Update your card before it stops working
When your credit card expires, Apple Wallet will stop letting you use it for payments. You can update the card details directly in the Wallet app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac — it takes about two minutes and you do not need to remove the old card first. Apple will send you a notification when a card is about to expire, but you can also check the expiration date yourself and update it whenever you want.
The process is the same whether you use Apple Pay, in-app purchases, or online shopping with Wallet. Once you update the card, your payment method is ready to use again when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Open Wallet, tap the card that is expiring, and select the three dots or information icon to find the edit option.
- Enter your new expiration date and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back of your card) — you usually do not need to re-enter the card number.
- If your bank issued you a replacement card with a different number, you will need to remove the old card and add the new one separately.
- Apple sends expiration reminders, but checking your card details in Wallet every few months prevents payment failures.
How to update an expiring card on iPhone or iPad
Open the Wallet app and find the card that is expiring. Tap it to see the front of the card, then look for a three-dot menu icon or an information icon (usually in the top right corner). Tap that icon and select Edit Card or Card Details.
A screen will appear showing your card number, expiration date, and CVV. Tap the expiration date field and enter the new month and year from your replacement card. Then tap the CVV field and enter the three-digit security code from the back of your card. Tap Done or Save when you finish. Your card is now updated and ready to use.
If your bank sent you a card with a completely different number (not just a renewal of the same card), you cannot straightforward update the expiration date. Instead, you will need to remove the old card from Wallet and add the new one. To remove it, open Wallet, tap the card, tap the three-dot menu, and select Remove Card. Then tap the plus icon to add your new card.
How to update an expiring card on Mac
Open the Wallet app on your Mac and locate the card that is expiring. Double-click the card to open its details. Look for an Edit button or pencil icon and click it.
The card details window will open. Click the expiration date field, enter the new month and year, then click the CVV field and enter the three-digit code from the back of your card. Click Done when finished. Your card is now updated.
What happens if you do not update your card
If your card expires and you do not update it in Wallet, any payment attempt using that card will fail. You will see an error message at checkout, and the transaction will not go through. This can happen during Apple Pay purchases at stores, in-app purchases, or online shopping through Safari.
Apple will send you a notification when your card is about to expire, usually a few weeks before the expiration date. If you miss that notification, you can still update the card anytime — there is no penalty for updating early or late. The sooner you update it after receiving your replacement card, the sooner you can use it without interruption.
When you need to add a new card instead of updating
If your bank issued a replacement card with a different card number (not just a renewal), you cannot update the existing card in Wallet. This sometimes happens if your card was compromised, if you requested a new card type, or if your account changed. In these cases, remove the old card and add the new one.
To add a new card, open Wallet and tap the plus icon in the top right corner. Follow the prompts to enter your new card number, expiration date, and CVV. You can also add a card by going to Settings > Wallet and Apple Pay and tapping Add Card. Your bank may ask you to verify the new card with a text message or one-time code — this is normal and takes less than a minute.
Keeping your card information current
Check your Wallet cards every few months to make sure none are about to expire. Open Wallet, tap each card, and look at the expiration date. If you see a date that is coming up within the next month or two, update it right away rather than waiting for Apple's notification.
If you change banks or close an account, remove that card from Wallet when ready. This prevents accidental payment attempts on a card that no longer works. You can always add it back later if you reopen the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my Apple Pay history if I update my card?
No. Updating the expiration date and CVV does not affect your transaction history, rewards points, or any other account information. Apple Pay keeps all your purchase records tied to the card itself, not the expiration date.
Can I update my card if I do not have the physical card in front of me?
You will need the expiration date and CVV from your replacement card to update it in Wallet. If your bank mailed you a new card, wait until it arrives before updating. If you do not have the card yet but know the details, you can update early.
What if Apple Wallet says my card cannot be updated?
This usually means your bank has not issued a replacement card yet, or the card details you entered do not match your bank's records. Contact your bank to confirm your replacement card has been issued and that the expiration date is correct. Then try updating again.
Will updating my card in Wallet change anything with my bank account?
No. Updating Wallet only changes the information stored on your device. Your bank account, credit limit, and billing address remain unchanged. Your bank will not send you a new card just because you updated Wallet.
Can I update multiple cards at once?
No. You must update each card individually by opening Wallet, selecting the card, and editing its details. If you have several cards expiring around the same time, update them one at a time over a few days.