How to remove a card and add a new one
To change the card Apple Pay uses, you remove the old card first, then add the new one. You do this in the Wallet app on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch — not in Settings. The process takes about two minutes and doesn't affect any other payment methods you have saved.
On iPhone: Open the Wallet app. Tap and hold the card you want to remove. Tap the three dots (or the menu icon) in the corner. Scroll down and tap "Remove This Card". Confirm by tapping "Remove". Then tap the plus sign to add your new card, enter the card number, and follow the prompts to verify it with your bank.
On iPad: Open Settings, tap Wallet and Apple Pay, find the card, tap it, then tap "Remove Card" at the bottom. To add a new card, go back to Wallet and Apple Pay settings and tap "Add Card".
Key Takeaways
- Remove the old card through the Wallet app by holding it, tapping the menu, and selecting "Remove This Card".
- Add a new card by tapping the plus sign in Wallet, entering your card details, and completing your bank's verification step.
- Your bank may text or call you to confirm the new card before it works in Apple Pay.
- If your card was set as the default payment method, you will need to choose a new default after removing it.
What happens when you remove a card
Removing a card from Apple Pay does not close the card itself or affect your bank account. It only stops that card from being available in the Wallet app. Your bank still has the card on file, and you can still use it anywhere else — online, in stores, or over the phone.
If the card you are removing was set as your default payment method for Apple Pay, you will be prompted to choose a different card as the default. If you do not have another card saved, Apple Pay will ask you to add one before you can complete the removal.
Adding a new card to Apple Pay
When you add a new card, you will need the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). You can also add a card by taking a photo of it — the Wallet app will read the number and expiration date automatically, though you will still type the CVV yourself.
After you enter the card details, your bank will verify the card. Some banks do this when ready; others send a text message or call you to confirm. You may need to answer security questions or approve the card through your bank's app. Until verification is complete, the card will show as "Pending" in Wallet and you cannot use it to pay.
Setting a default card for payments
Your default card is the one Apple Pay uses when you hold your phone or watch near a reader without choosing a specific card. To change which card is default, open Wallet, tap the three dots on the card you want to make default, and select "Make This My Default Card".
You can have multiple cards in Wallet and switch between them at the payment reader by tapping the card you want to use. The default only matters if you do not tap a specific card before paying.
Troubleshooting: Card not working after you add it
If your new card shows as "Pending" more than a few hours after you added it, your bank may not have finished verifying it. Contact your bank's customer service number (on the back of your physical card or on their website) and ask them to confirm the card for Apple Pay. They can usually complete this in minutes.
If the card shows as active but declines when you try to pay, the card may have been flagged as suspicious by your bank's fraud system. This happens sometimes when you add a card to a new device or payment service. Call your bank and let them know you are using the card in Apple Pay. They can remove the block and the card should work when ready.
Updating a card that is expiring soon
If your card is expiring, your bank may send you a replacement card with a new expiration date. When you receive it, add the new card to Apple Pay the same way you would add any card. Once the new card is verified and working, remove the old one from Wallet.
Some banks update your card information in Apple Pay automatically when they issue a replacement. Check your Wallet app a few days after your bank sends the new card — the expiration date may already be updated. If it is, you do not need to do anything. If it is not, add the new card manually.
Changing your card on a shared device or family account
If you share an iPad or Apple Watch with family members, each person has their own Wallet. To change your card, sign in with your own Apple ID, open Wallet, and make your changes. Other family members' cards and payment methods stay separate.
If you have set up Family Sharing and a family member is using your payment method, removing your card from your own Wallet does not remove it from theirs. They will need to update their own Wallet separately. You can manage which payment methods family members can use through Family Sharing settings in the parent's account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my card without removing the old one first?
Yes. You can add a new card to Wallet without removing the old one. Both cards will stay in your Wallet, and you can choose which one to use at the payment reader. Remove the old card only when you are ready to stop using it.
Will changing my card affect subscriptions or recurring charges?
It depends on where the subscription is set up. Subscriptions through the App Store or Apple Services (like Apple Music) are tied to your Apple ID, not to a specific card. Changing your card in Wallet does not affect them. Subscriptions with other companies may need to be updated separately on their websites.
What if my bank is not recognizing my card in Apple Pay?
Not all banks support Apple Pay, and some have restrictions on which card types they allow. Check your bank's website or call their customer service to confirm they support Apple Pay. If they do, ask whether there are any additional steps you need to take to enable it for your account.
Can I use Apple Pay if I do not have a smartphone?
You can use Apple Pay on an iPad or Apple Watch if you have one of those devices. You cannot use Apple Pay on Android phones or non-Apple devices. If you do not have an Apple device, you will need to use a different payment method.