Hi Tom Bilbro
Welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community.
Re: Any thoughts on what is wrong?
Wondering if you have any restrictions on purchases set:
Eg: Apple support have an article online that may help check:
Manage App Store purchases, subscriptions, settings, and restrictions on iPhone – Apple Support
or
Seems, for some app purchases etc., Apple requires we have a payment method listed in our Apple ID account, even if we just "get" free updates / downloads.
To see what payment methods Apple can accept in your country or region:
Payment methods that you can use with your Apple ID – Apple Support
How to: Add a payment method to your Apple ID – Apple Support
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More troubleshooting if needed:
If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
Re: "Face ID works fine for everything else"
You might want to check if there's another setting in place:
Require a password for App Store and iTunes purchases - Apple Support
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If needed:
App Store Support has a website online.
There is a "Get Support" link at the bottom (website link below)
App Store - Official Apple Support
All the best :-)