It's not "included" if you can't use it without further commitment.

The "free" period can be accounted for on the play clock just like any 30 day play card you might have purchased. But you get the first one WITH the game. It might be "standard" practice to get a credit card, but they also allow you to play month by month via play cards which do not require a credit card.

So you can get your 30 days "free" by buying a 30 day play card and adding it to the account? Still seems like it's not truly and legally free.