Why so hard to see PRICEs for apps? And why do I need a card for a free app?

peter4good wrote:

I don’t mind paying for an app, BUT I want to see the price before. How about Apple list apps by Free or Paid/Price. This would save scrolling.

That's what Apple does. If the app is free to download, the button says "Get". If it costs money to download, the button shows the price.

Some apps are free to download but offer in-app purchase or subscriptions. For those, as there is generally too much to fit on a button, you do need to scroll down.

Also I just got a supposed free app by clicking GET. Now it wants my credit card. I only use prepaid cards now because of past overcharges but it won’t accept that. Even for a free app.

Yes, Apple requires a payment method. You can use pre-paid cards or gift cards if you prefer.

I would note that I've been using iTunes and the App Store since each were made available and have never been mis-charged. I have been charged for things I forgot to cancel before the trial ended but one can hardly blame Apple for my absentmindedness. Now, I put those on my calendar.

What’s the point of free if I still have to share cc info?

"Free" doesn't mean you don't have to share information. "Free" means you don't have to pay money.