How to download WhatsApp without a credit card?

1.

You can download free apps, but you may need to have a valid payment method on file, even if the app you want to download is free. 

As long as you only download free apps, it costs nothing.

Then your payment method remains intact.

If you are going to download a free app, there is a possibility to purchase the 'better' version, for example from a free version to pro version.

But that is not mandatory.

Use your Apple Account balance as default payment, then it is up to you whether you use it or not.

Free apps has also In-app pruchase.

Your payment method is actually a kind of deposit, if you buy something, it will be charged.

2.

If you don't have a credit card or don't want to use a credit card, you can also use your Apple Account balance as payment method.

See -> What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance

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

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• You can't use your Apple Account balance to send gifts or gift cards.
• If you use Family Sharing, your family members can't spend your Apple Account balance. Funds that you add to your Apple Account balance are only available to you. Find out more about how purchases are billed to your Apple Account balance.
• Some purchases might require you to have a credit card on file, even if you use your Apple Account balance to make the purchase.

See also -> How to redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes gift card

How to redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes gift card – Apple Support (UK)

When redeeming a gift card, the amount will be credited to your (1) Apple Account balance and (2) you need to set your Apple Account balance as your default payment.

(1)

See -> Check your Apple Account balance -> Check your Apple Account balance – Apple Support (UK)

(2)

See -> Add a payment method to your Apple ID

Add a payment method to your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)

If you already use your Apple Account balance, the Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes gift card is automatically added to your Apple Account balance.

If you update your payment method or add funds to your Apple Account balance, It would take about 1 to 3 business days in order to process.

If you're still unable to update your payment method, Contact Apple Support.

Where to buy a physical Apple gift card:

Actually, you can buy an Apple gift card at many places, it depends of course on where you live.

At an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Reseller in your region certainly, but also at a good bookstore, supermarket and/or drugstore.

See also -> About Gift Card Scams -> About Gift Card Scams - Official Apple Support

Click here for more support and assistance.

You must have some sort of payment linked to your AppleID in order to download apps, even if they are free.

If you're using an iPhone, you could use a card in your Apple Wallet as your default payment method!

Here's how:

Settings

Wallet & ApplePay

Scroll down to "Default Card"

Select the debit you have in ApplePay.

If you don't have a card already stored within your Apple Wallet, here's how to start:

Set up Apple Pay - Apple Support

This way you won't have to add a payment method through the App Store, directly. Rest assured that Apple cannot charge your card without your consent.