Apple balance not being used.

Why is my Apple balance not being used? I have a $25 credit balance and it is set as my default payment but this balance is not being used.

Everything is updated and I’ve restated my device (iPhone 15) but the problem persists.

Even for payments or monthly subscriptions that are less than $25, my second payment method is being used.

I’ve loaded a gift card, and therefore had a balance, numerous times before and never had an issue with it being used as the default payment, I don’t know why it’s an issue now.

Going forward I’d be hesitant to add a gift card/balance again, to avoid this headache, but I have $25 sitting there already, so how can I ensure that it gets used up?