Remove a card and add a new one in Settings

To change the card Apple Pay uses, open Settings on your iPhone or iPad, tap Wallet & Apple Pay, then select the card you want to remove. Scroll down and tap Remove This Card. After you remove it, tap the plus icon at the top right to add a new card instead.

You can also change cards directly from the Wallet app. Open Wallet, press and hold the card you want to remove, then tap the trash icon. To add a replacement, tap the plus icon in the upper right corner of Wallet and follow the prompts to enter your new card details.

On a Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click Wallet & Apple Pay, select the card, and click the minus sign to remove it. Click the plus sign to add a new card.

Key Takeaways

  • You remove a card through Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay or directly in the Wallet app by holding the card and tapping the trash icon.
  • Adding a new card requires your card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address — your bank may send a verification code by text or email.
  • If you want to keep using the same card but update expired information, you can edit the card details without removing it first.
  • Your default card (the one used first when you pay) can be changed by opening Wallet, tapping the three dots on any card, and selecting "Make Default."

Update card details without removing the card

If your card is expiring soon or you need to update your billing address, you do not have to remove it. Open Wallet, tap the three dots on the card you want to change, then tap Card Details. From there you can update the expiration date, CVV, or billing address without losing the card from Apple Pay.

This is faster than removing and re-adding the card, and your payment history and any rewards tied to that card stay intact. Your bank may still require verification if you change sensitive information like the CVV or billing address.

Set a different default card for payments

Apple Pay uses your default card first when you pay. To change which card is default, open Wallet, tap the three dots on the card you want to use most often, and select Make Default. A checkmark appears next to the default card.

You can still choose a different card at the moment of payment by tapping it on the payment screen before you authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID. Changing your default does not remove any other cards — they stay in Wallet and remain available to use.

Handle cards that expire or get declined

When your card expires, Apple Pay usually stops accepting it automatically. Your bank may send you a new card with the same number but a different expiration date. In that case, update the expiration date in Card Details rather than removing the old card.

If a card gets declined repeatedly, Apple Pay may disable it. You will see a message saying the card cannot be used. Remove the card and add it again, or contact your bank to confirm the card is active and the address on file matches what you entered in Apple Pay.

Verify your new card with your bank

After you add a new card to Apple Pay, your bank may send a verification code by text message or email. Enter this code into Apple Pay to confirm the card is yours. Some banks verify automatically without asking you to do anything — the card becomes active immediately.

If you do not receive a verification code within a few minutes, check your spam folder or contact your bank directly. Do not remove the card and try again unless your bank tells you to — multiple attempts can trigger fraud alerts.

Manage cards across your Apple devices

Cards you add to Apple Pay on your iPhone sync to your iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac if you are signed into the same iCloud account. Removing a card from one device removes it from all of them. If you want a card on only one device, you will need to use a different iCloud account or manage them separately.

On an Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Wallet & Apple Pay, and tap the card you want to remove. Tap Remove. To add a card to your watch, tap the plus icon and follow the same verification steps as on your phone.

Troubleshoot cards that will not add or change

If Apple Pay will not let you add or change a card, first check that your billing address matches exactly what your bank has on file — mismatches are the most common reason for rejection. Make sure you are using the correct card number, expiration date, and CVV.

If the card still will not add, restart your device and try again. If that does not work, contact your bank to confirm the card is active and not flagged for fraud. Some banks block cards from being added to digital wallets until you call and authorize it. Your bank can also tell you whether the problem is on their end or Apple's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have multiple cards on Apple Pay at the same time?

Yes. You can add as many cards as you want to Apple Pay. Each one stays in your Wallet, and you can choose which card to use at payment time. Only one card is set as default, but you can change it anytime.

What happens to my old card after I remove it from Apple Pay?

Removing a card from Apple Pay does not close the card or affect your bank account. The card still works everywhere else — you just cannot use it through Apple Pay anymore. You can add it back anytime.

Do I lose my rewards or purchase history if I change cards?

Removing a card from Apple Pay does not erase your purchase history or rewards with your bank. Your bank keeps that information tied to your account, not to Apple Pay. If you add the same card back later, your history is still there.

Why does Apple Pay ask for my billing address when I add a new card?

Your bank uses the billing address to verify you own the card. It must match exactly what your bank has on file. If it does not match, the card will not be added. Contact your bank if you are unsure what address they have recorded.

Can I change my card on Apple Pay without internet?

No. You need an internet connection to add, remove, or update cards on Apple Pay because the changes sync to Apple's servers and your bank for verification. You can use an existing card offline once it is already set up.