Apple has discontinued accepting debit and credit card payments for apps and subscription purchases in India. In other words, Apple users in the country can no longer use their Indian cards to purchase apps from the App Store. Aside from this, they will not be able to use their credit and debit cards to subscribe to Apple Music, iCloud+, or even purchase Apple TV’s media content. This change comes hard on the heels of some users taking to Twitter to report the issue they were facing. According to the users, Apple has removed the cards they used to buy Apple services.
Wow
So apple just removes cards from list of supported payment methods pic.twitter.com/zPe8BsmstJ— Akshay Kanade (@akkatweets) May 3, 2022
Furthermore, some users even pointed out that they were unable to add new cards. While trying to make a payment using their previously added debit or credit card, users receive a message that says, “This card type is no longer supported.” Notably, Apple’s payment page says Apple users in India can pay for services via Netbanking, UPI, and Apple ID balance. Apple users in the country have expressed frustration over the removal of credit and debit card options as one of the payment options for purchases using Apple ID.
Apple No Longer Accepts Debit Or Credit Payments In India
The Cupertino-based tech behemoth spares no effort when it comes to offering a seamless experience using its services. In fact, one of the company’s focuses is offering convenient access to its products and services. For instance, Apple alongside Google and Microsoft is currently working on enabling passwordless sign-in to its websites and apps. So, why did Apple make purchasing more complicated for its users in India? The company had explained the restrictions on a support page on April 18, 2022. This also confirms that the change took place last month.
The statement claims that India’s regulatory requirements do not allow Apple to receive payments for its services, products, and apps via debit and credit cards. Furthermore, it clarifies that Apple users in India can continue their Apple subscription. However, they can pay via UPI, Net banking, or their Apple ID balance. To recall, RBI issued new guidelines for auto-debit for recurring online transactions back in October 2021. In the meantime, the company’s market share has been rising continuously, unlike its competitors. As per the new RBI guideline, merchants are required to set up an e-mandate for customer cards.
So, every time consumers pay more than INR 5,000, it requires their confirmation. Moreover, there is a slew of other rules that the new law imposes. These conditions make it harder for Apple and other companies to receive payments via credit or debit cards. Now, to combat the new regulations, Apple has decided to stop accepting payments with credit or debit cards from Indian users. Further, the original mode of payment in the country will be UPI and Net Banking. Interestingly, the RBI auto-debit rules have forced other companies like Netflix and Google to change their payment modes as well.
