Why if the App is FREE am I,still required to update my billing info as if the app is not free??? Is there some setting I can deactivate payment for free apps

Some apps have regional distribution restrictions. Have a valid payment form for your country is Apple's way of verifying you are a resident and are allowed access to those apps. You will not be charged and can remove the card.

Creating an iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store account without a credit card - https://support.apple.com/HT204034 and related document: iTunes accounts for students - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5114. Only works for new accounts! You must follow the instructions exactly. Read tips in - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4368168?answerId=19803853022#19803853022 and https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4475699?answerId=20171445022#20171445022 If it still doesn't work, read https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4245338

Why can’t I select None when I edit my payment information? - http://support.apple.com/kb/TS5366

See also this post: Re: Why can't I create an Apple ID without adding some sort of payment information for the very first time? Adding a payment method and then selecting None is not what I want.

tt2

just sign into the iTunes store via computer or phone and change your payment type to none

I Am really sick of seeing that guy's answer all over this support page. Listen, man, we're not ALL living in one country and trying to use an address from another country, okay?

Nobody says you are. But Apple still have a process in place, which they need to do to keep the content providers happy. You can register a card and then remove it, or try this workaround.

tt2

.

Facts