How to Create a US Apple ID (2026)
The American App Store is Apple's largest region: games and apps launch here first, US-exclusive apps are only available here, and the catalog depth exceeds any other regional store. Creating a US Apple ID is free and takes about 5 minutes — no American credit card required, just a US Apple Gift Card.
Why a US Apple ID?
- First-to-launch releases — new games and app updates arrive in the US before other regions
- US-exclusive apps — certain financial, medical, and media services only exist in the US store
- Maximum catalog — more paid and free apps than any other region
- US Apple Gift Card — widely available through Marix, the primary way to fund the account
What You Need
- Any Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac) or a browser
- An email address not already linked to another Apple ID (create a new Gmail if needed)
- A US Apple Gift Card to fund the account
Method 1: Via Browser (Recommended)
Step 1: Create the Apple ID
- Go to appleid.apple.com.
- Click Create Your Apple ID.
- Fill in the form:
- First and last name (any)
- Date of birth (must be 18+)
- Email — this becomes your login
- Password
- Country/Region: United States
- Click Continue.
- Confirm your email — enter the 6-digit code sent to your inbox.
Step 2: Sign In to the App Store with Your New Account
On iPhone:
- Open App Store → profile icon → Sign In → enter your new US Apple ID credentials.
Step 3: Choose "None" as Your Payment Method
When the App Store asks for a payment method on first sign-in:
- Select None.
- Enter a US address. Choose a tax-free state to avoid sales tax:
| State | Example ZIP | Example city |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 97201 | Portland |
| Montana | 59601 | Helena |
| Delaware | 19901 | Dover |
| New Hampshire | 03301 | Concord |
The address is not verified for gift card accounts — any valid format works.
- Click Next → your account is ready.
Method 2: Directly on iPhone
- Settings → App Store → Sign In (or sign out of the current account).
- Tap Create New Apple ID.
- Select United States as the country.
- Fill in the details and confirm your email.
- When asked for payment → select None.
- Enter a US address → done.
Activating Your US Apple Gift Card
After creating the account, top it up immediately:
- App Store → profile icon → Redeem Gift Card or Code.
- Enter the code manually or scan it.
- Tap Redeem — your USD balance is credited instantly.
Using Two Apple IDs on One Device
You can use a primary account and a US account simultaneously:
- Primary account (for iCloud, Messages, FaceTime, backups)
- US account — only used in the App Store to download US apps
To switch: App Store → profile icon → account name → Sign In with a Different Apple ID.
Only switch accounts in the App Store — not in Settings → [your name], which controls your main iCloud account.
Popular US-Exclusive Apps
| App | Category |
|---|---|
| Robinhood | Stock trading and crypto |
| Cash App | P2P payments and Bitcoin |
| Peacock | NBCUniversal streaming |
| Google Voice | US VoIP number |
| MLB / NFL / NBA apps | Official sports league apps |
FAQ
Do I need a VPN to create a US Apple ID?
No. Apple doesn't check your IP address during account creation or gift card activation.
What if the App Store asks for payment when downloading free apps?
Make sure you selected "None" during setup. If the prompt appears later, activate a US Gift Card — this removes the card requirement for free downloads.
Can I make the US Apple ID my primary account?
Yes, but then iCloud, backups, and purchases will be tied to the US account. Make sure all your services are compatible before switching.
How long can I use the address without verification?
Addresses are not verified for gift card accounts. Issues only arise if you add a real bank card — the address must then match the card's billing address.
Can I switch the US Apple ID to a different region later?
Yes — App Store → Country/Region → Change — up to once per year. Your account must have no unused credit balance when switching.