Can I just use the card instead of Apple Pay

Where?

See -> How to use Apple Pay -> How to use Apple Pay - Apple Support

For the App Store & iTunes Store, you may need to have a valid payment method on file, even if the app you want to download is free.

See the Apple articles below:

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)

• 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 ⤵️

Payment methods you can use with your Apple ID

Payment methods you can use with your Apple ID – Apple Support (UK)

fyi: Not all credit & debit cards seem to work with App Store / iTunes Store, try a different one, or preferably a credit card. If your card is not accepted as a paymenf method, you need to contact your bank.

Add a payment method to your Apple ID

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

Click here for more support and assistance.