Where to find and change your payment method on Apple
You can change the credit card linked to your Apple account in Settings on any Apple device, or through your account page on a web browser. The process takes about two minutes and does not require you to delete your old card first — you straightforward add the new one and set it as your default payment method.
Apple stores your payment information in your Apple ID account, which is the same login you use for the App Store, iCloud, and Apple Music. Any device signed into that account will use whichever card you set as primary, so changing it once updates it everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- You can add a new card and set it as default without removing your old card, which is useful if you want to keep a backup payment method on file.
- On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping, then tap Add Payment Method or edit an existing card.
- On a Mac, open System Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security, then manage payment methods under Payment Information.
- If you are changing a card because it expired or was compromised, Apple will stop using the old one once you set a new default.
- You can store up to eight payment methods on a single Apple ID account.
Changing your card on iPhone or iPad
Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top of the screen. Select Payment & Shipping, then tap the payment method you want to change. You can edit the card number, expiration date, and CVV without removing the card from your account.
To add a new card instead, tap Add Payment Method at the top of the Payment & Shipping screen. Enter the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address. Once you save it, tap Default Payment Method and select the new card to make it your primary option for App Store purchases and subscriptions.
If you want to remove a card entirely, swipe left on it in the Payment & Shipping list and tap Delete. You cannot delete the card that is currently set as your default, so you must choose a different default first.
Changing your card on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Click your name in the sidebar, then select Password & Security. Scroll down to Payment Information and click Edit next to the card you want to change.
You can update the card number, expiration date, and CVV in the window that opens. To add a new card, click the plus sign (+) button, enter the card details, and save. After adding a new card, click Default Payment Method and choose which card you want Apple to use first when you make a purchase.
Changing your card through iCloud.com
Go to appleid.apple.com in any web browser and sign in with your Apple ID. Click Payment & Shipping in the left sidebar. You will see all the cards currently linked to your account.
To edit a card, click the pencil icon next to it and update the information. To add a new card, click Add Payment Method and enter the details. After saving, you can set a new default by clicking the radio button next to the card you want to use first.
What happens when you change your card
Any subscriptions you have — such as Apple Music, iCloud+, or app subscriptions — will automatically charge to your new default card on their next billing date. You do not need to update them individually.
If you are changing your card because the old one expired or was reported lost, Apple will stop attempting to charge it when ready. If a subscription payment fails because your old card was removed, Apple will retry the charge on your new default card within a few days.
Purchases you made with the old card remain tied to that card in your purchase history, so you can still see the transaction details and request refunds if needed.
Troubleshooting card changes that do not go through
If you see an error message when trying to add a new card, make sure the billing address matches exactly what your bank has on file. Spaces, abbreviations, and punctuation must match — for example, "St." instead of "Street" can cause the card to be declined.
If the card is being rejected even with the correct address, your bank may be blocking the transaction. Contact your bank and let them know you are adding the card to your Apple account. Some banks require you to confirm new merchants before they will process the charge.
If you cannot see the Payment & Shipping option in Settings, sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in. On Mac, restart your computer and try again. If the problem persists, you can always manage your payment methods through appleid.apple.com instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?
Yes. Apple accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover debit cards the same way it accepts credit cards. Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV just as you would for a credit card.
What if I want to keep my old card on file but use a new one for purchases?
You can store both cards on your account and switch between them. Add the new card, set it as your default payment method, and leave the old card in your Payment & Shipping list. Apple will use the default card for new charges, but you can manually select the other card when making a purchase if you want to.
Do I need to update my card on every device I own?
No. Your payment method is tied to your Apple ID, not to individual devices. Changing it once updates it on all iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches signed into that account.
How long does it take for a new card to start working?
The new card is active when ready after you save it and set it as your default. You can use it for App Store purchases, subscriptions, and in-app buys right away.
What should I do if my card was compromised?
Remove the old card from your Apple account by going to Payment & Shipping, swiping left on the card (or clicking Edit on Mac), and selecting Delete. Add your new card and set it as default. Contact your bank to report the compromised card and monitor your account for unauthorized charges.