Remove your old card and add a new one in the Wallet app
To change a credit card on Apple Pay, you remove the old card from your Wallet app and add the new one. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way on iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. You do not need to contact your bank or Apple — the change happens entirely on your device.
Apple Pay stores your card information locally on your phone or watch, encrypted. When you remove a card, it stays removed. When you add a new card, Apple Pay asks your bank to verify it before you can use it for payments. If your bank declines the new card during verification, you will see an error message telling you to contact your bank.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Wallet app, tap and hold the card you want to remove, then swipe left and tap Delete to take it off Apple Pay.
- To add a new card, open Wallet, tap the plus sign, choose Credit or Debit Card, and either scan the card with your camera or enter the details by hand.
- Your bank will send a verification code by text or email — enter it in the Wallet app to confirm the new card works.
- You can have multiple cards on Apple Pay at once; the card you use most recently becomes your default for the next payment.
- If you lose your phone or Apple Watch, you can remove all cards remotely using Find My iPhone or Find My Apple Watch.
How to delete a card from Apple Pay on iPhone
Open the Wallet app on your home screen. Find the card you want to remove. Tap and hold the card until a menu appears with options including Delete. Tap Delete, then confirm by tapping Delete again when the app asks you to verify.
The card is now removed from Apple Pay. It remains active with your bank — you can still use the physical card or add it back to Apple Pay later. Removing it from Wallet does not close the account or affect your credit.
How to add a new card to Apple Pay on iPhone
Open the Wallet app and tap the plus sign in the top right corner. Select Credit or Debit Card. You now have two choices: use your iPhone camera to scan the card, or enter the card details by hand.
If you scan, point your camera at the front of the card and hold steady for a moment. The app reads the card number and expiration date automatically. If you enter by hand, type the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). Tap Next when you finish.
Your bank will send a verification code by text message or email within a few minutes. Open the code and enter it in the Wallet app. Once verified, the card is active on Apple Pay and ready to use.
Changing cards on Apple Watch
Open the Watch app on your iPhone and go to Wallet & Apple Pay. You will see all cards currently on your watch. Tap the card you want to remove and scroll down to Delete Card, then confirm.
To add a new card to your watch, tap the plus sign at the top of the Wallet & Apple Pay screen in the Watch app. Scan or enter the card details the same way you would on iPhone. Your bank will send a verification code to your iPhone, which you enter in the Watch app. The card then appears on your watch within a few seconds.
What to do if your bank rejects the new card
If you see an error message saying your bank declined the card, the most common reasons are a typo in the card number or expiration date, or the card is not yet active with your bank. Check that you entered the number and date correctly. If they are correct, contact your bank to confirm the card is activated and ready to use.
Some banks require you to set up a new card through their own app or website before it works with Apple Pay. If your bank has a mobile app, open it and look for a card set up or verification step. Once your bank confirms the card is active, try adding it to Apple Pay again.
Setting a default card for payments
Apple Pay does not have a permanent default card setting. Instead, the card you use most recently becomes the default for your next payment. If you want a specific card to be ready when you tap to pay, use that card for your next transaction.
On iPhone, you can also open Wallet, tap and hold a card, tap More, and look for any card-specific settings your bank offers. Some banks let you set spending limits or restrict where the card can be used, but these are bank features, not Apple Pay features.
Removing cards remotely if your phone is lost
If your iPhone or Apple Watch is lost or stolen, you can remove all your cards from Apple Pay without having the device in your hands. Go to iCloud.com on any computer or another device and sign in with your Apple ID. Click Find My, select the lost device, and choose Erase This Device. This removes all cards from Apple Pay on that device.
You can also call your bank directly and ask them to deactivate the card. Your bank can block the card when ready, which prevents anyone from using it even if they have your phone. Once you have a new phone, add your cards back to Apple Pay using the steps above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one card on Apple Pay at the same time?
Yes. You can add as many cards as you want to Apple Pay. When you pay, you can choose which card to use, or let Apple Pay use whichever card you used last. Swipe through your cards in the Wallet app to see all of them.
Does removing a card from Apple Pay close the account with my bank?
No. Removing a card from Apple Pay only removes it from your phone or watch. The card account stays open with your bank, and you can still use the physical card. You can add the card back to Apple Pay anytime.
Why does Apple Pay ask for a verification code when I add a new card?
The code confirms that you own the card and have permission to use it on Apple Pay. Your bank sends the code by text or email to verify the card is legitimate and not stolen. This protects you from fraud.
What if I do not receive a verification code from my bank?
Wait a few minutes — codes can take up to five minutes to arrive. Check your spam or junk email folder. If you still do not see it, contact your bank to confirm they sent it. Some banks send codes by phone call instead of text if you ask.
Can I change my card on Apple Pay without deleting the old one first?
Yes. You can add a new card without removing the old one. Both cards will stay on Apple Pay, and you can choose which one to use at payment time. Delete the old card only when you are ready to stop using it.