Where to find the payment method settings on your device
On iPhone or iPad, open the App Store app and tap the profile icon in the top right corner. Tap your name or "Sign in" if you are not logged in. Select "Payment and Shipping" from the menu. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon in the top right, go to "Payments and subscriptions," then tap "Payment methods." The exact wording varies slightly by device and operating system version, but the payment settings are always in your account menu, not in the app store's main shopping area.
If you cannot find the payment section after following these steps, your device may be running an older version of the operating system. Update your device software first, then try again. Payment settings sometimes move or hide when your device is several versions behind.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhone, tap your profile icon in the App Store, then select "Payment and Shipping" to see and change your payment method.
- On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, go to "Payments and subscriptions," and select "Payment methods."
- You can add a new card, delete an old one, or set a different card as your default payment method in the same section.
- Changes take effect immediately, so any purchase you make after updating will use the new payment method you selected.
- If a payment fails after you update your method, check that the new card has not expired and that the billing address matches what your bank has on file.
Adding a new card or payment method
Once you are in the Payment and Shipping section (iPhone) or Payment methods section (Android), look for a button labeled "Add payment method" or a plus sign. Tap it and enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). You will also need to enter the billing address associated with the card. The App Store will not process a charge at this point — it is just storing the information.
If you are adding a debit card, the process is identical to adding a credit card. Some banks issue temporary card numbers for online purchases; those work on the App Store as long as the temporary number has not expired. If the App Store rejects your card during entry, the most common reasons are a typo in the number, an expired card, or a billing address that does not match your bank's records exactly.
Removing an old payment method
In the same Payment and Shipping or Payment methods section, you will see a list of all cards you have saved. Tap or swipe on the card you want to remove. Most devices show an "Edit" or "Delete" option. Tap it, then confirm the removal. The card is deleted immediately and cannot be used for future purchases.
You cannot remove a payment method if it is the only one on your account and you have an active subscription. The App Store requires at least one valid payment method on file to renew subscriptions automatically. If you want to remove your only card, you must first cancel all active subscriptions, or add a new payment method before deleting the old one.
Setting a default payment method
If you have multiple cards saved, one is always set as the default — the one the App Store will charge when you make a purchase or renew a subscription. To change which card is default, go to Payment and Shipping (iPhone) or Payment methods (Android), find the card you want to use, and tap "Make Default" or a similar option. The change takes effect immediately.
Your default method is used for all future purchases and subscription renewals unless you manually select a different card at checkout. Some app purchases let you choose a different payment method at the moment of purchase, but subscriptions always use your default method unless you change it beforehand.
What happens when a payment method fails
If a card on file expires or is declined, the App Store will attempt to charge it when you make a purchase or when a subscription renews. If the charge fails, you will see an error message. The purchase or renewal does not go through, and you will not be charged. For subscriptions, the App Store typically tries again over several days before suspending the subscription.
To fix a failed payment, update your payment method as soon as you see the error. If the card was declined because it expired, add a new card or update the expiration date if your bank sent you a replacement. If the decline was due to insufficient funds or a billing address mismatch, contact your bank to resolve the issue, then update your payment method on the App Store. Once you have added a valid card, any pending charges will usually process within 24 hours.
Updating payment information for an existing card
If your card is expiring soon or your bank sent you a replacement card with a new number, you do not have to delete the old card and add a new one. Instead, tap the card in your Payment and Shipping section, select "Edit," and update the expiration date or card number. Save the changes. This keeps your card in the same position in your list and preserves it as your default if it was already set that way.
If your billing address changed, you can also edit it in the same section. The App Store uses the billing address to verify your identity and prevent fraud, so keeping it current matters. If you move or change your address with your bank, update it on the App Store within a few days to avoid declined charges on future purchases.
Troubleshooting when updates do not work
If the App Store will not let you add or update a payment method, the most common causes are an outdated app, an outdated operating system, or a temporary server issue. First, close the App Store completely and reopen it. If that does not work, check that your device is running the latest version of iOS or Android. Go to Settings > General > Software Update (iPhone) or Settings > About Phone > System Update (Android) and install any available updates.
If updates are current and the problem persists, try signing out of your account and signing back in. On iPhone, tap your profile icon, scroll down, and tap "Sign Out." On Android, tap your profile icon, tap "Manage your Google Account," go to the Security tab, and scroll down to "Your devices" to sign out of the Play Store. After signing back in, try updating your payment method again. If the issue continues, contact Apple Support (for iPhone) or Google Play Support (for Android) with details about the error message you are seeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating my payment method affect my current subscriptions?
No. Subscriptions that are already active will continue to renew on their regular schedule. The new payment method will be used for the next renewal and all future charges. If you want to stop a subscription, you must cancel it separately in the Subscriptions section of your account.
Can I use a different payment method for each app purchase?
On iPhone, you can sometimes choose a different card at checkout if you have multiple methods saved. On Android, Google Play usually charges your default method, though some purchases may offer a choice. The easiest way to use a specific card is to set it as your default before making the purchase.
What if my card is declined but I know there is money in the account?
The most common reason is a billing address mismatch. Check that the address you entered on the App Store matches exactly what your bank has on file, including spelling and abbreviations. If the address is correct, contact your bank to ask if they blocked the charge for fraud prevention. Some banks require you to approve online purchases before they will go through.
How long does it take for a new payment method to start working?
Changes take effect immediately. Any purchase you make after updating your payment method will use the new card. If you have a pending charge from a failed payment, it may take up to 24 hours to retry on the new card.
Can I use a prepaid card on the App Store?
Yes, prepaid cards work the same way as debit cards. Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV just as you would for any other card. Make sure the card has enough balance for your purchase, and that the billing address matches what is registered with the card issuer.