dannielle55 wrote:
iCloud won’t allow me to download free apps and games without adding a card for payment
Correct. A valid and verifiable payment method is required to make use of the iTunes and App stores. It normally does not ask for a payment method unless this is an account of recent creation or there is an issue with a previous purchase or charge. If its asking for one now, you will absolutely need to provide one. There is no way around that requirement once it asks for it, as there is now something on your account like a pending charge that needs it.