This guide explains how to buy Android apps without a credit card. Next, we’ll explain all the different payment methods available. Whether you’re too young to have a debit/credit card, don’t have it, or are giving your kids a phone, here’s what you need to know.
When it comes to purchasing apps, games, music, movies and more from the Google Play Store, there are many different ways to pay. Not having a debit card doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy apps and games. take a look at the list supported and the following unsupported payment methods.
Payment Methods Not Supported by Google Play
For starters, these are unsupported methods, so you wouldn’t be surprised if you can’t purchase an app or game. However, these are quite rare and should not be an issue for most users.
Google specifically specifies bank or wire transfers, Western Union/Money Gram, Virtual Credit Cards, Health Savings Accounts, Transit Cards, Escrow payment types, Bitcoin or your digital currency. But we may see Google add popular payment methods like Adyen, Venmo or Zelle in the future, but not yet. For now, your only options are what we’ve detailed below.
Payment Methods Accepted by Google Play
As you can see, Google offers multiple options for purchasing apps and other digital content on the Google Play Store. If you don’t have a credit card, the easiest method is a Google Play gift card.
Note that our list is for the United States. Most regions around the world only support debit cards, carrier billing or gift cards. PayPal and Google Pay are not supported in most countries around the world. Click here to see your options
Buy Android Apps with Google Play Gift Card
One of the easiest ways to buy paid apps and games without a credit card is to use Google’s gift cards. You can get a Google Play gift card at a nearby convenience store, supermarket, or even Amazon with instant email delivery.
So, whether you buy it as a gift or use a gift card exchange site, this is the easiest way to buy apps on the Google Play Store without a credit or debit card. Here is a list stores that sell them.
Buy Android Apps with Google Pay
If you don’t have a credit card, you can use Google Pay, recently replaced Android Pay as Google’s mobile payment method. Google Pay is similar to Apple Pay and works online, with 3rd party sites and services, and on select phones like the Pixel 2.
You can connect your checking or savings account directly to Google Pay so you can get apps or games without a credit card.
Pay by Direct Carrier Billing or SMS
You can buy apps or games via text message from the Google Play Store. Basically, Google will bill your mobile operator directly for the purchase. The way this works is that the cost of purchasing an app, game or in-app is added to your monthly phone bill. You can add purchases to these carrier plans in the United States.
This is an old fashioned way of doing things, but still works great if you don’t have a credit card. Just be careful not to charge too much or you’ll get a “bill shock” at the end of the month.
Use PayPal for Apps on Google Play
Another popular option for those without a credit card is PayPal. PayPal is not only used and accepted worldwide, it also allows you to directly link your bank account. This way, you can easily purchase apps from the Google Play Store from your checking account via PayPal.
Additionally, you can transfer funds to a PayPal account and then connect PayPal to the Google Play Store. This way you are not giving PayPal access to your entire bank account. Click here To get started, follow our instructions below and select PayPal from the options.
Google Play Balance (Pay by getting free coins for apps)
If you haven’t noticed in some of my screenshots, I have a Google Play Balance of about $7. If you don’t have a credit card, you can use any Google Play Balance for apps, games or in-app purchases. Most of them didn’t come from gift cards, either.
Earned over $150 answering inside questions and surveys Google’s Idea Awards app. It is one of the few apps you can use to earn money. Just answer the occasional questions and you’ll earn anywhere from $0.10 to over a dollar at a time. Everything is collected and these funds are instantly available in your Google account in the Play Store. You can also use Samsung Pay rewards for Google Play gift cards and buy apps that way.
How To Add Payment Method To Google Play (How To Buy Apps Without Credit Card)
And finally, now that you know all your options, here’s how to add a payment method to the Google Play Store. This way you can easily connect PayPal or use a gift card and start buying things. Click here for instructions on PCor see our screenshots below to add a payment method directly on your Android device.
- On your Android phone or tablet, the app
- Tap .
near the top left corner
- Scroll down and select
- Tap on
- Follow the onscreen instructions to add one of the various payment methods
- The new option will be added to your Google account
Now, go to the app you want to buy and download the . From here, you will see a popup with your default payment method. You can click to purchase the app or game, tick the box to use some of your Google Play balance, or select the drop-down arrow to choose from a list of payment methods or redeem a gift card.
Google Play App Store Alternatives
In closing, we would like to suggest a few possible alternatives for those who do not want (or cannot) use the Google Play Store. While we don’t recommend downloading apps or games from third-party sources, the Google Play Store has several legitimate alternatives. Here are a few worth checking out.
Note that on Android smartphones and tablets you will need to enable app installations from unknown sources, which is a potential security risk. Try to stick to the Play Store and only login to secure sites. All these random apk downloads, hacks and mod sites are not worth the risk.
Before you go and now that you know how to buy apps from the Google Play Store without a credit card, here are the 10 best FPS shooters for Android. Try some of these exciting racing games or save money and enjoy these 35 best free Android games.