How to Update or Change Your Credit Card on iPhone

Where to find and change your card in iPhone settings

Your iPhone stores payment methods in the Wallet app and in iCloud settings. To change the card you use for purchases, you go to one of two places depending on what you're paying for: the Wallet app handles Apple Pay transactions, while Settings handles your iTunes and App Store purchases.

For Apple Pay, open the Wallet app, tap the card you want to replace, tap the three dots in the top right corner, scroll down, and select "Remove This Card." Then tap the plus sign to add a new card. For iTunes and App Store purchases, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases > Payment Method, then tap your current card to change it.

Both processes take less than a minute once you have your new card's details in front of you. You'll need the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back).

Key Takeaways

Apple Pay cards live in the Wallet app; iTunes and App Store cards live in Settings under your Apple ID.
Removing an old card from Wallet does not close the card itself — it only stops Apple Pay from using it.
Your bank may ask you to verify the new card with a small temporary charge or a code sent to your phone.
If a card fails during a purchase, your iPhone will prompt you to update it before the transaction can complete.

Removing a card from Apple Pay

Open the Wallet app on your home screen. You'll see all cards currently linked to Apple Pay displayed as a stack. Tap the card you want to remove.

In the top right corner of the card details screen, tap the three dots (the menu button). Scroll down to the bottom of the menu and tap "Remove This Card." A confirmation message will appear asking if you're sure. Tap "Remove" again to confirm.

The card is now removed from Apple Pay, but the card account itself remains open with your bank. You can still use the physical card or access the account online. Removing it from Wallet only stops your iPhone from using it for contactless payments.

Adding a new card to Apple Pay

After removing the old card, tap the plus sign in the Wallet app to add a new one. You can either type in the card details manually or use your iPhone's camera to scan the card number, expiration date, and CVV automatically.

If you scan, hold your iPhone steady about 6 inches from the card and let the camera read the numbers. If you type manually, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV exactly as they appear on the card. Then tap "Next."

Your bank may ask you to verify the card. Some banks send a code to your phone or email; others charge a small temporary amount (usually under $1) to confirm the card is real. Once verified, the card is active in Apple Pay and ready to use.

Changing your card for App Store and iTunes purchases

Open Settings and tap your name at the top. Select "Media & Purchases." You may be asked to sign in with your Apple ID password. Once you're in, tap "Payment Method."

Your current payment method will be displayed. Tap it to edit. You can change to a different card, remove the card entirely, or add a new one. If you're switching to a new card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV, then tap "Done."

This payment method is used for all App Store purchases, in-app purchases, iCloud storage upgrades, and Apple Music or other Apple subscriptions. Changing it here does not affect Apple Pay or any other payment method you use elsewhere on your iPhone.

What happens if a card expires or fails

If a card on file expires or your bank declines a payment, your iPhone will notify you the next time you try to make a purchase. A message will appear saying the payment method is invalid or expired. You'll be prompted to update it before the transaction can go through.

For Apple Pay, the notification appears at the moment you try to pay in a store or app. For App Store purchases, you'll see the message when you try to download an app or renew a subscription. In both cases, you must update the card before proceeding.

If you ignore the notification and don't update the card, subscriptions may fail to renew, and you won't be able to make purchases until you add a working payment method.

Verifying a new card with your bank

Most banks require verification when you add a card to Apple Pay or your Apple ID for the first time. The verification method depends on your bank's security setup.

Some banks send a one-time code via text message or email. You'll enter this code into your iPhone to confirm the card is yours. Other banks charge a small temporary amount (typically 25 cents to $1) to your new card and ask you to confirm the exact amount in your bank's app or website. A few banks use neither method and approve the card immediately.

Verification usually completes within a few minutes. If your bank doesn't contact you within an hour, check your email and text messages for a code, or log into your bank's app to see if they're waiting for you to confirm something there.

Managing multiple cards on your iPhone

You can store multiple cards in Apple Pay and set one as your default. When you pay with Apple Pay, your default card is used unless you tap to select a different one before completing the transaction.

To change your default card in Wallet, tap and hold the card you want to make default, then drag it to the front of the stack. The first card in the stack is always the default. You can also have different default cards for different devices — your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch can each have their own default.

For App Store and iTunes purchases, you can only have one payment method on file at a time. If you want to use a different card, you must go back to Settings and change it manually before making the purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does removing a card from Wallet close the card account?

No. Removing a card from Apple Pay only stops your iPhone from using it for contactless payments. The card account stays open with your bank, and you can still use the physical card or manage the account online. To close the card, you must contact your bank directly.

Can I use the same card on multiple devices?

Yes. You can add the same card to Apple Pay on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Each device can have a different default card, or they can all use the same one. Your bank may ask you to verify the card on each device the first time you add it.

What if my bank won't let me add the card to Apple Pay?

Some banks have restrictions on which cards can be added to Apple Pay, or they may require you to verify through their own app first. Contact your bank's customer service to ask if your card is supported. If it's not, you can still use the card for App Store purchases by adding it to your Apple ID payment method instead.

Will changing my card affect my subscriptions?

If you change the card linked to your Apple ID, your active subscriptions will automatically use the new card for renewal. If the new card fails, the subscription will pause until you update the payment method again. Your subscription dates and prices do not change.

Can I delete my payment method entirely and use only gift cards?

Yes. You can remove all cards from your Apple ID and use only gift card balances for purchases. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases > Payment Method and select "None." You'll need a gift card balance to make any purchases, and subscriptions cannot be renewed without a payment method on file.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.