gift card will not work with no other payment method

Hi graygray--

Welcome to the Apple Community.

You may need to be logged in to your Apple ID on your device to make Apple purchases

After you log in, you can use the App Store, iCloud, iMessage, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and more

How to: Sign in with your Apple ID - Apple Support

When you redeem a gift card you generally get an "Apple Account Balance" in your Apple ID account.

How to: Check your Apple Account balance - Apple Support

Seems Apple does require a credit/debit card on file for some purchases, even if you are using the Apple Balance as payment.

Apple support has an article online (link below) that may be helpful.

What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance – Apple Support

Also: not all countries allow purchase of everything Apple has on offer.

You can choose your country or region in the article below to see what Apple media items are available to you.

Availability of Apple Media Services - Apple Support

Hope this helps you enjoy using your gift card :-)

Thank you kindly for letting us know you solved your difficulty!

Cheers :-)