Is it possible to publish application in AppStore which will accept credit card payments?

Question

My company provides eCommerce solution for our customers. We host their web site where their customers buy some stuff. Our eCommerce solution takes their credit card information and processes it via payment gateway.

Now we want to create iPhone app for our customers somewhat duplicating functionality of their web sites. Similar to what Amazon.com app does. Provide native interface to browse items and then have ability to purchase them (again, I think Amazon.com application does that).

But I was reading stories how Apple usually rejects such applications if product if not going via in-App purchases. Or is it only for digital stuff?

Any thoughts on how likely such app will be rejected or approved?

Answer 1

Many apps have been approved and many apps have been rejected. I don't believe it is limited to just digital stuff.

I believe its just depends who reviews your application. It doesn't seem like there is an official rule about it. I think if there is a good reason for credit cards instead of an in-app purchase then your more likely to pass apple's approval process.

But your guaranteed way of getting it approved is to make everything an in-app purchase, so if you can use in-app purchase then do it.

Answer 2

"AT&T myWireless" app does exactly what you want. Besides there are a lot of Credit Card Processing apps in the AppStore.

So in case your app is not approved you can always point out AT&T's app and say "Hey, why can they do that and I don't??" and they can always reply... or not actually

Answer 3

If the mobile solution is generic for so many mobile platforms like J2ME, Android, iPhone etc, then it does not make sense to change the payment mechanism for one platform alone. So InApp purchase may not be an option for most of the cases. I believe Apple understands it and approves the apps accordingly.