How to update your card in Apple Pay
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the card you want to change, then tap the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Edit." You can update the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address from this screen. If you're using an Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Wallet & Apple Pay, tap your card, and make the same edits there.
The process takes less than a minute. Apple Pay stores the updated information right away, and your card will work when ready at checkout. You don't need to delete the old card and add a new one unless the card issuer has given you a completely different account number.
If you're updating because your card was compromised or lost, contact your card issuer first. They may issue a new card with a different number, in which case you'll need to add it as a new card rather than edit the existing one. Your issuer can also tell you whether they've already pushed an update to Apple Pay on their end.
Key Takeaways
- You can edit an existing card in Apple Pay by opening Wallet, selecting the card, tapping the three dots, and choosing "Edit."
- Updates to your card number, expiration date, CVV, or billing address take effect when ready in Apple Pay.
- If your card issuer sends you a replacement card with a new number, add it as a separate card rather than editing the old one.
- Contact your card issuer before updating if your card was lost or compromised, since they may need to reissue it with a different account number.
- On an Apple Watch, make the same edits through the Watch app on your paired iPhone under Wallet & Apple Pay settings.
When to edit versus delete and re-add
Edit your existing card when the card number stays the same but other details change—expiration date, CVV, or billing address. This is the most common scenario: your card renews with a new expiration date, or you move and need to update your address.
Delete the card and add a new one when your card issuer gives you a completely new account number. This happens when your card is compromised, lost, or stolen, or when your issuer closes an old account and opens a new one. Deleting the old card prevents confusion and ensures you're not accidentally trying to use a number that no longer works.
To delete a card, open Wallet, tap and hold the card, then tap "Remove." You'll be asked to confirm. The card stays in your transaction history, but it's no longer available for payments.
Updating your card on different Apple devices
iPhone and iPad: Open Wallet, select your card, tap the three dots (or the information icon, depending on your iOS version), and tap "Edit." Make your changes and tap "Done."
Apple Watch: Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone. Go to Wallet & Apple Pay, select your card, and tap "Edit." Changes sync to your watch within seconds.
Mac: Open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs), click Wallet & Apple Pay, select your card, and click "Edit." You can update the same information as on iPhone.
If you have the same card on multiple devices, updating it on one device syncs the change across all your devices automatically. You don't need to edit it separately on each one.
What information you can and cannot change
You can edit the card number, expiration date, CVV, cardholder name, and billing address. You can also change the card's nickname (the label that appears in Wallet, like "Personal Visa" or "Business Amex") by tapping the card name at the top of the edit screen.
You cannot change the card issuer or the underlying account. If you need a different bank or card type entirely, you'll need to add a new card. You also cannot change the phone number or email associated with your Apple ID from within the card edit screen—those are managed in your Apple ID settings.
If your card issuer has already sent an updated card to you, check the physical card for the new details before entering them. Sometimes issuers update expiration dates or security codes without sending a new physical card, so confirm what's actually on the card in your wallet.
Troubleshooting common update problems
If your edits don't save, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data and that you've tapped "Done" or "Save" at the end of the edit screen. Sometimes the app requires you to re-enter your Apple ID password or Face ID to confirm changes for security reasons.
If a payment is declined after you update your card, contact your card issuer. They may have flagged the update as suspicious activity, or there may be a mismatch between the billing address you entered in Apple Pay and the one on file with your bank. Your issuer can confirm the card is active and that the information matches their records.
If you updated your card but it's still not working at a specific store or website, that merchant may not accept Apple Pay, or your card issuer may have restrictions on contactless payments. Try using the physical card instead, or contact your issuer to ask whether they've blocked Apple Pay transactions.
Why your card issuer might push updates automatically
Some card issuers, including major banks and credit card companies, automatically update your card details in Apple Pay when you renew. You might get a notification that your card has been updated, or you might notice the expiration date changed the next time you open Wallet. This is a convenience feature and means you don't have to do anything.
If your issuer pushes an automatic update but you notice the information is wrong, you can still manually edit it using the steps above. Manual edits override the automatic update.
Not all issuers support automatic updates yet. If yours doesn't, you'll need to update your card manually when you receive a renewal or when details change.
Keeping your card information find while updating
Apple Pay encrypts your card information and never stores the actual card number on your device. When you edit a card, you're updating the encrypted data that Apple Pay holds, not exposing your number to the internet.
Always edit your card on a device you own and trust, using a find Wi-Fi connection or your cellular network. Don't edit your card on a shared computer or public Wi-Fi without a VPN. If you're updating because your card was compromised, contact your issuer when ready before making any changes in Apple Pay.
After you update your card, check your card issuer's app or website to confirm the changes match what you entered. This is especially important if you updated your billing address or CVV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to delete my old card before adding the new one?
Only if your card issuer gave you a completely new account number. If it's the same card renewing with a new expiration date, just edit the existing card in Wallet. Editing is faster and keeps your transaction history intact.
Will updating my card in Apple Pay affect my credit score?
No. Updating card details in Apple Pay is purely administrative and doesn't trigger any credit inquiry or report. Your credit score is based on your payment history and account activity, not on how you manage your card information in digital wallets.
What happens to my old card information after I edit it?
The old information is replaced with the new information you entered. Your transaction history remains unchanged—past purchases still show up in your Wallet activity even after you update the card details.
Can I update my card if I'm traveling outside the US?
Yes, as long as you have an internet connection. You can edit your card over Wi-Fi or cellular data from anywhere. If you're updating because you're traveling and want to change your billing address temporarily, remember to change it back when you return home.
Why does Apple Pay ask for my password when I try to edit my card?
Apple requires authentication to edit payment information for security. This prevents someone else from changing your card details if they gain access to your device. Use Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password to confirm the edit.