Is it normal to scan a credit card after an iPad update?

Perhaps you are located within the UK - which has recently enacted stronger age-verification legislation under the UK Government Online Safety Bill. Some additional information can be found here:

Legal - UK Online Safety - Apple

When updating to iOS/iPadOS 26.4, it is necessary to complete a robust age-verification process - the required steps being determined by how much information Apple already possesses about you and your Apple Account. In some circumstances, Apple can verify your age using a Credit Card registered in your name - and for this reason, you may be required to provide this information. The Credit Card details are not recorded, but instead are simply used to perform a "soft" credit check with Credit Reference agencies to confirm that you are over 18 years of age.

As an alternative, if you have a UK Photo Card Driving Licence, this can be used for the authentication process. If instead you still have a UK paper licence, this cannot be used.

Are you in the UK? If so, that is to be compliant with the Age Assurance regulations passed in that region, and if you do not have or want to use a Credit Card, then you can use your Drivers License or there are some other forms of identification that are acceptable.

Jane Elizabeth Smith wrote:

I have used (for more than 40 years) & regularly update my apple devices. I have never been asked to scan my credit card BEFORE I even get into the device. I did not trust such a request and as the device was playing the hello sequence in all languages it obviously didn't know which country I'm in (Uk)

So I wiped everything off the ipad and re-installed.

This time, it did behave normally and didn't require either my credit card or require my age verification. You may of course be correct and I don't want to sound like I know it all, because I don't know a lot. but it seems odd to want to scan my card especially as I don't use it on the iPad. Anyway, all being safely restored thanks to iCloud.

UK laws have added an age verification requirement.

Age requirements for managing an Apple Account in the UK - Apple Support

If you’re asked to confirm that you’re an adult - Apple Support

As LotusPilot said:

"Perhaps you are located within the UK - which has recently enacted stronger age-verification legislation under the UK Government Online Safety Bill."

Therefore, things have changed.

Jane Elizabeth Smith wrote:

I did not trust such a request and as the device was playing the hello sequence in all languages it obviously didn't know which country I'm in (Uk)

The Hello screen after an update is not unusual and all your data including your region is still saved on the device. Specifically for the last update to 26.4 on the iPhone (I suppose the same was true for the iPad), the Hello Screen was presented and then the Siri screen similar to setting up a new device, but just by continuing you are returned to the Home Screen where all your previous data is still there.

You’re welcome. Glad that helped.

Enjoy your Apple gear.