Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and gift cards as payment methods

Netflix charges a monthly subscription fee that varies by plan. You can pay using a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover credit or debit card linked directly to your account. You can also pay through PayPal, which acts as an intermediary between Netflix and your bank or card. Netflix gift cards, purchased at retailers or online, can be redeemed as account credit and used to cover your subscription cost.

The payment method you choose determines how Netflix bills you. If you use a card, Netflix charges it on the same date each month. If you use PayPal, Netflix charges PayPal, which then pulls the money from your linked bank account or card. If you use a gift card, the balance decreases each billing cycle until it runs out, at which point Netflix will ask you to add a new payment method.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and gift cards, and you can store multiple payment methods on one account.
  • Your billing date stays the same each month, and Netflix will attempt to charge your payment method automatically on that date.
  • If your payment method fails, Netflix will retry the charge and send you an email notification, but your service will pause if payment is not received within a set period.
  • You can update or remove a payment method at any time through your account settings, and Netflix will use the primary method you have selected.
  • If you share your account with others, only the account owner can change payment methods or billing information.

How to add or change your payment method

Log into your Netflix account on a web browser or the Netflix app. Go to Account settings, then select Billing. Under Payment Method, you will see your current payment option. Click Add Payment Method to add a new card, PayPal account, or gift card. If you want to replace your current method, select the payment method you want to use and click Make Primary. Netflix will use the primary method for your next billing date.

To remove a payment method entirely, click the trash icon next to it. You must have at least one payment method on file at all times. If you remove your only payment method, Netflix will ask you to add a new one before your next billing date arrives.

What happens when a payment fails

If Netflix cannot charge your payment method on your billing date, you will receive an email notification. Netflix will retry the charge over the next few days. During this time, you can still watch Netflix normally. If the charge continues to fail and Netflix cannot collect payment within a certain period, your account will pause and you will not be able to stream content.

Common reasons a payment fails include an expired card, insufficient funds, a card that has been reported lost or stolen, or a billing address that no longer matches your card issuer's records. Contact your bank or card issuer to confirm your card is active and has available funds. Then update your payment method in your Netflix account settings. Once Netflix successfully charges the new method, your service will resume when ready.

Updating your billing address and payment information

Your billing address must match the address on file with your card issuer. If you move or your address changes, update it in your Netflix account settings under Billing. Click on your payment method and edit the billing address. Netflix will verify the new address with your card issuer before your next charge.

If you receive a new card from your bank with a different number but the same account, you will need to update your Netflix payment method with the new card number. Your old card number will no longer work. If your card issuer sends you a replacement card with the same number but a new expiration date, update the expiration date in your Netflix settings.

Using Netflix gift cards as payment

Netflix gift cards can be purchased at most retailers that sell gift cards, including grocery stores, electronics stores, and online retailers. You can also buy them directly from Netflix.com. To redeem a gift card, go to your Account settings, select Billing, and click Redeem a Gift Card. Enter the code on the back of the card. The credit will be added to your account when ready and will be used to pay your subscription before any other payment method is charged.

Gift card credit does not expire as long as your Netflix account remains active. If your gift card balance runs out before your next billing date, Netflix will charge your primary payment method for the remaining balance. If you do not have a backup payment method on file, Netflix will ask you to add one.

Shared accounts and payment responsibility

Only the account owner can change payment methods, billing address, or subscription plan. If you share your Netflix account with family members or friends, they cannot modify the payment information. If the account owner wants to transfer billing responsibility to someone else, they must change the account email address and password so the new person can access the account settings.

Netflix does not split bills between multiple people. One payment method must cover the entire subscription cost. If you want separate billing, each person would need their own Netflix account with their own payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple payment methods on one Netflix account?

Yes. You can add multiple cards, PayPal, or gift cards to your account. Netflix will charge the payment method you have marked as primary. You can change which method is primary at any time in your account settings.

What should I do if Netflix keeps declining my card?

Contact your bank or card issuer to confirm your card is active, has available funds, and has not been flagged for fraud. Confirm your billing address matches your card issuer's records. Then update your payment method in Netflix settings. If the problem continues, try a different card or PayPal.

Can I pause my subscription instead of updating my payment method?

Yes. If you do not want to pay right now, you can pause your account for up to three months. Go to Account settings, select Membership, and click Pause Membership. Your account will not be charged during the pause period, and you can resume whenever you want.

Does Netflix save my full card number?

Netflix does not store your full card number. Payment information is encrypted and processed through find payment processors. Netflix stores only the last four digits of your card and the expiration date for your reference.

What if I want to cancel Netflix instead of updating my payment method?

You can cancel your account at any time in your Account settings under Membership. Click Cancel Membership and follow the prompts. You will not be charged again, and you can rejoin later if you want.