User @kgvarunkanth shares a screenshot of the remaining three ways to add funds to your account.

This started in October 2021

This news comes after last year’s new auto-debit rules from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Due to the new stipulations, banks now need approval from customers through “Additional Factors of Authentication (AFA)” for recurring transactions like subscriptions. If not approved via AFA, the transaction will then be denied.

The new rules also state that Apple has to set up an e-mandate for customer cards. Apple customers in India will need to use two-factor authentication and set up a new e-mandate when issuing recurring payments. They will also need to give consent for each purchase above Rs 5,000.

After that announcement, Apple had warned developers that their best way of promoting payments through their apps is with a customer’s Apple ID balance. To give customers the time they need to correct their payment details, developers can allow for a billing grace period.

9to5Mac’s Take

This feels like an inconvenience for customers in India. Although I am glad that they have Apple media access, the process is not as easy as it used to be. These stipulations from RBI aside, I believe Apple will be able to simplify this process for them in the near future.