How can I cancel the payment method

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. 

You can have a credit card / debit card on file and an Apple Account balance.

If you have set your Apple Account balance as your default payment method, your default payment method will be used first by Apple when you need to make a payment.

Free apps has also In-app pruchase.

See -> Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

See also -> Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions

Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple

See -> Remove a payment method from your Apple ID

Remove a payment method from your Apple ID - Apple Support

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If you can't remove a payment method

If you have subscriptions like iCloud+, have an unpaid balance, or you use purchase sharing, you must keep at least one payment method on file.

• Do you have a subscription? You can cancel iCloud+ and cancel other subscriptions from Apple. When your subscription period is over, remove your payment method.
• If you're in a Family Sharing group and you use purchase sharing, the family organizer must have a payment method on file. If you're the family organizer, turn off purchase sharing, then remove the payment method.
• 👉 If you have an unpaid balance, you might not be able to remove a payment method. Instead, change your payment method.
• 👉 If you still can't remove a payment method, contact Apple Support.