Where to find and update your card in the Wallet app
The fastest way to update a credit card on your iPhone is through the Wallet app, which stores your card details for Apple Pay and in-app purchases. Open Wallet, tap the card you want to change, then tap the three dots in the corner and select "Card Details." From there you can edit the cardholder name, expiration date, and security code without deleting the card itself.
If you want to replace the card entirely rather than edit it, you can delete the old one and add a new one. Tap and hold the card, then swipe left and tap "Remove." After that, tap the plus sign in Wallet to add a new card by photographing it or entering the details manually.
Keep in mind that updating your card in Wallet does not automatically update it everywhere else on your phone. Your card information in Wallet is separate from the payment methods stored in your Apple ID account, which is where subscriptions and App Store purchases pull from.
Key Takeaways
- The Wallet app lets you edit card details (expiration date, security code, cardholder name) without removing the card.
- Updating a card in Wallet does not change the payment method linked to your Apple ID account for subscriptions and App Store purchases.
- To change the card used for App Store and subscription payments, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases, then tap your payment method.
- You can photograph a new card to add it to Wallet, or type the details manually if the camera does not read it clearly.
- Deleting a card from Wallet removes it from Apple Pay but does not affect any stored payment methods in your Apple ID account.
Updating the card linked to your Apple ID account
Your Apple ID payment method is different from the cards in your Wallet app. This is the card that gets charged for App Store purchases, iCloud storage, subscriptions, and other Apple services. To change it, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then select "Media & Purchases."
Tap "Payment Method" and you will see the card currently on file. Tap "Edit" to change it to a different card, or add a new one. You can enter the card details manually or use your camera to photograph the front of the card. If you want to remove a payment method entirely, you can do that here too, though Apple requires at least one payment method on file for most accounts.
Changes to your Apple ID payment method take effect when ready for new purchases. Any recurring subscriptions will use the updated card for their next billing cycle.
Adding a new card to Wallet
To add a card to Wallet, open the app and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. You have two options: photograph the card or enter the details by hand. If you use the camera, hold your card flat under good lighting and let the phone read the card number, expiration date, and cardholder name. You will still need to enter the security code manually for security reasons.
If the camera does not read your card clearly, or if you prefer to type, select "Enter Card Details Manually" and fill in each field. After you add the card, your bank or card issuer may send a verification code via text or email. Enter that code to complete the setup.
Once the card is verified, it appears in Wallet and is ready to use with Apple Pay at stores, in apps, and online. You can set it as your default card or choose which card to use each time you pay.
What happens when your card expires
When your credit card expires, you do not have to wait for it to stop working. Update the expiration date in Wallet as soon as you receive your replacement card from your bank. Go to Wallet, tap the card, select the three dots, tap "Card Details," and change the expiration date and security code.
If you have the card linked to your Apple ID account as well, update that separately in Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases > Payment Method. Some banks and card issuers push updated expiration dates to Apple automatically, but you should not count on this — update it yourself to avoid payment failures.
If your old card is still in Wallet when it expires, Apple Pay will stop accepting it at checkout. You will see a message asking you to update the card or choose a different one.
Removing a card from your iPhone
To remove a card from Wallet, open the app, tap and hold the card you want to delete, then swipe left. A red "Remove" button appears — tap it to confirm. The card is deleted from Wallet when ready and can no longer be used for Apple Pay or in-app purchases.
Removing a card from Wallet does not affect your bank account or cancel the card itself. The card remains active with your bank. You can add it back to Wallet at any time by photographing it or entering the details again.
If the card is also linked to your Apple ID account, you need to remove it separately in Settings. Deleting it from Wallet alone will not remove it from your Apple ID payment methods.
Troubleshooting when your card will not update
If you try to update a card and get an error message, the most common cause is that your bank or card issuer rejected the update. This can happen if the security code is wrong, the expiration date does not match what the bank has on file, or the cardholder name does not match exactly. Double-check all three fields and try again.
If the card still will not update, restart your iPhone and try once more. Sometimes a temporary connection issue prevents the update from going through. If you are adding a new card and it keeps failing, contact your bank to confirm the card is active and has not been flagged for fraud.
If you see a message that says your card cannot be verified, your bank may require you to verify it through their own app or website before it can be added to Wallet. Check your bank's website or call the number on the back of your card for instructions.
Keeping your card information find
When you update or add a card on your iPhone, the actual card number is never stored on the device. Instead, Apple creates a unique token that represents your card. This token is what gets sent when you pay with Apple Pay, not your real card number. Your security code is also never stored — you enter it each time you add or update a card, but it is not kept on your phone.
Your iPhone uses Face ID or Touch ID to authorize payments, so even if someone has your phone, they cannot use your cards without your fingerprint or face. If you lose your iPhone, you can remove all cards from it remotely using Find My iPhone on iCloud.com.
When you photograph a card to add it to Wallet, that photo is processed on your device and then deleted. Apple does not keep a copy of the photo or the card details you enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does updating my card in Wallet change it for App Store purchases?
No. Wallet and your Apple ID account are separate. Updating a card in Wallet only affects Apple Pay and in-app purchases. To change the card used for App Store and subscription charges, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases > Payment Method.
Can I have multiple cards in Wallet?
Yes. You can add as many cards as you want to Wallet. When you pay with Apple Pay, you can choose which card to use, or set one as your default so it is used automatically.
What if my bank sends me a new card with the same number but a new expiration date?
Update the expiration date and security code in Wallet by tapping the card, selecting the three dots, and choosing "Card Details." You do not need to delete and re-add the card.
Will my card work on Apple Pay if I do not update the expiration date?
No. Once your card expires, Apple Pay will reject it at checkout. You must update the expiration date before the card stops working, or add a new card.
Can I update my card if my iPhone is locked?
You can open Wallet and view your cards while your phone is locked, but you cannot edit card details or add new cards without unlocking your iPhone first. This is a security feature to prevent unauthorized changes.