Where to find your payment settings on Netflix
Your payment method lives in your account settings, not in a separate billing section. On a computer, log into Netflix, click your profile icon in the top right corner, select "Account," then find "Membership and billing" on the left side. On a phone or tablet, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll down to "Account," and look for the same "Membership and billing" option.
Once you're in "Membership and billing," you'll see a section labeled "Payment info" or "Payment method." This is where Netflix shows your current card or payment source and where you'll make changes. The exact wording varies slightly depending on whether you're using a web browser, phone app, or tablet, but the location is always in Account settings.
Key Takeaways
- Your payment method is stored in Account settings under "Membership and billing," not in the main menu or settings app.
- Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, and in some regions PayPal or gift cards, but the available options depend on your country.
- You can add a new payment method without removing the old one, then switch which one Netflix charges each month.
- Changes to your payment method take effect on your next billing date, not immediately.
- If Netflix declines a payment, you'll see a notification in your account and have a grace period before your service pauses.
Adding a new payment method
Click or tap "Add a payment method" in the Payment info section. Netflix will ask you to enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). If you're adding PayPal in a supported region, you'll be directed to log into your PayPal account instead of entering card details directly.
After you add the new method, Netflix stores it but doesn't charge it yet. Your current payment method continues to be used until you actively switch. This means you can add a backup card weeks or months before you actually need to use it, which is useful if you're replacing an expiring card.
Switching which card Netflix charges
Once you have more than one payment method on file, you'll see them all listed in the Payment info section. Click or tap the one you want Netflix to use going forward, then confirm. Netflix will charge this new method on your next billing date—not immediately.
If you want to remove an old card entirely, you can delete it after you've switched to a different payment method. Netflix won't let you delete your only payment method, so you must add a new one first. Deleting a card doesn't affect your subscription; it just removes that card from your account.
What happens if Netflix can't charge your payment method
If your card is declined or expired, Netflix sends you a notification in your account and usually gives you a few days to update your payment information before pausing your service. You won't lose your profile, watchlist, or viewing history during this pause—they're still there when you add a working payment method.
The grace period varies by region and situation, but Netflix typically doesn't immediately cut off access. Check your email and your account notifications for the exact deadline. Updating your payment method through Account settings will restart your service the same day in most cases.
Payment methods Netflix accepts by region
Netflix accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express in most countries. Debit cards with these logos work the same way as credit cards. In the United States, Canada, and some other regions, you can also pay with PayPal. A few countries support Netflix gift cards as a payment method, though these are typically purchased separately and added to your account balance rather than charged monthly.
The payment methods available to you depend on your country and sometimes your subscription plan. If you don't see an option you expected, it may not be supported in your region yet. Netflix occasionally adds new payment partners, so checking back in Account settings will show you the current options.
Changing your payment method on a shared account
If you share a Netflix account with family or roommates, only the account owner (the person who created it) can change the payment method. Other profiles on the account can't access billing settings. If you're not the account owner and need to change the payment method, you'll need to ask whoever set up the account to make the change.
If you want to manage your own payment separately, you can create your own Netflix account and use your own payment method. This also lets you have your own profile, recommendations, and viewing history instead of sharing them with others on the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my payment method interrupt my Netflix service?
No. Your current subscription continues without interruption. The new payment method takes effect on your next billing date, which is the same date Netflix would have charged your old method. You won't experience any pause or restart of service.
Can I use a prepaid card or virtual card number with Netflix?
Yes, as long as the prepaid or virtual card has a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logo and is registered with a billing address. Some prepaid cards decline online charges if they're not activated for internet purchases, so check your card's settings if Netflix rejects it on the first try.
What if I want to pay with a different currency or from a different country?
Netflix charges in the currency of the country where your account is registered, not the currency of your card's bank. If you move to a new country, you may need to update your payment method to one issued in that country, depending on Netflix's regional rules. Contact Netflix support if you're unsure whether your card will work.
Can I set up automatic payments if I'm using a gift card?
Netflix gift cards are one-time purchases that add credit to your account balance. Once the balance runs out, you'll need to add a recurring payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal) to keep your subscription active. You can't set up automatic charging directly from a gift card.