yes, google play requires a credit card to be on file with them for any purchase, but from experience it doesn't have to be a working one to purchase free items.
i've claimed several free ebooks and mp3s in the last several months, but the credit card on file was cancelled years ago (though it was valid when i first gave it to google play to purchase an android app or two). so google definitely doesn't validate the credit card on free purchases and you might try entering a bogus credit card to see if they validate it on initial entry (all under the guise of mistyping it, of course ;)).
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i've claimed several free ebooks and mp3s in the last several months, but the credit card on file was cancelled years ago (though it was valid when i first gave it to google play to purchase an android app or two). so google definitely doesn't validate the credit card on free purchases and you might try entering a bogus credit card to see if they validate it on initial entry (all under the guise of mistyping it, of course ;)).
Thank you!