I don’t have a payment method I can use

because I don’t have a credit card how am I supposed to download apps without a payment method I just want to download free apps

You can download free apps, but you may need to have a valid payment method on file, even if the app you want to download is free. 

You can have a credit card / debit card on file and an Apple Account balance.

If you have set your Apple Account balance as your default payment method, your default payment method will be used first by Apple when you need to make a payment.

Free apps has also In-app pruchase.

If you don't have a credit card or don't want to use a credit card, you can also use your Apple Account balance as payment method.

See -> What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance

What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance – Apple Support (UK)

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• You can't use your Apple Account balance to send gifts or gift cards.
• If you use Family Sharing, your family members can't spend your Apple Account balance. Funds that you add to your Apple Account balance are only available to you. Find out more about how purchases are billed to your Apple Account balance.
• Some purchases might require you to have a credit card on file, even if you use your Apple Account balance to make the purchase.

If you still need help, get support from Apple directly -> Get Support or call Apple in your region see -> Contact Apple for support and service 

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Where to buy a physical Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes gift card: at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Reseller in your region.

See -> How to redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes gift card

How to redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes Gift Card – Apple Support (UK) 

When redeeming a gift card, the amount will be credited to your Apple Account balance and you need to set your Apple ID balance as your default payment.

See also:  If you can't redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes Gift Card

If you can't redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes Gift Card - Apple Support

Beware of -> About Gift Card Scams -> About Gift Card Scams - Official Apple Support

This iPhones a nightmare. I had every single one they’ve made..also bought myself a watch pad all bells n whistles. Had to return watch n got all my money eaten away once I put my credit card. Forget Apple Cash. They have no customer service n charged me for seven I cloud accounts for school year. I figured out I bought a cellphone that’s a computer. Apple doesn’t even sell early simple iPhone to enjoy bc apps take over the world. I lost thousands for nothing but aggravation. Every aspect of my life was interrupted. I know it sounds crazy but I’m a dance teacher n hate computers but I thought I try n be cool. Not worth it. Use gift cards !!!!!ur lucky no credit card. Do not put ur banking info in phone either.,another story.

Re: I don’t have a payment method I can use

Seems Apple requires a payment method is listed in your Apple ID account for the first time you use the App Store or iTunes, even if you only download free apps.

Check which payment methods Apple can accept in your country or region. (Maybe you can use a gift card.)

Payment methods that you can use with your Apple ID - Apple Support

How to add an Apple ID payment method:

Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support

How to delete an Apple ID payment method:

Remove a payment method from your Apple ID - Apple Support