Where to find your payment settings on Netflix

Your payment method lives in your account settings, not in the app you watch on. Open a web browser and go to netflix.com, then sign in with your email and password. Once you're logged in, look for your profile icon or account menu — usually in the top right corner — and click it.

From that menu, select "Account" or "Your account". Netflix will take you to your account page, which shows your plan, profile names, and payment information. Look for a section called "Membership and billing" or "Payment info". This is where you'll see your current payment method and where you can add a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must change your payment method through Netflix's website, not through the Netflix app on your TV or phone.
  • Your current payment method appears under "Membership and billing" in your account settings, along with the billing date and amount.
  • Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and gift cards, depending on your country and account type.
  • The change takes effect when ready for your next billing cycle, and Netflix will send a confirmation email once the new method is saved.

Adding a new payment method before removing the old one

Netflix lets you keep multiple payment methods on file at once. This is useful because you can add a new card before deleting the old one, which means there's no gap where your account has no payment method. Click "Add payment method" in the billing section and enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back).

If you're switching to PayPal, click "Add PayPal" instead. Netflix will open a PayPal login window. Sign in with your PayPal credentials, and PayPal will ask you to confirm that Netflix can charge your account. Once you confirm, PayPal is added to your Netflix account. You can then delete your old card whenever you're ready.

Removing your old payment method

Once your new payment method is saved and you've confirmed it works, you can remove the old one. Go back to "Membership and billing" and find the card you want to delete. Click the trash icon or "Remove" button next to it. Netflix will ask you to confirm the deletion — this is to prevent accidental removal.

You must have at least one valid payment method on your account at all times. If you try to remove your only payment method, Netflix will block you and ask you to add a new one first. This prevents your account from going unpaid and getting suspended.

What happens if your payment fails

If Netflix tries to charge your card and it declines, you'll receive an email within a few days. The email will tell you that your payment failed and give you a important date to update your payment method — usually around 7 to 10 days. During this time, you can still watch Netflix normally.

If you don't update your payment method by the important date, Netflix will suspend your account. You won't be able to watch anything until you add a working payment method and the charge goes through. Once it does, your account reactivates when ready and you can resume watching where you left off.

Payment methods Netflix accepts

Netflix takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards in the United States. You can also use a debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo. PayPal is available in most countries. Some regions also accept local payment methods — for example, direct bank transfers in certain European countries or mobile carrier billing in some Asian markets.

Netflix gift cards are another option. You can buy them at retailers like Target, Walmart, or Best Buy, then redeem them on your account. The credit appears as a balance that Netflix deducts from before charging your payment method. Once the gift card balance runs out, Netflix will charge your linked card for the next billing cycle.

Changing your payment method on a shared account

If you share a Netflix account with family or roommates, only the account owner can change the payment method. The account owner is whoever created the account and has access to the email address tied to it. Other people on the account can't see the billing section or make changes to payment information.

If someone else owns the account and you want to pay for your share, ask them to add your card as a secondary payment method. They can do this through the same "Add payment method" button. Netflix will then try to charge the primary card first, and if that fails, it will attempt the secondary card. This way, if the owner's card declines, your card can cover the charge.

Troubleshooting payment problems

If Netflix says your card is invalid when you try to add it, check that you've entered the number, expiration date, and CVV correctly. The CVV is the three-digit code on the back of Visa and Mastercard, or the four-digit code on the front of American Express. Make sure the card hasn't expired and that you have enough available credit or funds.

If your card keeps getting declined even though it's valid, contact your bank. They may have flagged Netflix as a suspicious charge and blocked it automatically. Your bank can whitelist Netflix so future charges go through. You can also try a different card, or switch to PayPal, which sometimes works when a card doesn't.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my payment method through the Netflix app?

No. Netflix only lets you change your payment method through a web browser at netflix.com. The Netflix app on your phone, tablet, or TV doesn't have access to billing settings. You must log in on a computer or mobile web browser to update your payment information.

How long does it take for a new payment method to start working?

It's when ready. Once you save a new payment method, Netflix can charge it right away if needed. Your next scheduled billing charge will use the new method you've set as primary. If you want to test that the card works, you can wait for your next billing date, or contact Netflix support to request a test charge.

What if I want to use a different card each month?

Netflix doesn't let you schedule different cards for different months. You can only set one primary payment method at a time. If you want to switch cards, you'll need to manually change your payment method each month through your account settings. You can add multiple cards and then choose which one is primary whenever you want.

Will changing my payment method affect my shows and watchlist?

No. Changing your payment method doesn't touch any of your viewing history, saved shows, or profile settings. Everything stays exactly as it is. Your account and all its data remain unchanged — only the card Netflix charges is different.

Can I use a prepaid card on Netflix?

Yes, as long as the prepaid card has a Visa or Mastercard logo and has enough balance to cover the monthly charge. Prepaid cards work the same way as regular debit cards on Netflix. Make sure the card is activated and has your billing address registered with it, or Netflix may decline the charge.