Why is app store asking for payment for free apps

Apple requiring a payment method, even for free apps, is not an uncommon observation. Some possible reasons are outlined in the links below such as outstanding balance, an issue with a payment method you have currently entered, or ongoing subscriptions. You can try to set up your account without a payment method but you may find there is no option other than to enter a valid payment method to satisfy Apple's requirement. If the item is free you will not be charged. You can also later remove the payment method and see if it only needs to be there temporarily.

If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - https://support.apple.com/HT207165

- "You might need to have a payment method on file, even if the app that you want to download is free." My interpretation of this in the context in which it has been presented is if you have something else on your account that requires a payment method, such as a subscription, and your curent payment method is not working then Apple won't let you download even free things until you fix the payment method. This is explained in this document, 'If your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes Store' - https://support.apple.com/HT203005

Create or use your Apple ID without a payment method - https://support.apple.com/HT204034

- "You can remove payment methods from your existing Apple ID after you sign in to the App Store, iTunes Store, or Apple Books. You won't be asked for a payment method again until you make a purchase." One interpretation of this is if you want to "get" anything you must have a accepted payment form (e.g., card) on record. BUT: I download only free items and have never had to enter a card so I read this as instead meaning if you get something you truly "purchase" and actually costs money.

If you can't remove your last payment method or use no payment method with your Apple ID - https://support.apple.com/HT203905

- " if you're using an existing Apple ID with the App Store for the first time, you must provide payment information."

Also:

How App Store and iTunes Store purchases are billed - https://support.apple.com/HT201359

Some purchases aren’t charged to your Apple ID balance

- You can’t charge gifts to your Apple ID balance. If you send a gift or gift card, your primary payment method is charged.

- Some subscriptions might not be charged to your Apple ID balance.

If you still have problems Click here --> https://support.apple.com/choose-country-region/media-services Select your country, then a product. If you don't see one that handles your issue then keep experimenting with selections until you reach one that gets you a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.

or:

Contact Apple for support and service --> "See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world." - https://support.apple.com/HT201232

Limnos provided a lot of great information. Have you actually had a payment method tied to your account? If the answer is no, the reason you must have one for free apps is ANY free app which offers in-app purchases, requires a valid payment method be tied to your account. Without one, you cannot download the free app. That doesn't mean you need to buy any in-app purchases, but again, without a valid payment method you can't download the app to begin with.

It asked for a payment method but when I went to add it, it said that that’s specific payment method was already added but I had no cards in my account at all. I can’t download any apps. First my iCloud didn’t recognize my password so I change it and now it says there’s an issue with the payment method.