How to change your Netflix payment method
You can change how Netflix charges you by going to your account settings, finding the payment section, and swapping in a new card, bank account, or payment service. The change takes effect on your next billing date. Netflix doesn't charge you again immediately — your current payment method stays active until that date arrives, then the new one kicks in.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're on a phone, tablet, or computer, but the payment settings live in the same place on all devices. If you're switching away from a payment method that's about to expire (a card with an upcoming expiration date, for example), making the change now prevents Netflix from declining the charge on your next billing cycle.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your payment method through your Netflix account settings on any device — phone, tablet, or computer.
- The new payment method becomes active on your next billing date, not immediately, so your current method still covers the current month.
- Netflix accepts major credit and debit cards, PayPal, and in some regions gift cards or mobile carrier billing.
- If your current payment method fails on billing day, Netflix will try the new method you've added, or pause your account if all methods fail.
- You can save multiple payment methods to your account so Netflix has a backup if your primary card declines.
Steps to change your payment method on a computer
Open Netflix in a web browser and sign in to your account. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Account" from the dropdown menu. On the Account page, find the "Membership and billing" section and click "Change payment method" or "Update payment info" — the exact wording varies by region.
You'll see your current payment method listed. Click the option to add or edit a payment method. Enter the details for your new card, bank account, or other payment option, then save the changes. Netflix will confirm the update and show you when the new method takes effect (usually your next billing date).
Steps to change your payment method on a phone or tablet
Open the Netflix app and tap your profile icon at the bottom right. Select "Account" or "Settings," then look for "Membership and billing" or "Payment." Tap "Change payment method" or "Update payment info."
The app will show your current payment method. Tap to edit it or add a new one, enter your new payment details, and save. On some phones, especially iPhones with Netflix through an Apple subscription, you may need to change the payment method through your phone's settings instead of the Netflix app itself — Netflix will direct you there if that applies to your account.
What payment methods Netflix accepts
Netflix takes most major credit and debit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover in the United States. You can also pay through PayPal, which lets you use a bank account or card linked to your PayPal account without giving Netflix your card number directly.
In some countries, Netflix accepts payment through mobile carriers (your phone bill), prepaid gift cards, or regional payment services. Check your payment options in your account settings to see what's available in your location. If you're traveling or using Netflix in a different country, the available methods may change.
What happens if your payment method fails
If Netflix tries to charge your primary payment method on billing day and it declines, the service doesn't stop immediately. Netflix will attempt to charge any backup payment methods you've saved to your account. If all methods fail, Netflix will pause your account and send you an email asking you to update your payment information.
You have time to fix the problem — Netflix doesn't cancel your account right away. Once you add a working payment method, your service resumes. If you have multiple cards saved, Netflix tries them in the order you've set, so adding a backup card is a practical way to avoid interruptions if one card expires or gets blocked.
Timing: when the new payment method starts
Your new payment method becomes active on your next billing date, not the day you change it. If you change your payment method on the 15th and your billing date is the 20th, Netflix still charges your old method on the 20th. The new method takes over on your following billing date, one month later.
This timing matters if you're switching because your current card is about to expire. If your card expires before your next billing date, update your payment method now so Netflix doesn't try to charge an expired card. You can also contact Netflix support to request an immediate charge to test the new method, though this isn't necessary — Netflix will confirm the new method works when it charges on your next billing date.
Removing a payment method or downgrading your plan
You can't remove all payment methods from your account — Netflix needs at least one active method to keep your subscription running. You can delete old or unused cards, but you must have a current, working payment method saved at all times.
If you want to stop paying Netflix altogether, you'll need to cancel your subscription through your account settings. This is different from changing your payment method. Cancellation stops your service at the end of your current billing period, and you can rejoin later without losing your profile or watch history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Netflix charge me twice if I change my payment method?
No. Netflix charges you once per billing cycle on your billing date. Changing your payment method before that date doesn't trigger an extra charge — it just tells Netflix which card or account to use on the next scheduled billing date.
Can I use someone else's payment method on my Netflix account?
Yes, you can add another person's card or PayPal account to your Netflix account. Netflix doesn't verify that the cardholder's name matches the account holder's name. However, the person whose card you're using can see the charge on their statement, and they can contact their bank to dispute it if they didn't authorize it.
What if I'm paying through my phone carrier or Apple subscription?
If Netflix is bundled with your phone plan or you subscribed through the Apple App Store, you'll change the payment method through your carrier's or Apple's settings, not through Netflix directly. Netflix will direct you to the right place when you try to update payment info. The process is the same — you're just managing it through a different company's system.
Can I save multiple payment methods to Netflix?
Yes. You can add several cards or payment accounts to your Netflix profile. Netflix will try them in order if one declines. This is useful if you have a primary card and want a backup in case that card expires or gets blocked before you can update it.
How long does it take for a payment method change to show up?
The change is instant in your account settings, but Netflix doesn't charge the new method until your next billing date. You'll see the new payment method listed in your account right away, and Netflix will confirm when it will be used (usually one month from now, on your regular billing date).