How to change your Netflix payment method
You can change how Netflix charges you by going into your account settings and selecting a new payment method. Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and gift cards depending on where you live. The change takes effect when ready, so your next billing date will use the new payment method you entered.
The steps are the same whether you're on a phone, tablet, or computer. You'll need your Netflix password and the details of the new payment method ready before you start.
Key Takeaways
- You can update your payment method from your account settings without canceling your subscription or losing your profile.
- Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and prepaid gift cards, though options vary by country.
- Changes to your payment method take effect right away and explore to your next billing date.
- If your current payment method fails, Netflix will send you an email and give you a window to update it before your service pauses.
- You can save multiple payment methods on your account and choose which one to use for billing.
Step-by-step: updating your payment method on any device
Start by signing into your Netflix account. Go to your account settings — this is usually found by clicking your profile icon in the top right corner and selecting "Account" from the menu.
Once you're in your account page, look for a section labeled "Membership and billing" or "Billing." Click on "Payment method" or "Update payment method." Netflix will show you the payment method currently on file.
Click the option to add or change your payment method. Enter the details of your new card or PayPal account. If you're using a credit or debit card, you'll need the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. For PayPal, Netflix will direct you to log into your PayPal account to confirm the connection.
After you enter the new information, Netflix will process it and confirm the change. You'll see a confirmation message on screen. Your next billing charge will use this new payment method.
What payment methods Netflix accepts
Netflix takes most major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also use a debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo. PayPal is available in most countries and lets you pay using your PayPal balance or a linked bank account.
Netflix gift cards work as a prepaid option. When you redeem a gift card code, the balance is added to your account and Netflix deducts your monthly subscription cost from it. Once the balance runs out, you'll need to add a credit card, debit card, or PayPal to keep your subscription active.
Some regions also accept direct bank transfers or local payment methods like iDEAL in the Netherlands or Boleto in Brazil. The payment options shown in your account settings reflect what's available in your country.
What happens if your payment method is declined
If Netflix tries to charge your payment method and it fails, you'll receive an email notification. Netflix will typically give you a grace period — usually several days — to update your payment information before your service pauses.
During this window, you can log into your account and add a new payment method. Netflix will attempt to charge the new method, and if it goes through, your service continues without interruption. If you don't update your payment method before the grace period ends, your account will pause and you won't be able to watch anything until you add a working payment method.
Pausing your account doesn't delete your profiles, watch history, or saved titles. When you update your payment method and resume, everything is still there.
Saving multiple payment methods
Netflix lets you store more than one payment method on your account. This is useful if you want to switch between a credit card and PayPal, or if you have a backup card in case one is declined.
To add a second payment method without removing the first one, go to your account settings and select "Payment method." Look for an option to "Add payment method" or "Add another way to pay." Enter the new card or PayPal details. Netflix will save both methods, and you can choose which one to use for billing.
You can remove a payment method at any time, but you must have at least one active payment method on file to keep your subscription active. If you remove your only payment method, Netflix will ask you to add a new one.
Updating your payment method on the Netflix app
The Netflix app on your phone or tablet doesn't let you change your payment method directly through the app itself. Instead, you'll need to open a web browser and go to the Netflix website, then log into your account and follow the steps above.
This is a security measure Netflix uses to protect your payment information. The app can show you what payment method is on file, but any changes have to happen through the website.
On some devices, like an iPhone or Android phone, you may see an option to manage your subscription through the app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) instead of through Netflix directly. If you subscribed through an app store, you'll need to update your payment method through that store's settings, not through Netflix's website.
Changing your billing address
Your billing address is usually tied to your payment method. When you update your credit card or debit card, Netflix may ask you to confirm or enter your billing address again. This address should match what your bank or card issuer has on file.
If you need to change your billing address without changing your payment method, go to your account settings and look for "Billing address" or "Account information." Some regions let you update this separately; others require you to update your payment method to change the address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating my payment method cancel my subscription?
No. Updating your payment method does not cancel your subscription or affect your account in any way. Your profiles, watch history, and saved titles all stay the same. The change only affects how Netflix charges you going forward.
Can I use a prepaid card with Netflix?
Yes, prepaid cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo work the same way as regular debit cards. Make sure the card has enough balance to cover your monthly subscription cost when Netflix tries to charge it. If the balance is too low, the charge will fail and Netflix will ask you to update your payment method.
What if I want to use a different payment method for each profile on my account?
Netflix only lets you set one payment method per account, not per profile. All profiles on the same account are billed the same way. If you need separate billing, you would need to create a separate Netflix account.
How long does it take for a payment method change to go into effect?
The change is when ready. Your new payment method will be used for your next billing date. If your billing date is coming up soon, make sure your new payment method is active and has available funds.
Can I update my payment method if my account is paused?
Yes. You can log into your account and update your payment method even if your service is paused. Once you add a working payment method, your account will resume and you can start watching again.