Update your payment information directly in your account settings
Netflix stores your payment method in your account settings, and you can change it anytime without contacting customer support. The process takes about two minutes and works the same whether you pay with a credit card, debit card, or other method your region supports. You do not need to cancel and restart your subscription — your new payment method takes effect on your next billing date.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Netflix on a web browser, phone, or tablet, but the location is always the same: your account settings under "Billing" or "Payment info."
Key Takeaways
- You can update your payment method through account settings on any device, and the change takes effect on your next billing date.
- Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, and in some regions PayPal, Google Play, or Apple Pay — what you can use depends on your country.
- If a payment fails, Netflix sends an email and gives you a grace period before pausing your account, usually several days.
- Removing a payment method without adding a new one will pause your account on the next billing date.
Update payment on a computer or web browser
Go to netflix.com 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 "Update payment info" or "Change payment method" — the exact wording varies by region.
Netflix will show your current payment method with the last four digits of the card or account number. Click the option to add or change it, enter your new payment details, and click "Save." Netflix does not charge you when ready; the new method is stored and used on your next scheduled billing date.
Update payment on a phone or tablet
Open the Netflix app and tap your profile icon, usually in the bottom right corner. Select "Account" or "Settings," then look for "Membership and billing" or "Payment info." Tap "Update payment method" or "Change payment info."
The app will show your current payment method and let you add a new one. Enter your new details and confirm. If you are using an iPhone or iPad, Netflix may direct you through Apple's payment system instead of accepting card details directly — this depends on how your account was originally set up and your region.
What payment methods Netflix accepts
Netflix accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover in most countries. In the United States and several other regions, you can also pay through PayPal, Google Play, or Apple Pay. Some countries have additional local payment options like direct bank transfer or regional card networks.
The methods available to you depend on your country and how you originally signed up. If you created your account through Apple's App Store or Google Play, you may be limited to updating through that platform rather than entering card details directly into Netflix.
What happens if your payment fails
If Netflix cannot charge your payment method, you will receive an email within one to two days. The email will explain why the charge failed — usually an expired card, insufficient funds, or a card that the bank flagged as suspicious. Netflix typically gives you a grace period of several days to update your payment method before pausing your account.
During the grace period, you can still watch Netflix. Once the grace period ends, your account pauses and you cannot stream until you add a working payment method. Pausing does not cancel your subscription; your account remains active and will resume as soon as payment goes through.
Removing your payment method
You can delete your current payment method from your account settings, but Netflix requires at least one valid payment method on file. If you remove your only payment method without adding a new one, your account will pause on your next billing date.
This is different from canceling your subscription. A paused account keeps your profile, watch history, and preferences saved. You can resume at any time by adding a new payment method. If you want to cancel Netflix entirely rather than pause it, you need to go through the cancellation process separately.
Updating a payment method linked to a shared account
If you are the account owner — the person who created the Netflix account and pays the bill — you can update the payment method from your account settings. Other people on the shared account cannot change the payment method, even if they have their own profile.
If you share Netflix with family or friends and need to transfer billing to someone else, that person will need to create their own Netflix account and start a new subscription. Netflix does not transfer ownership of an existing account or let you reassign billing to a different person on the same account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating my payment method interrupt my Netflix service?
No. Your current subscription continues without interruption. The new payment method is stored and used on your next scheduled billing date, which is usually 30 days after your last charge. You can watch Netflix normally in the meantime.
Can I use a different payment method for each billing cycle?
Netflix stores one payment method at a time. You can update it as often as you want, but each update replaces the previous one. The new method takes effect on your next billing date.
What if I update my payment method but Netflix still cannot charge it?
Netflix will send you an email explaining the failure. Common reasons include an expired card, insufficient funds, or a bank security block. Contact your bank to confirm the card is active and not flagged, then update your payment method again in Netflix settings.
Do I lose my watch history if my account pauses due to payment failure?
No. Your watch history, saved shows, profiles, and preferences all remain saved while your account is paused. Everything returns to normal as soon as you add a working payment method.
Can someone else on my Netflix account update the payment method?
Only the account owner can change the payment method. Other people on the shared account cannot access billing settings, even if they have their own profile with a PIN.