Q: Do I really have to have valid credit card info in order to install (EVEN FREE) apps from the AppStore?

Purchase an iTunes gift card & redeem that.

Other than getting a different credit card, no.

Have you tried this? Create an iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store account without a credit card or other payment method - Apple Suppor…

That won't help the OP update his/her existing apps, as it requires creating a "new" Apple ID.

It's not about money, it's about fraud.

You are required to "establish" that you have a valid credit card to prove your identity. Once done, you can switch your payment method to NONE and get all the free apps you wish.

wjosten wrote:

 

That won't help the OP update his/her existing apps, as it requires creating a "new" Apple ID.

As the article explains, you can disassociate an AppleID from a payment method. But yeah, it does need to be accepted first, which is the rub in this case.

OP, beware that rights to use for apps are linked to an AppleID, not a device. So if you change the AppleID on the phone, all the apps on it (if not wiped clean beforehand) will be left orphaned and won't be upgradeable anymore. And you would have to reacquire the apps on the new AppleID, having to repay for the non-free ones.