Why am I being charged to download free apps?

Apple is charging me 1.99 every time I download free apps even apps I downloaded already it’s charging me 2 dollars every time why?

why am i being charged $30 to download a free app

This isn’t helpful. It doesn’t answer the question directly

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. 

Free apps has also In-app pruchase.

See -> Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

See also -> Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions

Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple

If you have received an invoice from Apple, on every invoice from the Apple Store and/or iTunes Store always states what you have purchased (and/or concerns a subscription) and the amount.

Tap on Report a problem on the invoice.

Or try to ->  Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple.

Request a refund for apps or content you've bought from Apple – Apple Support (UK)

If you have requested a refund, you must wait until Apple has approved. Then you will receive a message from Apple.

Refunds are not guaranteed. For more information, see the Terms & Conditions.

check you haven't subscribed to the same service twice, once through Apple and a second time directly with the service provider. E.g., Join Apple Music on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC - Join Apple Music - Apple Support - "Make sure to join Apple Music through either Apple or your mobile phone service provider, so that you're not charged by both."

Click on this link to read what to do "If you see ‘itunes.com/bill‘ or an unfamiliar charge on your bank, credit card, or debit statement" --> If you don't recognize a charge - Apple Support Note, if you are a Family Sharing organizer, purchases or subscriptions made by another family member may be charged to your card but will not appear under your purchase history or subscriptions. Ask family members about those or check the email receipts Apple sends you for any purchase charged to your Apple Account.

If you need further assistance contact Apple; start here --> Billing & Subscriptions --> https://getsupport.apple.com/?PGF=PGF63006

What makes you think you are being charged? You only get charged if you owe money or it costs money.

If it is asking for a payment method then you have no option but to enter one such as a credit or debit card. Read the support article Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support about how to do that.

For a more detailed response about what Apple actually says:

Apple's official support articles present multiple statements* about situations requiring the presence of a payment method at times, even for free items. You do not always have to have one, but if you are encountering one of those situations then you have no option but to enter a valid payment method if you wish to continue downloading. The payment method may not be charged if you also have account balance or the item is free, but the payment method has to be present. This next article lists valid payment methods for different countries but note that in this situation Apple Account balance alone apparently may not meet the requirement and you need to use another payment method until you find one that satisfies Apple's requirement (often a credit or debit card): Payment methods that you can use with your Apple ID - Apple Support .

If you have already entered a payment method, use the “Add a payment method” link above to check it. If a message appears in red there is a problem with it. If the information is still correct and current, contact your financial institution. Also check this resource --> If your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes Store - Apple Support

* Ref.:

Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support

"To make purchases from the App Store and use subscriptions like iCloud+ and Apple Music, you need at least one payment method on file."

If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

- "You might need to have a payment method on file, even if the app that you want to download is free."

Remove a payment method from your Apple ID - Apple Support

- If you have any active subscriptions, you must have at least one payment method on file other than Apple ID credit.

- You might not be able to remove a payment method if you have a balance due.

Sign in with your Apple ID - Apple Support

- "When you sign in to the App Store and other media services for the first time, you might need to add a credit card or other payment information."

How apps, content, and subscriptions from Apple are billed - Apple Support

- You can’t charge gifts to your Apple ID balance. If you send a gift or gift card, your primary payment method is charged.

- Some subscriptions might not be charged to your Apple ID balance.

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

"Some purchases might require that you have a credit card on file, even if you use your Apple Account balance to make the purchase."

This is very troubling to be charged for a free app

it’s not the app you’re being asked to pay for, you’re being asked to pay for an unpaid subscription for example, I had subscribed to an app (3 days free trial, 8 months premium), 8 months passed by and I had to pay for it again, I didn’t , that affected the app store in the way that I can’t install anything unless I pay for the subscription, once I pay for it I can install whatever I want, same for you.

Exactly it’s just stating the obvious

You probably owe money for something you bought in the past.

That’s weird. 🤨 maybe you forgot about Family Sharing?