To update the payment method for your Apple Account on an iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then tap Payment & Shipping. Tap your current card and tap Edit to change its billing details, or tap Add Payment Method to add a new one. Apple uses this payment method for App Store, Apple media and subscription purchases.
These steps come from three Apple Support articles: If you need to change or update your Apple Account payment method, Add a payment method to your Apple Account and Remove a payment method from your Apple Account. Apple also notes that your bank may update your card details automatically.
How to Update Your Apple Account Payment Method
- Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top.
- Tap Payment & Shipping. You might be asked to sign in to your Apple Account.
- Tap the payment method you want to update, then tap Edit.
- Enter the new billing information and tap Done.
Result: Future App Store purchases and subscription renewals are billed using the updated details.
If the Card Won’t Update
Apple’s workaround is to add a new payment method and then remove the old one:
- Go to Settings > your name > Payment & Shipping.
- Tap Add Payment Method, enter the new details, and tap Done.
- Tap Edit, tap the red delete button next to the old method, and tap Remove.
You can re-add the old card afterward with its updated billing information if you want to keep it.
How to Add a Second Payment Method or Change the Order
Tap Add Payment Method on the Payment & Shipping screen. Apple says to check that your name, billing address and other details match what your bank has on file. To choose which method is charged first, tap Edit, touch and hold a payment method, drag it up or down the list, and tap Done.
How to Remove an Old Card
- Go to Settings, tap your name, then tap Payment & Shipping.
- Tap Edit.
- Tap the delete button next to the card, then tap Remove to confirm.
Why Can’t I Remove My Payment Method?
Apple says you must keep at least one payment method on file if:
- You have a subscription, like iCloud+. Cancel it, and remove the payment method after the subscription period ends.
- You’re a Family Sharing organizer with purchase sharing on. Turn off purchase sharing first.
- You have an unpaid balance. Change the payment method instead of removing it.
If none of those apply and you still can’t remove it, Apple suggests contacting Apple Support.
Why Update Your Payment Info?
If a card expires or gets replaced, purchases and subscription renewals can fail. Apple also notes you might need a payment method on file to download or update some free apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my payment method on a computer?
Yes. On a Mac, open the App Store, click your name at the bottom of the sidebar, click your name again, and click Payment Methods. On a Windows PC, use the Apple Music or Apple TV app and go to View My Account > Manage Payments. You can also sign in at account.apple.com.
Is this the same as Apple Pay?
No. Your Apple Account payment method is what Apple charges for media purchases and subscriptions. Apple has a separate support article for changing or removing the cards you use with Apple Pay.
Related Guides
- How to sign out of your Apple Account on an iPhone
- How to cancel subscriptions and see purchase history on iPhone
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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