I am setting up a new account - divorce - and I am never going to buy anything from iTunes. If I do, I will use a prepaid card from the local store. Why am I required to have a credit card number registered with iTunes in order to even access the site?
You are not required to. You can select "none":
You don't... This document describes how to use Apple's digital media services without one.
As an additional tip, when you make occasional purchases, a good way to do it is through an iTunes gift card. You can buy one for yourself at a desired value, and enter it as "store credit." The amount appears at the upper right corner of iTunes window when you are in the iTunes Store screen. You can use this credit for Apple's digital media and services. For example, songs, audiobooks, ebooks, apps, movies (including rentals), TV shows, and subscriptions (such as iTunes Match, Apple Music, and Netflix or Hulu on Apple TV). The best part - you can often buy them at a discounted price, such as $40 for a $50 gift card. Store credit is used first, before other payment methods.
why do I need a credit card number
