You can change your Netflix payment method anytime through your account settings
Netflix lets you swap payment methods without interrupting your service. You do this through your account settings on a computer or the Netflix app, and the change takes effect on your next billing date. You can add a new card, remove an old one, or switch between payment types — credit card, debit card, or other methods Netflix accepts in your region.
The process takes a few minutes and requires you to be signed into your Netflix account. Netflix will not charge you twice during the switch, and you will not lose any remaining time in your current billing period.
Key Takeaways
- You reach payment settings by going to Account on a web browser or tapping your profile icon in the app, then selecting Account or Manage Payment Method.
- Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, and in some regions PayPal, Google Play, or gift cards — the options vary by country and payment provider.
- The new payment method becomes active on your next scheduled billing date, not when ready.
- If your payment method fails on billing day, Netflix will attempt to charge it again a few days later before pausing your account.
How to change your payment method on a computer
Open Netflix in a web browser and sign in. In the top right corner, click your profile icon, then select Account from the dropdown menu. On the Account page, find the section labeled Membership and Billing — this is where all payment information lives.
Under Membership and Billing, you will see your current payment method listed with the last four digits of the card or account number. Click the button next to it that says Update payment method or Change (the exact wording varies slightly by region). Enter your new payment details in the form that appears, then click Save or Update. Netflix will confirm the change on screen.
If you want to remove an old payment method after adding a new one, return to the same Membership and Billing section and look for a delete or remove option next to the old method. Netflix requires at least one active payment method on file at all times.
How to change your payment method in the Netflix app
Open the Netflix app on your phone or tablet and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner (on some devices it appears in the top right). Tap Account or Settings, depending on your device type. Scroll down to find Membership and Billing or Payment Method.
Tap the option to update or change your payment method. The app will open a form where you enter your new card or account details. After you save, the change is confirmed when ready in the app, though it will not take effect for billing purposes until your next renewal date.
What payment methods Netflix accepts
Netflix accepts credit cards and debit cards from major issuers — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover in the United States. The specific cards accepted depend on your country and your bank's policies.
In some regions, Netflix also accepts PayPal, Google Play credits, Apple iTunes credits, and Netflix gift cards. The available options change by location and are shown to you when you go to add or change a payment method — if an option does not appear in your account, it is not currently available in your region.
If you are having trouble with a particular payment method, try a different card or account type. Some banks flag streaming subscriptions as unusual activity, which can cause a charge to fail even though the card is valid.
When your new payment method takes effect
The change you make in your account settings becomes active on your next billing date, not right away. If your billing date is the 15th of the month and you change your payment method on the 10th, Netflix will charge the new method on the 15th. Until then, your old payment method remains on file.
This means you should change your payment method before your billing date if your current card is about to expire or no longer works. If you change it after your billing date has passed, you have the full month before the next charge occurs.
What happens if your payment fails
If Netflix tries to charge your payment method on your billing date and the charge fails, Netflix will attempt to charge it again a few days later. You will receive an email notification that the payment failed. During this time, you can still watch Netflix — your account does not pause when ready.
If the second attempt also fails, Netflix will send you another email and pause your account. You will not be able to watch anything until you update your payment method to one that works. Once you do, Netflix will charge you right away for the current billing period, and your account will resume.
To avoid this situation, update your payment method as soon as you know your current card is expiring or no longer valid. You do not have to wait for a failed charge to update it.
Removing a payment method or downgrading your plan
You can remove a payment method from your account only if you have another one saved. Netflix requires at least one active payment method at all times. If you want to remove your only payment method, you must add a new one first, then delete the old one.
If you want to stop paying for Netflix altogether, you can cancel your subscription instead of just removing your payment method. Cancellation is also done in the Account section under Membership and Billing. When you cancel, your access ends at the end of your current billing period, and Netflix will not charge you again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Netflix charge me twice if I change my payment method right before my billing date?
No. Netflix charges once per billing cycle, and changing your payment method does not trigger an extra charge. The new method is used on your next scheduled billing date, and the old method is not charged.
What if I change my payment method but Netflix still tries to charge the old card?
This can happen if you change your method after your billing date has already passed for the month. Netflix may have already processed the charge on the old card before your update went through. Check your email for a confirmation of the change, and contact Netflix support if you were charged twice.
Can I use a prepaid card or gift card as my payment method?
Netflix accepts gift cards in most regions, and some prepaid cards work if they are Visa or Mastercard branded. However, prepaid cards sometimes fail if they do not have enough balance or if the issuer flags the charge. If a prepaid card fails, switch to a credit or debit card instead.
Do I lose my shows and settings if I change my payment method?
No. Changing your payment method does not affect your account, your watch history, your saved shows, or your profile settings. Everything stays exactly as it was.
How long does it take for a payment method change to show up in my account?
The change appears in your account settings when ready after you save it. However, Netflix will not actually charge the new method until your next billing date. You can see the updated payment method in your Account section right away.