Delete a payment method in three steps
Open the Lyft app on your phone, tap the account icon (usually in the top left or bottom right corner), then select "Payment" or "Payment Methods". Find the card or payment method you want to remove, tap the three dots or menu icon next to it, and choose "Remove" or "Delete". The payment method disappears from your account when ready.
You can remove any payment method except the one Lyft currently has set as your default. If you want to delete your default method, you must first add a different payment method and set it as the new default. Then you can remove the old one.
The process is the same whether you are removing a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Lyft does not charge you for removing a payment method, and the action does not affect any past rides or refunds.
Key Takeaways
- You can delete any payment method from your Lyft account except the one currently set as your default payment option.
- To remove your default payment method, add a new one first and make it the default before deleting the old one.
- Removing a payment method takes seconds and does not affect completed rides or any money Lyft owes you.
- If you delete all payment methods by mistake, you can add a new one at any time before requesting your next ride.
Why you might need to remove a payment method
You may want to delete a payment method because you lost the card, it expired, or you switched to a different card. You might also remove an old payment method for security reasons — if a card was compromised or you no longer use it, taking it off your account reduces the risk of unauthorized charges.
Some people remove payment methods when they are switching from one bank to another, or when they want to clean up their account and keep only the cards they actively use. Removing unused methods makes it easier to find the right payment option when you book a ride.
Step-by-step: removing a payment method on iPhone or Android
Step 1: Open the Lyft app and go to your account. Tap the account icon. On most phones this is in the top left corner of the home screen, but on some versions it appears in the bottom right. You will see your name and profile picture.
Step 2: Tap "Payment" or "Payment Methods". This option is usually near the top of the account menu. You will see a list of all payment methods saved to your account, with the default method marked or highlighted.
Step 3: Find the payment method you want to remove. Look for the card number, the last four digits, or the name of the digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.). Tap the three vertical dots, the three horizontal lines, or the menu icon next to the payment method.
Step 4: Select "Remove" or "Delete". A confirmation message may appear asking if you are sure. Tap "Remove" or "Confirm" to complete the action. The payment method is now gone from your account.
What to do if you cannot delete your payment method
If the delete button is grayed out or missing, that payment method is set as your default. Lyft requires you to have at least one active payment method on your account at all times, so you cannot remove the one currently in use.
To fix this, add a new payment method first. Go back to the Payment menu, tap "Add Payment Method", and enter the details of a new card or digital wallet. Once the new method is added, tap it and select "Set as Default". Now you can go back to the old payment method and delete it.
If you still cannot delete a payment method after setting a new default, try closing the Lyft app completely and opening it again. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to show the delete option. If the problem continues, contact Lyft support through the app — tap your account icon, scroll down, and select "Help".
Removing a payment method on the Lyft website
You can also manage your payment methods on a computer by going to www.lyft.com and signing in with your account. Click your account icon in the top right corner, then select "Payment Methods" from the menu.
Find the payment method you want to remove and look for a delete icon, usually an X or a trash can symbol. Click it, and the payment method will be removed. The same rule applies: you cannot delete your default payment method unless you have added and set a new default first.
Removing a payment method on the website works the same way as on the app, and the change shows up on your phone when ready. You do not need to do anything else — your account is updated across all devices.
What happens after you delete a payment method
Once you remove a payment method, Lyft can no longer charge that card or account for new rides. If you had any pending refunds or credits on your account, they remain and can be used with any other payment method you have on file.
If you delete all your payment methods by mistake, you can add a new one before your next ride. Lyft will not let you request a ride without at least one active payment method, so the app will prompt you to add one if you try to book without any on file.
Deleting a payment method does not cancel any active rides or affect rides you have already completed. Your ride history and any ratings remain unchanged. If you were using that payment method for a subscription like Lyft Plus or Lyft Pass, you will need to update the payment method for your subscription separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a payment method if I have an outstanding balance?
Yes, you can remove a payment method even if you owe money. However, Lyft will still try to charge you for future rides using your default payment method. If you remove all payment methods while you have a balance, Lyft will ask you to add a new one before you can book another ride.
Will deleting a payment method affect my Lyft rewards or credits?
No. Any rewards, credits, or promotional codes on your account stay with you and work with any payment method you have on file. Removing a card does not erase credits or change how they work.
What if I accidentally deleted the wrong payment method?
You can add it back at any time. Go to Payment Methods, tap "Add Payment Method", and enter the card details again. Lyft will recognize it as the same card if you use the same number and expiration date. There is no penalty for adding and removing payment methods.
Do I need to tell Lyft before I delete a payment method?
No. Removing a payment method is a private account action. You do not need to contact Lyft or give them notice. The change takes effect when ready.
Can I remove a payment method if I have an active Lyft subscription?
You can remove a payment method from your account, but your subscription will still need a valid payment method to charge. If you remove the card your subscription uses, Lyft will ask you to add a new one or update your subscription payment method before your next billing date.