Change your Netflix payment method from your account settings

You can change how Netflix charges you by going into your account settings and updating your payment information. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you pay with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Netflix will use your new payment method the next time your subscription renews.

You do not need to cancel your subscription or create a new account. Your viewing history, saved shows, and profile settings stay exactly as they are. The change only affects how the bill gets paid.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your payment method by signing into Netflix on a web browser, going to Account, and selecting Payment Info.
  • Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal, and you can add multiple payment methods to your account.
  • Your new payment method takes effect on your next billing date, not immediately.
  • If your payment fails, Netflix will pause your account and send you an email asking you to update your payment information.

Steps to update your payment method on a computer

Step 1: Sign in to Netflix on a web browser. Go to netflix.com and enter your email and password. Do not use the Netflix app on your phone or TV — you must use a web browser for this task.

Step 2: Click your profile icon in the top right corner. A menu will drop down. Select "Account" from this menu. This takes you to your account page where all your subscription settings live.

Step 3: Find the "Membership and billing" section. On your account page, scroll down until you see this section. Click "Change payment method" or "Update payment info" — the exact wording depends on your account type.

Step 4: Enter your new payment details. If you are adding a credit or debit card, type in the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. If you are switching to PayPal, click the PayPal option and sign into your PayPal account. Netflix will not charge you right away — it will use the new method on your next billing date.

How to change your payment method on a phone or tablet

The Netflix app on your phone does not let you change payment information. You have to use a web browser instead. Open Safari, Chrome, or whatever browser you normally use, go to netflix.com, and follow the same four steps above. The page will work on your phone screen, though it may look different than on a computer.

If you have trouble seeing the payment section on your phone, try rotating your screen to landscape mode. This makes the text larger and easier to tap.

What payment methods Netflix accepts

Netflix takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. You can also pay through PayPal, which is useful if you do not want to give Netflix your card number directly. Some accounts can also pay through a mobile carrier — for example, Verizon or T-Mobile customers may see a carrier billing option — but this depends on your location and plan type.

You can add more than one payment method to your Netflix account. This is helpful if your main card is about to expire or if you want to split the cost with someone else. Netflix will try your primary payment method first, and if it fails, it will try your backup method automatically.

What happens if your payment fails

If Netflix cannot charge your payment method, you will get an email saying your payment did not go through. Your account will not shut off right away. Netflix gives you a few days to fix the problem before it pauses your subscription.

To fix a failed payment, sign back into your account and update your payment information using the same steps above. If you add a working payment method within a few days, your service will keep running without interruption. If you wait too long, Netflix will pause your account and you will see a message asking for payment the next time you try to watch something.

Removing an old payment method

If you have added a new payment method and no longer need the old one, you can delete it from your account. Go to Account, select "Change payment method," and look for an option to remove or delete the old card. Netflix will only let you delete a payment method if you have at least one other method on file — you cannot leave your account with no way to pay.

If you are switching from one card to another, add the new card first, make sure it works, and then delete the old one. This prevents your account from pausing if something goes wrong during the switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my payment method interrupt my Netflix service?

No. Your subscription keeps working without any pause. Netflix will charge your new payment method on your next billing date, which is the same date you were charged before. Nothing changes except how the bill gets paid.

Can I change my payment method on the Netflix app?

No, the app does not have this feature. You must use a web browser like Safari or Chrome. Go to netflix.com, sign in, click your profile icon, select Account, and then find the payment section.

What if I want to pay with a different currency?

Netflix charges you in the currency of your country. If you move to a different country, your billing currency may change automatically. Your payment method must be valid in that country — for example, a US credit card may not work if you move to another region.

Can I use a gift card to pay for Netflix?

Netflix does not accept gift cards as a direct payment method. However, you can buy a Netflix gift card, redeem it to add credit to your account, and that credit will be used before your payment method is charged. Once the credit runs out, Netflix will charge your payment method as usual.

How long does it take for my new payment method to start working?

Your new payment method takes effect on your next billing date. If your billing date is in three weeks, Netflix will use your old payment method for that time and switch to the new one after. You can see your billing date in the Account section under "Membership and billing."