Is there a way to be a club penguin member even if you don't pay?

Unfortunately, there is no way. The only way is to get a gift card from someone, then you can get it for free. Otherwise if you are too desperate and can't bay $6.00 for a 1 month membership card, risk it for a download that might ban you. I'm sure you don't want that to happen, so you can just buy a 1 month card. ($6.00.) Or you can win it in a contest - I don't know how they can do it, you might need to give them your pass, which can be another risk. So I prefer just buying a 1 month card - like me. :)