As the post implies, I am trying to setup an AppleID for my child, who is under 13.
I do not have, nor do I want a credit card.
What other options do I have to create a child's AppleID without a credit card?
Options anyone?
iPhone 5c, iOS 8.1.3
The only legal way to do it is to set up Family Sharing.
The use of a credit card to verify your identity and legally consent to access of online services by a child is not optional. If you don't have a credit card, there is no legal way for you to set it up.
That is not a matter of "policy" set by Apple. It's a matter of federal law. If you're unhappy about the requirement, call your congressman.
I'm not unhappy with Apple, I'm unhappy that there is no other legal way to verify my identity. I can sign my taxes (federal documentation) without a credit card, so I don't see a reason I shouldn't be able to setup an AppleID.
Call your congressman. There is a difference between filing your taxes, which requires your SSN as well as other identifying information, and giving electronic consent for a child to access online services.
The federal government decided that debit cards are not adequate proof of identity to give this consent.
AppleID for child under 13
