Where to find your payment settings on Netflix

You can change your payment method directly in your Netflix account settings on any device — phone, tablet, or computer. The steps are the same whether you use the Netflix app or the website.

Open Netflix and sign in to your account. Look for your profile icon or account menu, usually in the top right corner of the screen. Select "Account" or "Your Account" from the dropdown menu. This takes you to your account page, where you'll see a section labeled "Membership and Billing" or similar. Under that section, you'll find "Payment info" or "Payment method" — this is where you make changes.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your payment method through Account settings on any device where you use Netflix.
  • Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and in some regions, gift cards and mobile carrier billing.
  • Your new payment method takes effect immediately, and Netflix will charge it on your next billing date.
  • If your current payment method fails, Netflix will try the new one you add before canceling your subscription.

What payment methods Netflix accepts

Netflix takes most major credit and debit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also link a PayPal account, which is useful if you want to keep your card details away from Netflix's servers.

In some countries, Netflix also accepts payment through your mobile carrier — Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and others in the United States, plus carriers in other regions. A few countries can use Netflix gift cards as a payment method. The options available depend on where you live and which Netflix plan you have.

Adding a new payment method without removing the old one

When you go to your payment info page, you'll see an option to add a new payment method. You don't have to delete your current one first. Netflix lets you keep multiple payment methods on file, which is helpful if one card expires or stops working.

After you add a new card or PayPal account, Netflix will ask you to set it as your primary payment method — the one it will charge first. If you want to keep your old method as a backup, you can leave it there. Netflix will only use it if the primary method fails.

When your new payment method takes effect

The change happens immediately. If you update your payment method on the 15th of the month but your billing date is the 20th, Netflix will charge your new method on the 20th. You won't see a charge right away unless you're updating your method because the old one failed — in that case, Netflix may attempt to charge you within a day or two to confirm the new card works.

If you're switching because your current card is expiring or has been declined, update it as soon as you notice the problem. Netflix will keep trying to charge the old method until it succeeds or you change it. Once you add a working payment method, your subscription stays active without interruption.

Removing an old payment method

You can delete a payment method from your account, but only if you have another one set as your primary. Netflix requires at least one active payment method on file to keep your subscription running.

Go to your payment info page, find the card or PayPal account you want to remove, and select the delete or remove option. If you're trying to delete your only payment method, Netflix will prompt you to add a new one first. Once you've added a replacement and set it as primary, you can delete the old one.

Fixing a declined payment method

If Netflix can't charge your current payment method, you'll see a message in your account or in an email saying your payment failed. This usually happens because the card expired, you've moved and your bank flagged the charge as suspicious, or you've reached your credit limit.

The fastest fix is to add a different payment method — a different card, PayPal, or your mobile carrier if available. Set it as primary, and Netflix will charge it on the next billing cycle. If you want to keep using the same card, contact your bank to find out why the charge was declined, fix the issue, and then update your payment method in Netflix to confirm it works.

Changing your plan and payment method at the same time

You can update both your plan and your payment method in the same visit to your account settings. Go to "Membership and Billing," change your plan first if you want to, then update your payment method. The new plan price will be charged to your new payment method on your next billing date.

If you're downgrading to a cheaper plan, the change takes effect immediately, but you won't see a refund for the current month. If you're upgrading, Netflix will charge you the difference right away on your current payment method, then switch to your new method for future charges. Check your account page to confirm both changes went through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my payment method interrupt my Netflix service?

No. Your subscription stays active the entire time. Netflix charges your new payment method on your regular billing date, and you can watch without any break in service. If you're updating because your current card was declined, adding a working payment method will restore your access immediately.

Can I use a prepaid card or gift card on Netflix?

Prepaid cards and debit cards work the same way as regular credit cards on Netflix — just enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Netflix gift cards are accepted in some countries but not all. Check your account's payment options to see if gift cards are available in your region.

What happens if I add a new payment method but forget to set it as primary?

Netflix will keep charging your old payment method until you change the primary method in your account settings. Go back to your payment info page, find the new card or PayPal account, and select "Make Primary" or the equivalent option. Your next charge will go to the new method.

Can I change my payment method on the Netflix app?

Yes, but the steps vary slightly depending on whether you use iOS, Android, or another platform. Open the app, go to your profile, select Account, then Payment Info. The process is the same as on a computer, though the menu layout may look different on a phone screen.

Do I need to update my payment method if I'm using a Netflix gift card?

If your gift card balance covers your full subscription cost, you don't need another payment method. Once the gift card balance runs out, Netflix will ask you to add a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account to keep your subscription active.