Where to find your payment settings on Netflix

To change how Netflix charges you, log into your account on a web browser — the Netflix app on phones and tablets does not have a payment settings page. Go to your account menu (usually in the top right corner), select Account, then look for a section called Membership and billing or Billing info. The exact label varies depending on your region and subscription type.

Once you are in the billing section, you will see your current payment method listed. Netflix displays the last four digits of your card, the expiration date, or the email address tied to your payment account, depending on which method you use. Next to this information, there is usually an Edit or Change button. Click that button to start the process of adding a new payment method.

Key Takeaways

  • You must use a web browser to change your payment method — the Netflix mobile app does not have this option.
  • Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and prepaid gift cards, though accepted methods vary by country.
  • Your new payment method takes effect when ready, and Netflix will charge it on your next billing date.
  • If your current payment method fails, Netflix will attempt to charge your backup payment method if you have one on file.

Payment methods Netflix accepts

Netflix takes credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards in most countries. You can also pay through PayPal if your account is set up that way. Some regions allow prepaid gift cards issued by Netflix itself, which you purchase separately and redeem for a set number of months of service.

The payment methods available to you depend on where you live. For example, some countries offer payment through local digital wallets or carrier billing (charging Netflix to your phone bill). If you do not see a payment method you expected, it may not be available in your region. Netflix's payment options page in your account settings shows only the methods you can actually use.

Steps to add a new payment method

After clicking the Edit or Change button in your billing section, Netflix will ask you to enter the details of your new payment method. If you are adding a card, you will type in the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. If you are switching to PayPal, Netflix will redirect you to PayPal's site to log in and authorize the connection.

Once you submit the new payment information, Netflix processes it when ready. The site will confirm whether the payment method was accepted. If Netflix cannot verify your card (for example, if the security code is wrong or the billing address does not match the card issuer's records), it will tell you what went wrong and ask you to try again. Your new payment method becomes active right away, even if your current billing cycle has not ended yet.

What happens to your old payment method

When you add a new payment method, Netflix does not automatically delete your old one. Instead, your new method becomes your primary payment source, and the old one stays on file as a backup. This means if Netflix cannot charge your primary method on your next billing date, it will try the backup method instead.

If you want to remove your old payment method entirely, go back to the Membership and billing section after adding the new one. You should see an option to delete or remove the backup method. Netflix requires you to have at least one valid payment method on file at all times, so you cannot remove your only payment source.

When your new payment method takes effect

Netflix charges your account on the same day each month, based on when you first signed up or last renewed your subscription. If you change your payment method in the middle of a billing cycle, your current cycle continues to be charged to your old method (if it still works). Your new payment method will be charged starting on your next billing date.

For example, if your billing date is the 15th of each month and you change your payment method on the 8th, your old method will be charged on the 15th. Your new method will be charged on the 15th of the following month. Netflix sends a confirmation email when your payment method changes, so check your inbox to verify the update went through.

Troubleshooting a declined payment method

If Netflix cannot charge your new payment method, the most common reasons are a mistyped card number, an incorrect expiration date, or a billing address that does not match your card issuer's records. Netflix will show you an error message explaining what went wrong. Go back to your billing settings, click Edit, and correct the information.

If you keep getting a declined message even after checking the details, contact your bank or card issuer. They may have blocked the charge because it came from an unfamiliar merchant or because they flagged it as suspicious. Your bank can tell you whether they rejected Netflix's charge and why. Once your bank approves Netflix, try adding the payment method again in your account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple payment methods at the same time?

Netflix allows you to have one primary payment method and one backup method on file. If your primary method fails, Netflix automatically tries the backup. You cannot split a single bill across two cards or choose which card to use for each charge.

What if I want to pay with a different card but keep my current one as backup?

Add your new card in the billing section. It will become your primary method, and your current card will move to backup status. Both cards remain active until you manually remove one. You can remove the backup card anytime by going to your billing settings and selecting the delete option next to it.

Do I need to update my payment method if I get a new card with the same account?

Yes. Even if your new card is from the same bank and account, it has a different card number and expiration date. Netflix will not automatically recognize the new card. Log into your account and update your payment method with the new card details before your next billing date.

Will changing my payment method affect my subscription or viewing history?

No. Changing your payment method does not change your subscription plan, cancel your account, or affect your saved shows and watch history. Your profile and all your preferences stay exactly the same. Only the way Netflix charges you changes.

What happens if both my primary and backup payment methods fail?

Netflix will suspend your account temporarily and send you an email asking you to update your payment information. You can still watch content until your account is fully suspended, but you will see a message when you log in. Update your payment method as soon as you see the notice to restore full access without losing your subscription.