Where to find your payment settings
To change how Netflix charges you, log into your account on a web browser — the Netflix app on your phone or TV does not have a payment settings page. Go to your profile icon in the top right corner and select Account from the dropdown menu.
Once you are in your account page, look for a section labeled Membership and billing or Billing info, depending on your region. This is where Netflix stores your current payment method and shows you your billing date and plan type. You will see a button or link that says Update payment method, Change payment method, or Add payment method.
Key Takeaways
- You must change your payment method through a web browser in your Account settings, not through the Netflix app.
- Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and in some regions prepaid gift cards or mobile carrier billing.
- Your new payment method takes effect on your next billing date, not when ready.
- If your current payment method fails, Netflix will attempt to charge your backup method if you have one on file.
- Removing a payment method does not cancel your subscription — you must have at least one valid method on file to keep your account active.
What payment methods Netflix accepts
Netflix takes credit cards and debit cards from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also pay through PayPal if you link your PayPal account to Netflix. In some countries, Netflix also accepts payment through your mobile phone bill or through prepaid gift cards sold at retailers.
The payment methods available to you depend on your country and region. If you are traveling or have moved, you may see different options than you did before. Netflix will tell you which methods are available when you click to update your payment information.
How to add a new payment method
Click the button to add or update your payment method. Netflix will show you a form where you enter the details of your new card or account. For a credit or debit card, you will type in the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. For PayPal, you will be sent to PayPal's website to log in and authorize Netflix to charge that account.
After you enter your information, Netflix will process a small temporary charge — usually between $0.01 and $1 — to verify the card works. This charge will be reversed within a few days. If the verification fails, Netflix will tell you the card was declined and you will need to try a different card or payment method.
When your new payment method takes effect
Your new payment method does not start charging when ready. Instead, Netflix will use it on your next scheduled billing date. If your billing date is in three weeks, you will continue to be charged on your old method until then. After that date, all future charges will go to your new payment method.
If you are switching because your old card expired or was declined, Netflix may send you an email asking you to update your payment information. If you do not update it before your next billing date, your account may be suspended until you add a working payment method.
Removing an old payment method
Once you have added a new payment method, you can remove the old one. However, Netflix requires you to have at least one valid payment method on file at all times. You cannot remove your only payment method without adding a replacement first.
To remove a card or account, go back to your Membership and billing section and look for an option to delete or remove the payment method. Some regions show a trash icon or an X next to each saved method. Click it and confirm that you want to remove it. The old method will be deleted from your account when ready, but Netflix will not charge it again.
What happens if a payment fails
If Netflix tries to charge your payment method and it is declined, you will receive an email notifying you of the failed payment. Netflix will usually attempt to charge again a few days later. If you have a backup payment method on file, Netflix may try that one next.
If all payment attempts fail, Netflix will suspend your account after a certain number of days — the exact timeline varies by region, but is usually between 7 and 30 days. You will not be able to watch anything until you update your payment method to one that works. Once you do, your service will resume when ready and you will not lose your profile, watch history, or saved shows.
Changing your payment method on a shared account
If you share a Netflix account with family members or roommates, only the account owner can change the payment method. The account owner is whoever created the account and has access to the email address associated with it. Other members of the household can see that a payment method is on file, but cannot change it or add new ones.
If you are not the account owner and need to change the payment method, you will need to ask the owner to make the change. If you are the owner and want to give someone else permission to manage billing, Netflix does not currently have a feature to delegate that responsibility — you will need to share your account login or change it yourself each time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a prepaid gift card to pay for Netflix?
In some regions, yes — Netflix accepts prepaid Visa and Mastercard gift cards the same way it accepts regular debit cards. However, availability varies by country. If you are in a region where Netflix accepts gift cards directly, you can buy them at most retailers and enter the card number just like any other card. Some countries also sell Netflix gift cards specifically, which you can redeem for account credit.
What if Netflix keeps declining my new card?
Netflix declines cards for several reasons: the card number or expiration date is entered incorrectly, the card has expired, the card issuer is blocking the charge, or you have reached your card's spending limit. Double-check that you typed the number and expiration date correctly. If the card works elsewhere, contact your bank to ask if they are blocking Netflix charges. You can also try a different card or payment method while you sort it out.
Do I have to change my payment method if I move to a different country?
Not necessarily, but it depends on your bank and Netflix's policies in your new location. Some banks will decline charges from outside your home country. Netflix may also require you to update your payment method if you change your account region. If you move, try keeping your current payment method first — if it stops working, then update it to a local card or payment method in your new country.
Will changing my payment method affect my subscription plan or billing date?
No. Your subscription plan and billing date stay exactly the same. Only the payment method changes. You will continue to be billed on the same day each month, and your plan type (Basic, Standard, Premium, or whatever is available in your region) will not change unless you manually upgrade or downgrade it.
Can I have multiple payment methods on file at once?
Yes. Netflix allows you to save more than one payment method. You can set one as your primary method and keep others as backups. If your primary method fails, Netflix will attempt to charge your backup methods. This is useful if you want to make sure your account stays active even if one card expires or gets declined.