How to change your Netflix payment method

You can change how Netflix charges you by going to your account settings on any device where you're signed in. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use a web browser, phone app, or tablet, but the payment section is always in the same place: your Account menu.

On a web browser, sign in to Netflix, select your profile icon in the top right corner, and choose Account. Look for the "Billing info" section, which shows your current payment method. Click "Update payment method" to add a new card, remove an old one, or switch between cards you've already saved.

On the Netflix app for iPhone or Android, the process is more limited. You can view your payment method but cannot change it directly through the app. Instead, you'll need to open a web browser, go to netflix.com, sign in, and follow the web browser steps above. This is a Netflix policy, not a device limitation — the same restriction applies to all phones and tablets.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your payment method through your Account settings on Netflix's website, but not through the mobile app.
  • Netflix accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and in some regions PayPal, Google Play credits, or gift cards as payment methods.
  • Changes to your payment method take effect on your next billing date, not when ready.
  • If a payment fails, Netflix will attempt to charge the card again over several days before pausing your account.

What payment methods Netflix accepts

Netflix takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. You can use either a credit card or a debit card. If your card is issued outside the United States, it may still work, but some international cards are declined depending on the card issuer's fraud settings.

In addition to cards, Netflix accepts PayPal in most countries. To pay with PayPal, select it as your payment method during setup or when updating your billing info. You'll be asked to sign into your PayPal account to confirm the connection.

Some regions also accept Google Play credits (if you have an Android device) or Netflix gift cards. Gift cards work differently — they add a balance to your account that Netflix deducts from each month, rather than charging a payment method directly. Once the gift card balance runs out, you'll need to add a regular payment method to keep your subscription active.

When your payment method change takes effect

If you update your payment method before your billing date, Netflix will use the new method on your next scheduled charge. Your billing date doesn't change — only the card or account being charged changes.

For example, if your billing date is the 15th of each month and you update your payment method on the 10th, Netflix will charge the new card on the 15th. If you update it on the 16th (after the charge has already gone through), the new method won't be used until the 15th of the following month.

What happens if a payment fails

When Netflix can't charge your payment method, it doesn't when ready pause your account. Instead, Netflix tries again over the next few days. The exact number of retry attempts varies, but Netflix typically makes several attempts before taking action.

During this period, you can still watch Netflix normally. If all retry attempts fail, Netflix will pause your account and send you an email asking you to update your payment method. You have a grace period to fix the problem — Netflix doesn't specify an exact number of days, but accounts are usually paused within a week of the final failed attempt.

Once your account is paused, you cannot watch anything until you add a working payment method. Updating your payment method through your Account settings will reactivate your account when ready, and you won't lose your saved shows, watchlist, or viewing history.

Removing a payment method or switching between saved cards

If you've saved multiple payment methods to your Netflix account, you can choose which one Netflix charges each month. Go to Account, select "Billing info," and you'll see all saved payment methods listed. Select the one you want to use going forward.

To remove a payment method entirely, click the X or delete button next to it. You can only delete a card if you have at least one other payment method saved. Netflix requires you to always have at least one active payment method on file, even if you're using a gift card balance — this ensures your account can be charged once the gift card runs out.

Updating other billing information

Your billing address, email, and name can also be changed in your Account settings. These details don't affect whether Netflix charges you successfully, but some payment processors and credit card companies use them to verify transactions. If you recently moved or changed your name, updating this information can prevent payment declines.

To change your billing email, go to Account and look for "Email" or "Login email" — this is separate from your billing address. Your billing email is where Netflix sends your monthly receipt and payment confirmations. Changing it does not change the email you use to sign into Netflix itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my payment method on the Netflix app?

No. The Netflix app on phones and tablets only lets you view your current payment method. To change it, you must use a web browser and go to netflix.com, sign in, and update your payment method through your Account settings.

What if my card is declined and I don't know why?

Contact your bank or card issuer first — they can tell you whether they blocked the charge for fraud protection or another reason. Netflix's payment processor may also reject a card if the billing address doesn't match your bank's records. Updating your billing address in your Account settings may resolve the issue.

Do I lose my shows and watchlist if my payment fails?

No. Your account is paused, not deleted. Once you add a working payment method, your account reactivates when ready and everything — your watchlist, viewing history, saved shows, and profile settings — remains exactly as it was.

Can I use a prepaid card with Netflix?

Yes, prepaid cards work the same way as regular debit cards. Netflix charges them like any other card. If the prepaid card runs out of balance, the charge will fail and Netflix will ask you to update your payment method.

How do I know when Netflix will charge my card?

Your billing date is shown in your Account settings under "Billing info." Netflix charges you on that same date every month. You can also see your billing history and past charges in the same section.