iTune account required to purchase iPhone?

[eashworth]

The following statement is from Apple's iPhone website:

"To set up your iPhone, you’ll need an account with Apple’s iTunes Store. "

Setting up an account requires giving Apple your credit card information for Apple to store permanently. With all the theft and mishandling of electonic information, this causes me concern. Does anyone know whether an iTunes account is required in order to purchase or use the iPhone?

 

[skythefly13]

Yes

The following statement is from Apple's iPhone website:

"To set up your iPhone, you’ll need an account with Apple’s iTunes Store. "

Setting up an account requires giving Apple your credit card information for Apple to store permanently. With all the theft and mishandling of electonic information, this causes me concern. Does anyone know whether an iTunes account is required in order to purchase or use the iPhone?

Just about guaranteed you will need one to set up the phone after you purchase it

 

[Jayrod]

I wouldn't worry too much about the theft stuff. There are easily 50 million people out there who have their credit card information stored on their iTunes account for use with the iTunes store, and I haven't heard of a breach of security yet. I think your credit card number is safe with Apple - Except when you walk into an Apple store... I swear I can not leave that store without spending at least 100 bucks. It's a sickness.

 

[rdowns]

IMO, people have an irrational fear of giving out credit card information. Quite a few companies have my credit card on file (Apple, Amazon, Overstock, Marriott, Hilton immediately come to mind). I have no worries and I have been a victim of identity theft.

 

[Fearless Leader]

You need a credit card to sign up for itunes?

 

[earnjam]

Setting up an account requires giving Apple your credit card information for Apple to store permanently.

No it doesn't. I don't have CC info in mine.

 

[eashworth]

No it doesn't. I don't have CC info in mine.

When I try to establish an iTunes account following the instructions on Apple's web page, the 3rd screen of required information is a credit card number and expiration date. When I try to skip this page, it will not allow it. Do you know some other way to establish an account?