Free apps??

[Robertbettylou]

To download free apps they ask for credit card info.whats up with that?didn't before.

[nasty]

Who asks for credit card? 

An app that wants a credit card number is not a free app. Or the app uses in app purchases, which are linked to payment method.

Telus app house

http://mobility.telus.com/en/BC/telusapphouse-app/index.shtml

Android app's

https://play.google.com/store?hl=en

[ET]

You have to add your credit card to open iTune or Google account. However, if you do not make any purchases of paying apps, there will then be no charges.

[nasty]

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@ET wrote:

You have to add your credit card to open iTune or Google account. However, if you do not make any purchases of paying apps, there will then be no charges.

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Unless you actually purchase "paid app's" in the Google app store(google account), there is zero need to enter a credit card number.

I get certain free app's and no credit card needed.

Nudges to sign up for "Google wallet" should be optional, when signing up for a Google account. There is usually a "not now button", or a remind me later button, next to the 'enter credit card' information section.

Google Plus is also optional, or can be deleted upon completion of email/youtube/smartphone account signup.

[NFtoBC]

To echo @nasty there is no need to give your credit card information when creating an Apple ID either:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2534 and open the appropriate link (computer of iDevice).

You can top up using iTunes cards.

[jdlaurie]

Google play no need for credit card at all for free apps.  I will say however that the movie Big was recently offered for free for a limited time.  When I "purchased" this movie for $0.00 it acted as if it charged my credit card.