I use NewPipe so I can subscribe to channels and put channels/videos into playlists, without needing to make a youtube account.
The block in degooglifying is usually region not lack of willingness. Some places are locked to Google by no fault of the consumer.
YMMV but I don't find having google wallet is that big of a deal nor a big enough conveniency to maintain a google account on my smartphone. A physical card is quite small.