When switching to a US Apple ID to install Binance, users most often get stuck when the payment method does not accept "None." You will need to recharge with a gift card first. This article explains the purchase channels, redemption process, and pitfalls to avoid. Download links: Binance official website, mobile Binance official APP. If you haven't installed the iOS app, see the iOS installation guide.
1. Why a Gift Card is Needed
The US Apple Store sometimes forces new accounts to bind a valid payment method. Binding a mainland Chinese credit card usually triggers risk controls and is invalid. Recharging a gift card to your balance is the solution: once your account has a balance, it will no longer require a payment method.
Free apps like Binance do not deduct any fees. The gift card is solely to bypass Apple's "must have a payment method" verification.
2. Trusted Purchase Channels
| Channel | Denomination | Delivery Speed | Trust Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal Digital Gifts | 15-200 USD | Instant | ★★★★★ |
| Amazon.com (US account) | 15-500 USD | Instant | ★★★★★ |
| Costco (Physical card) | 25-100 USD (4-pack) | Same day | ★★★★ |
| Apple Official Online (apple.com/shop) | 15-2000 USD | Instant | ★★★★★ |
| Taobao Agents | Variable | Varies by seller | ★★ High risk |
| Telegram / WeChat Agents | Variable | Varies by seller | ★ Extremely high risk |
Legitimate channels usually mark up prices by at least 0-3%. If you see "gift cards" discounted by 30%, it is almost certainly money laundering by black markets (cards bought with stolen credit cards), and the balance will likely be revoked by Apple after being recharged to your Apple ID.
3. Denomination and Frequency Recommendations
Since Binance is free to download and this is purely to bypass payment verification, recharging 25 USD once is enough to last for many years:
- App Store / iTunes balances do not have an expiration date
- They are only deducted when used and will not expire automatically
- 25 USD can also satisfy "occasional purchases of other apps in the App Store"
If you are only installing free apps like Binance, Discord, and Telegram, the minimum denomination (10-15 USD) is sufficient.
4. Redemption Process
Online Cards
After purchasing from PayPal / Amazon, you will receive an email containing a 16-digit redemption code. Open the App Store:
- Profile Icon → "Redeem Gift Card or Code"
- Select "Enter Code Manually"
- Paste the redemption code → Confirm
- The balance will be displayed immediately
Physical Cards
For physical cards bought at Costco / 7-11, scratch off the PIN area on the back. Open the App Store:
- Profile Icon → "Redeem Gift Card or Code"
- "Use Camera" and align it with the back of the card → Auto-recognition
- The balance is credited
5. Handling Common Errors
Error 1: Redemption prompts "This code is invalid"
Possible reasons:
- Incorrect code (e.g., misreading O as 0)
- Card not activated (physical cards must be activated by the cashier before use)
- Region mismatch (US cards can only be redeemed on US IDs)
Error 2: Redemption prompts "Terms and Conditions Violation"
This usually means it's a black-market card. Contact the seller immediately for a refund and do not attempt to redeem it again. Multiple submissions will cause your account to be locked by Apple's risk controls.
Error 3: Balance frozen after submission
Apple has a "card revocation" mechanism. If the original purchasing party is flagged for fraud by Apple, the balance in your account will be revoked. This is why you should never buy discounted cards.
6. Long-Term Costs
If you need an iCloud storage subscription (50GB / 200GB, etc.), you can also use your gift card balance to pay. This means 25 USD can cover 1-2 years of an iCloud 50GB subscription, which is quite cost-effective.
However, if you do not need subscriptions and do not buy paid apps, the balance will remain in your account and will not be consumed.
7. Alternative Solution in the Singapore Region
When registering a Singapore Apple ID, you can select "None" as the payment method (similar to the Hong Kong region). If you have a Singapore address (friend, hotel) available, the Singapore region does not require a gift card.
However, downloading Binance in the Singapore region occasionally prompts "Item Not Available"—Apple distributes apps based on the ID's registered region. Binance works normally in the HK/US regions, but might be in a "delisted" state in the Singapore region. It is recommended to prioritize the Hong Kong region.
FAQ
Q1: Can a purchased gift card be transferred to someone else? Unredeemed codes can be forwarded. However, once redeemed to an account, they cannot be transferred.
Q2: Can the gift card balance be withdrawn to a bank account? No. It can only be spent in the App Store / iTunes / Apple services.
Q3: How much should I recharge each time to prevent Apple from repeatedly asking for a payment method? As long as there is a balance, it won't ask again. 25 USD at once will last a very long time.
Q4: Since the Hong Kong region doesn't require binding a card to install Binance, why study the US region? You don't have to. The Hong Kong region is sufficient for most Chinese-speaking users. Studying the US region is only for those who already have a US ID or want to use apps exclusive to the US region.