app store purchases

Hi grh74,

welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community!

Re: "app store purchases : how come I have to have a debit or credit card information on file

before I can get a free app from the App Store"

Seems Apple requires a payment method is listed in your Apple ID account for the first time you use the App Store or iTunes, even if you only download free apps. If you have any subscriptions, (eg: iCloud, Apple Music etc.) a payment method is required in your account at at all times, while the subscription is active.

if you do not want to use a credit / debit card:

In some countries you might be able to just add an Apple gift card, or use a credit / debit card to just add money to an Apple Account balance. (NB: Some purchases may still require a credit / debit card on file.)

Eg: What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance - Apple Support)

You may want to check which payment methods Apple can accept in your country or region:

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

If needed: How to: Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support

or

Remove a payment method from your Apple ID - Apple Support

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More info. / support / contact options etc:

Subscriptions and Billing Support website:

Subscriptions and Billing - Official Apple Support

All the best :-)