I updated my payment and method but it won’t let download free apps

Did you use a payment method acceptable in your country?

You can find the acceptable payment methods for your country here;

Payment methods that you can use with your Apple ID - Apple Support

M1 Mac mini, macOS 14.2;  Watch, series 7 GPS/cellular, watchOS 10.2; iPad Pro 2nd Gen, iPadOS 16.7.3; iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 17.2; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 17.2; HomePods, audioOS 17.2 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2

You were able to add hte card?

What exactly happens when yu try to buy something? What does it say exactly?