How to change your Netflix payment method
You can change the card, bank account, or other payment method Netflix charges each month by going to your account settings on any device. The process takes about two minutes and takes effect on your next billing date. Netflix will stop charging your old payment method and start charging the new one automatically — you do not need to cancel and restart your subscription.
The steps are the same whether you pay with a credit card, debit card, PayPal, or a gift card balance. You can also add a backup payment method so Netflix has a second option if the first one fails.
Key Takeaways
- You change your payment method in Account Settings under Membership & Billing, not in a separate payments app.
- The new payment method takes effect on your next billing date, which Netflix shows you in the same screen where you update your card.
- Netflix will keep trying to charge your old payment method if you do not remove it, so delete it after you add the new one.
- If your payment fails, Netflix will pause your account and send you an email with a link to update your payment method before your shows disappear.
Steps to change your payment method on Netflix
Start by signing into Netflix on any web browser or the Netflix app on your phone, tablet, or TV. Go to your profile icon in the top right corner (on a computer) or the menu icon (on a phone or tablet) and select Account.
Once you are in your account page, look for the section called Membership & Billing. Click or tap on Change payment method or Update payment info — the exact wording depends on your device and Netflix region. Netflix will show you your current payment method and your next billing date.
Enter your new payment information. If you are switching to a different card, type in the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). If you are switching to PayPal, Netflix will open PayPal in a new window to confirm the connection. After you enter the new details, click Save or Update.
Netflix will confirm the change and show you when the new payment method takes effect. You can now delete your old payment method if you want Netflix to stop trying to charge it. Some people keep an old card on file as a backup in case the new one fails, but this is optional.
What happens to your subscription when you change payment methods
Your Netflix subscription does not pause or restart. You keep watching everything you were watching before, and your profile, watch history, and saved shows stay exactly the same. The only thing that changes is which card or account Netflix charges on your next billing date.
If you change your payment method in the middle of a billing cycle — for example, on the 15th of the month when your next charge is on the 20th — Netflix will charge the new method on the 20th. You will not be charged twice or have your billing date move.
What to do if your new payment method is declined
If Netflix tries to charge your new payment method and it fails, Netflix will send you an email saying your payment could not go through. Your account will stay active for a short time while you fix the problem, but Netflix will eventually pause your account if the payment is not resolved.
Open the email Netflix sent you and click the link to update your payment method again. You can try the same card a second time, switch to a different card, or use PayPal or another method. Once Netflix successfully charges the new method, your account will stay active and you will not lose any of your shows or settings.
If you do not see an email from Netflix, sign into your account and go back to Membership & Billing to check the payment status. Netflix will tell you there if a payment failed and give you a button to update your information right away.
Adding a backup payment method
Netflix lets you save more than one payment method on your account. This means if your main card is declined, Netflix can automatically try a backup card before pausing your account. To add a backup, go to Membership & Billing and look for an option to Add payment method or Add another way to pay.
Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV for the backup card, then save it. Netflix will show you both payment methods in your Membership & Billing section. The first one in the list is your primary method — Netflix charges that one first. If it fails, Netflix tries the second one automatically.
You can remove a backup payment method at any time by going back to Membership & Billing and clicking the delete or remove button next to it. Netflix will not charge a card you have removed.
Switching from a gift card to a regular payment method
If you have been paying with Netflix gift cards and want to switch to a credit card or debit card instead, the process is the same. Go to Membership & Billing, click Change payment method, and enter your card details. Netflix will charge your card starting on your next billing date.
If you still have a gift card balance on your account, Netflix will use that balance first before charging your card. Once the gift card balance runs out, Netflix will charge your regular payment method. You can check your remaining gift card balance in the same Membership & Billing section.
Payment methods Netflix accepts
Netflix takes most major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also pay through PayPal, which lets you use any payment method you have linked to your PayPal account. Some regions also offer payment through mobile carriers or local payment services, though these vary by country.
Netflix does not take checks, wire transfers, or cash. If you want to pay without a card, PayPal is your best option because it can connect to a bank account directly. You can also use Netflix gift cards, which you buy at retail stores or online and redeem in your account settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my payment method cancel my subscription?
No. Your subscription stays active the entire time. You keep your profile, watch history, and all your shows. Only the payment method changes — everything else about your account stays the same.
How long does it take for the new payment method to start working?
It takes effect on your next billing date. Netflix will show you that date in the Membership & Billing section right after you save the new payment method. You will not be charged until that date arrives.
Can I change my payment method on my phone or TV, or do I need a computer?
You can change it on any device — phone, tablet, computer, or TV. The steps are the same. Just sign into your account, go to Account Settings, find Membership & Billing, and update your payment method.
What if I want to remove my payment method without adding a new one?
You cannot have a Netflix account with no payment method on file. Netflix requires at least one way to pay. If you want to stop paying, you would need to cancel your subscription instead. You can always restart it later.
Will Netflix charge me twice if I change my payment method right before my billing date?
No. Netflix charges you once per billing cycle, on the same date each month. Changing your payment method does not create an extra charge or move your billing date. The new method will be charged on your regular billing date.