Where to find your payment settings on Spotify
You can change your payment method directly in your Spotify account settings on any device — phone, tablet, or computer. The steps are the same whether you use the free tier or a paid subscription, though only paid accounts actually process payments.
On a computer, go to spotify.com, sign in, and click your profile name in the top right corner. Select "Account" from the dropdown menu. On the left side, you'll see "Billing" — click that. On a phone or tablet using the Spotify app, tap the home icon, then the gear icon for settings, scroll down to "Account", and select "Billing".
You'll see your current payment method listed under "Payment method". If you have an active subscription, you'll also see your next billing date and the amount you're charged.
Key Takeaways
- You can update your payment method through your account settings on Spotify's website or mobile app without cancelling your subscription.
- Spotify accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and in some regions gift cards or carrier billing through your phone provider.
- Changes take effect immediately, so your next billing cycle will charge the new payment method you add.
- If a payment fails, Spotify will retry it a few times before suspending your account, giving you time to update your method.
Adding a new credit or debit card
Click "Add a payment method" or the plus icon next to your current method. Enter your card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. Add your billing address — Spotify uses this to verify the card matches your account location.
Once you've entered the information, Spotify may place a small temporary charge (usually under $2) to verify the card is real. This charge drops off within a few days. After verification, the card is active and ready to use.
If you want to remove an old card, click the trash or delete icon next to it. You must have at least one payment method on file if you have a paid subscription, so add the new one before deleting the old one.
Switching to PayPal or other payment methods
If you'd rather use PayPal instead of a card, click "Add a payment method" and select PayPal from the list. You'll be sent to PayPal's site to authorize Spotify to charge your PayPal account. Once you authorize it, you're returned to Spotify and PayPal appears as your payment method.
In some countries, Spotify also offers carrier billing — charging the payment to your phone bill instead of a card. This option appears in the payment method list if your phone provider and location support it. Gift cards work differently: they add credit to your account balance rather than being a recurring payment method, so you'll still need a card or PayPal on file for when the balance runs out.
What happens if your payment fails
If Spotify can't charge your payment method, you'll receive an email letting you know. Spotify typically retries the charge several times over the next few days. During this period, your subscription stays active — you can still listen to music.
If all retry attempts fail, Spotify will suspend your account. You won't lose your playlists, followers, or saved songs, but you won't be able to play music until you update your payment method and the charge goes through. Once you add a working payment method, your subscription resumes immediately.
Updating payment information for family or student plans
If you're the account owner on a Spotify Family or Student plan, you manage the payment method for the entire group. Go to your billing settings the same way you would for an individual account. Any changes you make affect all family members on the plan.
If you're a family member but not the account owner, you can't change the payment method — only the account owner can. If the owner's payment method fails and the account is suspended, all members lose access until the owner updates it.
Preventing payment problems before they happen
Update your payment method before your card expires rather than waiting for a failed charge. Most cards show an expiration date, so you can add the new card a month or two before the old one stops working. Once the new card is active, delete the expired one.
If you're changing banks or getting a new card number, add the new card to Spotify as soon as you have it. Keep your billing address current in your account settings — if your address changes and doesn't match your card, Spotify may decline the charge as a fraud prevention measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a prepaid card or virtual card number with Spotify?
Yes, Spotify accepts most prepaid and virtual card numbers as long as they're Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. Some prepaid cards decline if they don't have a billing address on file, so make sure yours is set up before you try to add it to Spotify.
Will changing my payment method affect my subscription or playlists?
No. Your subscription continues without interruption, and all your playlists, saved songs, and followers stay exactly as they are. The change only affects how Spotify charges you going forward.
What if I want to pause my subscription instead of updating the payment method?
You can cancel your Spotify subscription from the same billing page where you manage payment methods. Your account and playlists are saved for 30 days, so you can reactivate later. You don't have to update your payment method if you're not planning to use the service.
How long does it take for a new payment method to start working?
A new payment method is active immediately after you add it. Your next scheduled billing charge will use the new method. If you add a card and Spotify needs to verify it with a small temporary charge, that happens right away, but the card is usable while verification is pending.
Can I have multiple payment methods active at the same time?
Yes. You can add several cards or PayPal to your account, and Spotify will use whichever one you've set as your primary method. You can change which one is primary in your billing settings, or delete any you no longer use.