What payment methods Roku accepts and where to add them
Roku accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal as payment methods for channels, apps, and content purchases through your Roku device or account. You add these payment methods through your Roku account settings online, not through the device itself. Once you add a payment method, it stays on file until you remove it, and Roku will use it automatically when you buy something or renew a subscription.
The payment methods Roku accepts are Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. If you want to use a different card or PayPal account than the one currently on file, you can add multiple payment methods and choose which one to use at checkout. Roku does not accept gift cards, prepaid cards, or direct bank transfers as payment methods, though some prepaid cards that carry a Visa or Mastercard logo may work.
Key Takeaways
- You add payment methods to your Roku account through the Roku website or mobile app, not through your Roku device.
- Roku stores your payment method on file and uses it automatically for purchases and subscription renewals unless you change it before checkout.
- You can add multiple payment methods to your account and choose which one to use each time you make a purchase.
- If a payment fails, Roku will attempt to charge the card again over several days, and you will receive an email notification if the charge ultimately does not go through.
- Removing a payment method from your account does not cancel active subscriptions, but Roku will need a valid payment method on file to renew them.
How to add a payment method to your Roku account
Log into your Roku account at roku.com using your email address and password. Click on your account name in the top right corner and select "Payment methods" from the dropdown menu. Click "Add payment method" and choose whether you want to add a credit or debit card or link your PayPal account.
If you are adding a card, enter the card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit security code on the back), and the billing zip code. Roku will ask for the cardholder's full name and billing address. If you are linking PayPal, Roku will redirect you to PayPal's website to authorize the connection. Once you complete either process, Roku will confirm that the payment method has been added and will show it in your payment methods list.
You can also add a payment method through the Roku mobile app. Open the app, tap the profile icon in the bottom right, select "Payment methods," and follow the same steps as above. The payment method will appear on all your devices and accounts linked to that Roku email address.
How to change which payment method Roku uses
If you have multiple payment methods on file, you can choose which one Roku uses the next time you make a purchase. When you buy a channel, app, or content, Roku will show you the payment method currently set as your default and give you the option to choose a different one before you confirm the purchase.
To change your default payment method (the one Roku uses automatically if you do not choose one at checkout), go to your payment methods page on roku.com, find the payment method you want to use by default, and click "Set as default." Roku will update this when ready. Any future purchases will use the new default payment method unless you choose a different one at checkout.
What happens if a payment fails
If Roku cannot charge your payment method — for example, because the card is expired, the account is closed, or there are insufficient funds — you will receive an email notification that the charge failed. Roku will attempt to charge the card again automatically over the next few days. If the charge continues to fail, Roku will send you another email and may suspend access to paid channels or services until you update your payment method.
To fix a failed payment, log into your Roku account, go to your payment methods page, and update or replace the card that failed. If you want to use a different payment method instead, you can add a new one and set it as your default. Once Roku has a valid payment method on file, it will attempt to charge any outstanding balance within a few days.
How to remove a payment method from your account
Go to your payment methods page on roku.com, find the payment method you want to remove, and click the delete or trash icon next to it. Roku will ask you to confirm the removal. Once you confirm, that payment method will no longer be available on your account.
Removing a payment method does not cancel any active subscriptions or purchases you have made with that card. However, if that was your only payment method on file, Roku will need you to add a new one before your subscriptions renew. If you remove a payment method and do not add a replacement, Roku will not be able to charge you for renewals and may suspend your access to paid content.
How Roku handles recurring charges for subscriptions
When you subscribe to a paid channel through Roku, Roku charges your payment method on the renewal date each month or year, depending on the subscription length. Roku will send you an email reminder before the renewal date. The charge will appear on your credit card or bank statement as "Roku" or the channel name, depending on the channel.
If you want to stop a recurring charge, you must cancel the subscription through your Roku account before the renewal date. Canceling the subscription stops future charges but does not refund charges you have already paid. To cancel, go to your Roku account, find the subscription under "Manage subscriptions," and click "Cancel subscription." The cancellation takes effect when ready, and you will lose access to that channel at the end of your current billing period.
Protecting your payment information on Roku
Roku encrypts your payment information when you enter it on their website or app, which means the data is scrambled so that only Roku's servers can read it. Roku does not store your full credit card number on their servers; instead, they store a token (a unique code) that represents your card. When you make a purchase, Roku uses this token to charge your card without exposing the full number.
To keep your account find, use a strong password for your Roku account and change it periodically. If you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and review your payment methods to make sure no unauthorized cards have been added. If you see charges on your card that you did not make, contact your credit card company or bank directly; they can dispute the charge and issue you a new card if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a gift card to pay for Roku content?
Roku does not accept gift cards as a direct payment method. However, some retailers sell Roku gift cards that you can redeem for account credit, which you can then use to purchase channels and content. Check the Roku website or major retailers to see if Roku gift cards are available in your region.
What if my card is declined at checkout?
A card may be declined if it is expired, the account is closed, there are insufficient funds, or your bank flagged the transaction as suspicious. Contact your bank or card issuer to find out why the charge was declined. Once you resolve the issue with your bank, try the purchase again or add a different payment method to your Roku account.
Do I have to keep a payment method on file even if I only watch free channels?
No. You can use Roku's free channels without adding any payment method to your account. You only need to add a payment method when you want to purchase or subscribe to paid content. If you remove all payment methods from your account, you can still watch free channels.
How long does it take for a charge to appear on my credit card statement?
Roku charges your card when ready when you make a purchase or when a subscription renews, but the charge may take one to three business days to appear on your credit card or bank statement, depending on your financial institution. The charge will show up under the merchant name "Roku" or the specific channel name.
Can I change my payment method for an existing subscription?
Yes. Change your default payment method in your Roku account settings, and Roku will use the new payment method the next time the subscription renews. You can also cancel your current subscription and resubscribe using a different payment method if you want the change to take effect when ready.