Apple has stopped accepting debit and credit cards for subscription payments in India. Customers will therefore now need to add to their Apple account - such as a prepaid card - which will deduct money from the account each month when the subscription is renewed.
This change also forces the iPhone maker to accept UPI transactions and net banking - two features that were introduced to its users across the country last year.
Apple makes it mandatory for new iPhone or iPad users to create an Apple ID while configuring the device, and they need to provide banking details.
If customers want to renew or purchase a subscription-like Apple Music or Apple TV, the company offers its shopping gateway. The transaction could have previously been done with debit or credit cards, or UPI.
Many Apple users have taken to Twitter to complain about the removal of credit and debit card options on payment methods accepted by Apple in India when making purchases using Apple ID.
Users who already have an additional card as a payment method on their account can not make new payments with their Apple ID as the company points out the error saying, "This type of card is no longer supported."
"The regulatory requirements in India apply to case analysis. If you have an Indian or credit card and have registered, these changes have an impact on your performance. Some transactions may be rejected by banks and card issuers," the company said on its support page.
Regulatory requirements, which are the new rules for automatic debit RBI that went into effect in October, limit Apple to receive recurring payments to Indian users with credit and debit cards.
With the Apple Support page updated on April 18, the company recommends that users add money to the Apple ID balance so they can continue to enjoy signing up.
Some purchases may be rejected by banks and card issuers. To continue enjoying your subscription, you can pay with your Apple ID balance. You can add to your Apple ID balance using App Store Codes, Net Banking, and UPI. "
In February, Apple introduced the new Tap to Pay feature on the iPhone. The new feature will allow small businesses, and retailers to use their iPhones to accept Apple Pay, offline and debit credit cards, and other digital wallets with a simple tap of their iPhone.
No additional hardware will be required to make payments without touch. Apple said in a blog post that the Tap to Pay feature on iPhone will be available on payment platforms, as well as app developers to integrate with their apps. Apple has partnered with leading payment networks including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for a touch-free payment feature.
The new rules require retailers like Apple to set up e-mandate for customer cards. Customers also need to use two-factor authentication and set up a new e-mandate for recurring payments. The rules also require customers to give their consent each time they need to pay the next payment over Rs. 5,000, making it difficult for Apple to continue funding card payments.
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