Unable to download Apps without adding Payment method

You will need to enter in some sort of payment method before you can download even free apps. If you do not have a credit or a debit card and do not have a family member whose card you could use, buy an Apple gift card. A tip: do not buy any Apple gift card from any store where the cards are kept out on the open. Buy only from a store where the gift cards are kept secure, either locked up or behind the sales counter.

Regards.

If it is asking for a payment method then you have no option but to enter one such as a credit or debit card. Read the support article Add a payment method to your Apple Account - Apple Support about how to do that.

If you do not have a credit card, a debit card may be acceptable instead. See Payment methods that you can use with your Apple Account - Apple Support Note that that article can be a bit confusing because it may say you can use account balance, but for some items you must have a credit or debit card present even if account balance will be charged first.

If you do not have a card, see if somebody is willing to add you as a member of their Family Sharing group ( Set up Family Sharing - Apple Support ). They will, however, ultimately be responsible for any purchases you make should you not have sufficient personal account balance to cover any charges. If you are not a full adult they may wish to use Approve what kids buy with Ask to Buy - Apple Support to restrict your purchasing ability until you have your own card and can leave the group.

Sometimes a card need only be presented once. If you are using your account for the first time:

Sign in to your Apple Account - Apple Support

- "When you sign in to the App Store and other media services for the first time, you might need to add a credit card or other payment information."

See if somebody is willing to enter their card to satisfy this requirement, then remove it immediately.

If it is insisting that a card be present then you will not be able to make that purchase without one. I have found that items that are completely free do not require a card be present, but I also have a very old account that may have different rules.

Incidentally, I have never entered a payment method but I can download free apps. Read what Apple actually says about payment method requirements.

Add a payment method to your Apple Account - Apple Support

"To make purchases from the App Store and use subscriptions like iCloud+ and Apple Music, you need at least one payment method on file."

If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

- "You might need to have a payment method on file, even if the app that you want to download is free."

Remove a payment method from your Apple Account - Apple Support

- If you have any active subscriptions, you must have at least one payment method on file other than Apple ID credit.

- You might not be able to remove a payment method if you have a balance due.

Sign in to your Apple Account - Apple Support

- "When you sign in to the App Store and other media services for the first time, you might need to add a credit card or other payment information."

How apps, content, and subscriptions from Apple are billed - Apple Support

- You can’t charge gifts to your Apple ID balance. If you send a gift or gift card, your primary payment method is charged.

- Some subscriptions might not be charged to your Apple ID balance.

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

"Some purchases might require that you have a credit card on file, even if you use your Apple Account balance to make the purchase."

A checking account will not work. To see the accepted payment methods in your country, see:

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