I reported my AP scores on common app but have not sent them to colleges. Do I have to send them to each college I applied to if I reported them on Common App? I do not want to pay money to send them until I know which college I am going to and know if I can get credit.
You only need to report them to the school you decide to go to (they are the one that gives you the AP credit after all).
Most schools do not consider AP scores for admission - so as you pointed out - it makes no sense to send the scores, if you don’t need to.
That’s the smart, and correct, strategy.
We sent them only after my d accepted an admisssion offer.