The quickest way to update a card on PayPal
Log into your PayPal account on a web browser or the mobile app, go to Wallet, find the card you want to change, and select Edit. You can update the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address right there. If you want to replace the card entirely with a different one, you can delete the old card and add a new one instead. The change takes effect when ready for new transactions.
The process is the same whether you're updating because your card was replaced by your bank, the expiration date changed, or you straightforward want to use a different card for PayPal purchases. PayPal does not charge you to make this change.
Key Takeaways
- You can update card details by going to Wallet, selecting the card, and clicking Edit — the change is live right away.
- If your card was compromised or you want to stop using it, delete it from your Wallet rather than just updating it.
- PayPal may ask you to confirm a small deposit to your bank account if you add a new card, which takes a few business days.
- If you cannot edit a card because it is linked to an active subscription or recurring payment, you must update the card through that subscription's settings instead.
Step-by-step: updating an existing card
Open PayPal on a web browser and sign in. Click the gear icon in the top right corner, then select Wallet from the menu. You will see a list of all payment methods linked to your account — cards, bank accounts, and any other sources.
Find the card you want to update and click on it. A details panel will open showing the card number (partially masked), expiration date, and billing address. Click the Edit button. You can now change any of these fields: the full card number, expiration month and year, CVV (the three-digit security code on the back), and the billing zip code or full address.
Make your changes and click Save. PayPal will confirm the update, and the new information is active when ready. You do not need to re-enter this card for your next purchase — PayPal remembers it.
Updating a card on the PayPal mobile app
The mobile app process is nearly identical. Open the PayPal app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, and select Wallet. Tap the card you want to change, then tap Edit. Update the fields you need to change and tap Save.
Some users find the mobile app layout slightly different depending on whether they use iOS or Android, but the Edit and Save buttons are in the same place on both. If you have trouble finding Wallet on the app, try searching "wallet" in the app's search bar.
When you need to delete a card instead of updating it
If your card was compromised, stolen, or you straightforward do not want to use it anymore, deleting it is safer than just updating it. Go to Wallet, select the card, and look for a Delete or Remove option (usually at the bottom of the card details). PayPal will ask you to confirm the deletion. Once deleted, the card cannot be used on your account.
Deleting a card from PayPal does not close the card itself or affect your bank account — it only removes PayPal's access to that card. Your bank still has the card on file, and you can use it anywhere else.
Adding a new card if you want to replace the old one
After you delete an old card, you can add a new one right away. In Wallet, click Link a Card or Add a Card (the button name varies slightly). Enter the new card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address. Click Link Card or Add.
PayPal may ask you to confirm the new card by making a small deposit to your bank account. You will see two small amounts (usually under $1 each) posted to your bank statement within a few business days. Log back into PayPal, go to the card details, and enter those two amounts to confirm you own the card. This step is a security measure and is required only for new cards, not for updating an existing one.
Updating a card linked to subscriptions or recurring payments
If your card is set up for a subscription (like a streaming service billed through PayPal) or a recurring payment you have authorized, you may not be able to edit it directly from Wallet. Instead, you must update it through the subscription or payment settings.
To find these settings, go to Settings (the gear icon), then select Payments or Subscriptions depending on what you are looking for. Find the subscription or recurring payment in the list, click on it, and look for an option to update the payment method. This ensures the new card information is linked to that specific recurring charge, not just to your general PayPal account.
What happens if you do not update an expired card
If your card expires and you do not update it, PayPal will try to process your next purchase using the old card number. The transaction will fail, and you will see an error message asking you to update your payment method. You can fix this by updating the card right then, or you can do it ahead of time to avoid the failed transaction.
If a card is set to expire soon, PayPal sometimes sends you a reminder email. You do not have to wait for that reminder — you can update the card as soon as your bank sends you a replacement card with a new expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does updating my card on PayPal affect my bank account or credit score?
No. Updating card information on PayPal is purely administrative — it does not trigger a credit check, charge your account, or show up on your credit report. Your bank and credit card company do not see that you updated the card on PayPal.
What if I see an error message when I try to save the updated card?
The most common error is an incorrect CVV or billing zip code. Double-check both against your physical card or your bank's website. If the card number itself is new, make sure you entered all the digits correctly. If the error persists, contact your bank to confirm the card is active and has not been flagged for fraud.
Can I set a default card if I have multiple cards on PayPal?
Yes. In Wallet, click on the card you want to use by default and look for a Make Primary or Set as Default option. PayPal will use this card for purchases unless you manually choose a different one at checkout.
How long does it take for an updated card to work?
An updated card is active when ready. You can use it for your next purchase right away. If you added a brand-new card and PayPal asks you to confirm it with a deposit, you will need to wait for those deposits to appear in your bank account (usually two to five business days) before you can confirm and use the card.
What if I updated my card but PayPal still shows the old information?
Try logging out completely and logging back in. Sometimes the page does not refresh right away. If the old information still appears after you log back in, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then log in again. If the problem continues, contact PayPal support with a screenshot of what you are seeing.