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I've nvr ever had a credit card on file at all. I've had maybe twice in 1 yr a iTunes gift card but never ever gave them credit card info! I've been downloading apps like crazy!
That's because at some point Apple changed things to where when you sign up the first time for an Apple ID, you can choose no payment method. The OP possibly created their account before that change was made. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204034