Go to Settings, then Wallet & Apple Pay, then update your card details
The fastest way to change the credit card linked to your Apple Account is through your device settings. Open Settings, tap Wallet & Apple Pay, then select the card you want to replace. From there you can delete it and add a new one, or edit the existing card's details if only the number or expiration date has changed.
If you use your Apple Account for purchases on the App Store, iTunes, or iCloud services, the card you set here is what Apple will charge. You can have multiple cards saved at once and choose which one to use for each purchase, or set a default card that charges automatically.
The process takes about two minutes and does not require you to contact Apple support. Your old card remains on file until you delete it, so you can switch back if needed.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Apple Account card through Settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac without calling support.
- Apple stores multiple cards at once, so you can add a new card without deleting the old one first.
- Changes take effect when ready for new purchases, but subscriptions and recurring charges may take a billing cycle to switch over.
- If you are updating a card that is about to expire, edit the existing card rather than deleting and re-adding it to keep your purchase history intact.
Update your card on iPhone or iPad
Open the Settings app and scroll down to find Wallet & Apple Pay. Tap it, then look for the card you want to change. If you want to replace it with a different card entirely, tap the card, then scroll to the bottom and tap Remove Card. After you remove it, tap the plus icon at the top of the Wallet & Apple Pay screen to add a new card.
To edit an existing card without removing it — for example, if the number or expiration date has changed — tap the card, then tap Edit in the top right corner. Update the card number, expiration date, or CVV as needed, then tap Done. Apple will verify the new information with your bank, which usually takes a few seconds.
If you have multiple cards saved, you can set which one is your default by tapping a card and selecting Set as Default. This is the card Apple will charge for App Store purchases and subscriptions unless you choose a different one at checkout.
Update your card on Mac
On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), then click Wallet & Apple Pay in the sidebar. You will see all your saved cards listed. Click the card you want to change, then click Edit to update the number, expiration date, or CVV.
To remove a card entirely, click it, then click the minus button at the bottom of the window. To add a new card, click the plus button. You will be asked to enter the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address. Apple will send a verification code to your phone or email once you finish entering the details.
The changes sync across all your Apple devices within a few minutes, so you do not need to update the card separately on your iPhone or iPad.
Update your card through your Apple ID website
You can also change your card by logging into your Apple ID account online at appleid.apple.com. Sign in with your Apple ID and password, then click Payment and Shipping in the left sidebar. You will see all the payment methods on file for your account.
Click the card you want to edit, update the details, and click Save. To remove a card, click it and then click Remove. To add a new card, click Add Payment Method and enter the card information. Apple will verify the card with your bank before it becomes active.
This method works from any computer or phone with a web browser, so it is useful if you do not have access to your Apple device at the moment you need to make the change.
What happens to subscriptions and recurring charges when you change your card
If you have active subscriptions — such as Apple Music, iCloud storage, or app subscriptions — they will continue to charge on their normal schedule. The new card you add will not automatically take over these charges right away. Instead, Apple will attempt to charge your old card first. If that fails, it will try the new card on the next billing date.
If you want to make sure a subscription charges to your new card when ready, you can go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions, tap the subscription, and tap Update Payment Method. This forces the change to take effect for that specific subscription without waiting for the next billing cycle.
For one-time purchases on the App Store or iTunes, the new card will be used the next time you buy something, or you can select it manually at checkout.
Troubleshooting: Card not accepted or verification fails
If Apple rejects your card during the verification step, the most common reasons are a mistyped card number, an expired card, or a mismatch between the billing address you entered and the address your bank has on file. Double-check the card number, expiration date, and CVV, then try again.
If the card is correct but still fails, contact your bank to confirm they have not blocked the transaction. Some banks flag Apple as a merchant and require you to approve it before the card will work. Your bank can also tell you whether there are any holds or fraud alerts on the account.
If you see an error message that says "Payment method not accepted," try removing the card and adding it again from scratch. Sometimes the verification process works the second time. If it continues to fail, try a different card or contact Apple Support through your device settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one card saved to my Apple Account?
Yes. You can save as many cards as you want. At checkout on the App Store or iTunes, you can choose which card to use, or set one as your default so it charges automatically. This is useful if you have a work card and a personal card, or if you want to keep an old card active while you transition to a new one.
Will changing my card affect my App Store purchase history?
No. Your purchase history stays with your Apple ID regardless of which card you use. If you delete a card instead of just updating it, your history remains intact. The card is only a payment method; it does not store your apps or data.
How long does it take for Apple to verify a new card?
Verification usually happens within seconds to a few minutes. Apple contacts your bank to confirm the card is valid and that the billing address matches. If it takes longer than five minutes, try removing the card and adding it again, or contact your bank to make sure they have not blocked the transaction.
What if I want to use a different card for subscriptions than for app purchases?
You can set a default card in Wallet & Apple Pay, but subscriptions and purchases will both use that default unless you manually select a different card at checkout. To use different cards for different purposes, you would need to change your default card each time, or manually select a card every time you make a purchase.
Do I need to update my card if I only use Apple Pay, not the App Store?
No. Apple Pay and your App Store payment method are separate. You can update your Apple Pay cards in Wallet & Apple Pay without affecting your App Store card, and vice versa. If you only use Apple Pay and never buy apps, you do not need to update anything in your Apple ID payment settings.