By now you probably know that it's possible to get a US iTunes Store account by purchasing gift certificates on eBay or from other sources. Once you have an iTS account set up, you can use it to download
free content every week (at the moment there are two songs and seven videos, plus some American Idol content).
The downside to this plan is that you have to spend money at some point along the way in order to get your account in the first place. Or do you?
Answer: no. Here's how to get a US iTunes Store account without spending a cent.
(Before we start though: if you're reading this in an eBay listing, please be aware the seller has cut and paste this guide from mactalk.com.au without permission or attribution. He/she (I'm guessing it's a he, and that he lives with his mom) is therefore a fucking douchebag and not worthy of your time or money. We now return you to your regularly scheduled guide.)
Step 1: Find a redemption code.
This site worked for me, although if you Google you may be able to find
others. Copy the redemption code to your clipboard.
Step 2: Enter the US Store.
Open up iTS and make sure you're signed out of your AU account (click your username/email address at the top right, then click sign out). Scroll to the bottom of the page and select United States from the My Store pulldown.
Once the US store has loaded, click Redeem in the menu at the top right below the banner.
Step 3: Use the code.
Paste the code in and click Redeem. You'll get a sign-in request, but click Create Account instead.
Step 4: Create your account.
You'll have to agree to the iTS T&Cs first, then you'll be presented with a payment method screen. However, this time you'll see 'None' as a payment method. Leave that selected and provide a phony address.
Note: if you never plan to download paid content from the iTS, then it doesn't matter what state you choose. If you think you may want to actually buy content at some point, using gift certificates or whatever, then choose a state with no sales tax (e.g Florida). In either case,
the city and zip you provide must match. If you want a Florida option, you can use Tallahassee, FL 32301. Otherwise you could use Cupertino, CA 95014.
Step 5: Start downloading!
Go nuts! There's one or two free songs per week, plus random other stuff. There's a section further down the home page (under Staff Favorites) that lists all the free material. Alternatively, you can check out sites like
this one.
Enjoy!
