How to delete a credit card from your iPhone
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone, tap the card you want to remove, then tap the three dots (or menu icon) in the top right corner. Select "Remove Card" or "Delete Card" — the exact wording depends on your iOS version — and confirm. The card is then removed from Wallet and no longer available for Apple Pay transactions. If you added the card through a bank app instead of Wallet directly, you may need to remove it from that app as well.
The process takes about 30 seconds and does not affect the card itself or your account with the bank. The card remains active for online shopping, in-person purchases with the physical card, and any other use outside of Apple Pay. Deleting it from your phone straightforward stops it from being stored in Wallet.
Key Takeaways
- Removing a card from Wallet does not close the account or change anything with your bank — it only removes the digital copy from your phone.
- You can delete a card in about 30 seconds by opening Wallet, selecting the card, tapping the menu icon, and confirming removal.
- If you added the card through your bank's app rather than Wallet directly, check that app's settings to remove it there as well.
- You can re-add the same card to Wallet later by opening Wallet, tapping the plus icon, and entering the card details again.
Step-by-step removal process
Start by opening the Wallet app — it is the gray icon with a white wallet symbol, usually on your home screen or in your app library. Tap the card you want to delete. The card will expand to show its full details, including the last four digits and the cardholder name.
Look for the three dots (⋯) or menu icon in the top right corner of the card. Tap it. A menu will appear with several options. Select "Remove Card" or "Delete Card" depending on your iOS version — both do the same thing. A confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure. Tap "Remove" or "Confirm" to complete the deletion.
Once deleted, the card no longer appears in your Wallet. If you added multiple cards, you will see the remaining ones when you open Wallet again. The card is now removed from Apple Pay on that device.
Removing cards added through bank apps
Some banks let you add cards to Wallet directly through their own app rather than through Wallet itself. If you added your card this way, it may still appear in your bank's app even after you remove it from Wallet. You should remove it from the bank app as well to fully delete it from your phone.
Open your bank's app and look for a section labeled "Cards," "Wallet," "Payment Methods," or "Manage Cards." Find the card you want to remove and look for a delete, remove, or settings option. The exact steps vary by bank, but most follow a similar pattern: select the card, tap a menu or settings icon, and confirm deletion. If you are not sure where to find this option, check your bank's help section or contact their customer service.
What happens to your actual card account
Deleting a card from Wallet has no effect on the card itself or your account with the bank. The card remains active and usable. You can still use the physical card for in-person purchases, online shopping, and any other transaction. Your credit limit, balance, and account status do not change. Removing it from your phone straightforward removes the digital copy stored in Wallet.
If you want to actually close the card account, you must contact your bank directly. Deleting it from your phone is not the same as closing the account. Many people remove cards from Wallet when they get a new card or want to simplify their phone's payment options, but the old card remains valid until the bank deactivates it or it expires.
Re-adding a card you deleted
If you delete a card and later want to add it back to Wallet, you can do so at any time. Open Wallet and tap the plus icon in the top right corner. Select "Credit or Debit Card" and follow the prompts to enter the card details. You can either type in the card number manually or use your phone's camera to scan the card. Once you enter the information, your bank will verify it, and the card will be added back to Wallet.
This process is the same whether you are adding a card for the first time or re-adding one you previously deleted. There is no limit to how many times you can add and remove the same card.
Removing a card if you cannot find the menu icon
On older iOS versions or certain card types, the three-dot menu icon may not appear in the same location. If you cannot find it, try pressing and holding the card itself for a few seconds. A menu should appear with options including "Remove Card." Release your finger and tap the remove option.
If this does not work, try swiping left on the card while viewing it in Wallet. Some older iOS versions use a swipe gesture instead of a menu icon. A red "Remove" button should appear on the right side of the card. Tap it to delete the card.
Removing cards from Apple Pay on other devices
If you use Apple Pay on multiple devices — an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac — deleting a card from one device does not automatically remove it from the others. You must remove the card from each device separately if you want it deleted everywhere.
On an Apple Watch, open the Wallet app, find the card, swipe left, and tap "Remove." On an iPad or Mac, open Wallet or System Preferences, find the card, and look for a delete or remove option. The steps are similar across devices, but the exact location of the menu may differ slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting a card from Wallet close my account with the bank?
No. Deleting a card from Wallet only removes it from your phone. Your account with the bank remains open and active. The physical card continues to work. To close the account, you must contact your bank directly.
Can I delete a card if it is set as my default payment method?
Yes, you can delete any card from Wallet at any time. If the card you are deleting is set as your default, Wallet will automatically switch your default to another card if you have one added. If it is your only card, you will need to add a new one before you can set a default.
What if I accidentally deleted a card I still need?
You can add it back to Wallet at any time by opening Wallet, tapping the plus icon, and entering the card details again. There is no waiting period or penalty for re-adding a card you previously deleted.
Will deleting a card from Wallet affect my credit score?
No. Your credit score is tied to your actual card account with the bank, not to whether the card is stored in Wallet. Removing it from your phone has no impact on your credit history or score.
Do I need to delete a card before I get a new one?
No. You can have multiple cards in Wallet at the same time. When you get a new card, you can add it to Wallet without removing the old one. You can delete the old card whenever you want, or keep it in Wallet as a backup.