Change your payment method directly in account settings

You can change how Netflix charges you by going into your account settings on any device. The steps are the same whether you pay with a credit card, debit card, or other method — Netflix stores your payment information and lets you swap it out without cancelling your subscription.

The fastest way is through a web browser on a computer, but you can also change it on your phone or tablet if that is what you have in front of you right now. Netflix will not interrupt your service while you make the change, and your new payment method takes effect on your next billing date.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your payment method through account settings on Netflix.com, or through the Netflix app on your phone or tablet.
  • Your new payment method becomes active on your next billing date, not immediately.
  • If your current payment method fails, Netflix will try it again a few times before pausing your account — you have time to update it.
  • Changing your payment method does not change your plan, your password, or your watch history.
  • If you signed up through Apple, Google Play, or Amazon, you may need to update your payment method through that service instead of Netflix directly.

Steps to change your payment method on a computer

Open Netflix.com in any web browser and sign in with your email and password. Once you are on the home page, look for your profile icon in the top right corner — it is usually a circle with your name or initials in it. Click on it and select "Account" from the dropdown menu.

On the Account page, find the section labeled "Membership and billing" near the top. Under that section, you will see "Payment info" with your current payment method listed. Click on "Update payment method" or the pencil icon next to your payment details. Netflix will show you a form where you can enter your new card number, expiration date, and security code. Fill in the new information and click "Save" or "Update" at the bottom of the form.

Netflix will confirm the change with a message on screen. Your account will stay active the whole time, and you can start watching immediately. The new payment method will be charged on your next billing date, which Netflix shows you on the same Account page.

Steps to change your payment method on a phone or tablet

Open the Netflix app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner (on iPhone) or top right corner (on Android). Select "Account" from the menu. On the Account page, tap "Membership and billing" or "Payment info" — the exact wording depends on your device and Netflix version.

Tap "Update payment method" and enter your new card details in the form that appears. After you fill in the card number, expiration date, and security code, tap "Save" or "Update." Netflix will confirm the change and return you to your account page. Your new payment method will be charged on your next billing date.

If you cannot find the payment section in the app, try using a web browser instead. Some older phones or tablets have a simplified app version that does not show all account options, and the full website version works on any device.

What happens if you signed up through Apple, Google Play, or Amazon

If you created your Netflix account through the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Amazon Prime Video, your payment method is stored with that service, not with Netflix directly. Netflix cannot change it for you — you have to update it through the service you used to sign up.

For Apple: Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad, tap your name at the top, select "Payment and shipping," and update your card there. For Google Play: Open the Google Play app, tap your profile icon, go to "Payments and subscriptions," select "Payment methods," and update your card. For Amazon: Go to Amazon.com, click "Account and Lists," select "Your Account," then "Payment options," and update your card there.

After you update your payment method with that service, Netflix will automatically use the new card on your next billing date. You do not need to do anything in the Netflix app or website.

What to do if your payment method is declined

If Netflix tries to charge your card and it is declined, you will see a message in the app or on the website saying your payment method is not working. Netflix will try the charge again over the next few days — you are not locked out immediately. During this time, you can still watch, but Netflix will eventually pause your account if the payment keeps failing.

Update your payment method as soon as you see the message. If your card expired, you entered the wrong number, or your bank blocked the charge, fixing it in your account settings will let Netflix try again. Your account will resume within a few hours once the payment goes through.

If you do not have another card to use right now, contact Netflix support through the Help Center on Netflix.com. They can sometimes give you a few extra days to update your payment method before pausing your account, though this is not may provide.

Switching between different types of payment methods

Netflix takes most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards. You can also pay with PayPal if your account is set up that way. If you want to switch from a credit card to PayPal, or from one card to another, the process is the same — just enter the new payment information in your account settings.

Some countries and regions have additional payment options like local bank transfers or mobile payment services, but these vary by location. If you are trying to add a payment method that Netflix does not show as an option, it may not be available in your country. Check the payment info section of your account to see what methods Netflix accepts where you are.

Changing your payment method does not affect your subscription plan, your billing date, or any of your saved shows and movies. Everything else stays exactly the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my payment method cancel my subscription?

No. Changing your payment method does not cancel anything. Your subscription stays active, your watch history is saved, and you keep the same plan. The only thing that changes is which card Netflix charges on your next billing date.

When does Netflix charge my new payment method?

Netflix charges your new payment method on your next scheduled billing date, not immediately. You can see your billing date in the Account section under "Membership and billing." If your billing date is tomorrow and you update your card today, Netflix will charge the new card tomorrow.

Can I use a prepaid card or gift card to pay for Netflix?

You can use a prepaid debit card as long as it has a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover logo and is registered with your name and address. Netflix gift cards are different — they add credit to your account that Netflix deducts from each month, rather than charging a card directly. If you want to use a gift card, you add it in the Account section under "Redeem a gift card or promo code."

What if I want to remove my payment method without cancelling?

You cannot remove your payment method and keep your subscription active. Netflix requires a valid payment method on file to maintain any active plan. If you want to stop being charged, you would need to cancel your subscription. If you want to pause it temporarily, Netflix offers a pause option in some regions that holds your account for up to three months without charging you.

Do I need to update my password when I change my payment method?

No. Changing your payment method does not affect your password or login information. You stay signed in with the same email and password you have always used. If you want to change your password for security reasons, that is a separate step in the Account settings under "Login and protection."