I recently relocated from the US to Canada and I'm trying to change my App Store country settings. However, Apple Support informed me that I can't switch countries until my App Store credit balance reaches $0. The issue is that I currently have $130 USD in credit. They confirmed that there's no option for currency conversion, transferring the balance to a family member, or making any exceptions. Basically, I have to either spend the credit or lose it entirely, which seems really unhelpful for anyone moving internationally. Is there a workaround for this situation, or is this really the best Apple can offer in 2025?
3 Answers
How urgent is it to switch App Store countries right now? You might consider waiting until you actually need to use it. And remember, you can spend your Apple credit on both the iPhone and Mac App Stores! Maybe treat yourself to a game or something from the Mac App Store while you can?
This situation has been the norm for a while. A straightforward way to manage it is simply to create a new account in your new country and keep both the original and the new accounts active. That's what I do; I have my US account alongside my German one, and they work fine on one iPhone.
One option could be to buy a $120 gift card and send it to yourself, but keep in mind you probably can’t buy gift cards with your App Store credit. It’s worth checking on that before you try it!
I *believe* you're right about the gift cards. I've faced that issue myself before.
Not OP but sometimes it does matter. Some app developers restrict installations based on region, and those might be crucial apps for you. Making a new Apple account is also an option, but it’s a hassle!