Q: Apps. I cannot download a Free Apps without being asked fgor my credit card details ?

You must have a valid iTunes/App Store account even for free downloads.

It is possible to setup an account without a credit card.

Follow these instructions EXACTLY:

Create an iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store account without a credit card or other payment method - Apple Suppor…

Is it possible you were logged in with a different Apple ID or App Store account when you succeeded with the downloads?

Glad to be of assistance.

You might want to browse thru Apple's User Guide for iPads. It's a free iBooks download.

https://itun.es/us/U4OT9.l

I Have this same problem, which just started about a week ago, but with my iPhone 5c. I can't download or update any iTunes apps without always verifying my card informatio. The card I have on there currently has only a few dollars on it, but even when attempting to download or update FREE APPS, it won't allow me to go any further than checking the information for mistakes, it telling me "my funds were declined" and no update/download for me... FOR FREE APPS!

If you have a card on your account it has to be a valid card and accepted by iTunes validation, whatever you are trying to download. Either replace the card with a valid one, or log into the account (not when trying to download something) and see if you can remove it