Change your Netflix payment card in your account settings
To change the credit card Netflix charges, log into your account on any web browser or the Netflix app, go to your Account settings, and select "Billing" or "Payment method." From there, you can add a new card, remove an old one, or switch which card is active. The change takes effect immediately, so your next billing cycle will charge the new card instead.
Netflix does not charge you a fee to update your payment method. The process takes about two minutes and requires only your new card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back.
If you are switching cards because your current one is expiring, you can update it before the expiration date to avoid any interruption to your service. Netflix will send you a reminder email if a card on file is about to expire, but you do not have to wait for that notice to make the change yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Netflix account, navigate to Account settings, and select Billing or Payment method to add or change your card.
- Netflix charges the new card starting with your next billing cycle, which may not be immediate if you are mid-cycle.
- You can store multiple cards in your Netflix account and switch between them without closing your subscription.
- If your card is declined when Netflix tries to charge it, your service will pause until you update the payment method with a working card.
What happens if Netflix cannot charge your current card
If your card is declined or expired, Netflix will attempt to charge it a few times over several days. If all attempts fail, Netflix will pause your account and send you an email asking you to update your payment method. You cannot watch anything until you add a working card.
Netflix does not charge late fees or penalties. Once you update your payment method, your service resumes immediately. If you were paused for more than a month, Netflix may delete your profile and viewing history, though your account itself remains open.
Adding a new card without removing the old one
Netflix lets you store more than one card at a time. You can add a new card in your Billing settings without deleting the old one, then choose which card you want to be the primary payment method. This is useful if you are switching cards gradually or want to keep a backup card on file.
To add a second card, go to Account settings, select Billing, and look for an option to "Add payment method" or "Add a card." Enter the new card details and confirm. Then return to the same screen and select which card should be charged first.
Removing a card from your Netflix account
You can remove a card from your account only if you have at least one other card stored. Netflix requires that your account always have an active payment method on file. If you try to delete your only card, Netflix will not allow it.
To remove a card, go to Account settings, select Billing, find the card you want to delete, and look for a "Remove" or trash icon next to it. Confirm the deletion. The card will no longer be charged, and Netflix will use your primary card instead.
Updating your card if you received a new one with the same account number
If your bank issued you a replacement card with the same account number but a new expiration date or security code, you will need to update those details in Netflix. Even though the card number is the same, Netflix's system requires the current expiration date and security code to process charges.
Log into your Account settings, select Billing, find the card that needs updating, and edit the expiration date and security code. You do not need to delete and re-add the card. Save the changes, and Netflix will use the updated information on your next billing date.
Switching to a debit card or different card type
Netflix accepts most major credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards. You can switch from a credit card to a debit card, or from one card type to another, using the same process: add the new card in your Billing settings and set it as your primary payment method.
If you are using a prepaid card, make sure it has enough balance before your Netflix billing date. Netflix will attempt to charge on the same day each month, and if the prepaid card does not have sufficient funds, the charge will be declined and your service will pause.
What to do if you cannot access your Netflix account to change the card
If you forgot your Netflix password or cannot log in, you can reset your password by going to the Netflix login page and selecting "Forgot password?" Enter the email address associated with your account, and Netflix will send you a link to create a new password. Once you have reset it, log in and update your payment method as usual.
If you do not remember the email address linked to your account, or if you no longer have access to that email, contact Netflix support through their website. You will need to verify your identity with information like your account creation date or the last four digits of a card you previously used. Netflix support can help you regain access to your account so you can update the payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Netflix charge me right away when I add a new card?
No. Netflix charges your new card on your regular billing date, not when you add it. If you are mid-cycle, the new card will not be charged until your next billing cycle begins. You can see your billing date in your Account settings under Billing.
Can I change my Netflix card on the mobile app?
Yes. Open the Netflix app, go to your profile menu, select Account, then Billing or Payment method. The steps are the same as on a web browser. Some older app versions may require you to use a web browser instead, but most current versions support card changes directly in the app.
What if my new card is declined by Netflix?
Contact your bank first to make sure they are not blocking the charge. Some banks flag streaming services as suspicious. Once your bank approves Netflix charges, try updating the card again. If it is still declined, try a different card or contact Netflix support for help troubleshooting the issue.
Will changing my card affect my Netflix profile or viewing history?
No. Updating your payment method does not change anything about your account, profiles, or watch history. All your saved shows, recommendations, and viewing progress remain exactly the same.
Can I use a card from a different country on my Netflix account?
Netflix requires that your billing address and payment method match the country where your account is registered. If you move to a different country, you will need to update your account location and billing address, and use a card from that country. Contact Netflix support if you are moving internationally and need help updating your account.