Where to find your payment settings

Netflix stores your payment method in your account settings, not in a separate billing portal. To change it, sign in to Netflix on a web browser — the mobile app does not have a payment settings option. Go to your profile icon in the top right corner, select "Account", then look for "Billing info" or "Payment method" depending on your Netflix plan type.

The exact wording varies slightly between Netflix's standard plan and ad-supported plan, but both routes lead to the same place. You will see your current payment method listed (the last four digits of your card, or your PayPal account email). From there, you can add a new method or remove an old one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must use a web browser to change your payment method — the Netflix mobile app does not have this option.
  • Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and in some regions prepaid gift cards, but not all methods work in all countries.
  • If you add a new payment method, Netflix will charge it on your next billing date; your old method stays active until then unless you delete it.
  • If your payment fails, Netflix will pause your account after a few days and send you an email with instructions to update your method.

What payment methods Netflix accepts

Netflix takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. It also accepts PayPal in most countries. Some regions allow Netflix gift cards as a payment method, though these work differently — they add credit to your account rather than charging a card on a schedule.

Netflix does not accept bank transfers, wire payments, or cryptocurrency. If you live outside the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia, check your Netflix account settings to see which methods are available in your country, because the list varies by region.

How to add a new payment method

Sign in to Netflix on a computer, go to Account, then select Billing info. Click "Add payment method" or "Update payment method" depending on whether you already have one on file. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back), or log in to your PayPal account if you choose that option.

Netflix will not charge your new method right away. Instead, it will charge on your next regular billing date — the same day your subscription renews each month. Your old payment method will remain active until that date passes. If you want to remove the old method before then, you can delete it from the same Billing info page, but Netflix will still charge the new method on the scheduled date.

What happens if your payment fails

If Netflix cannot charge your payment method on your billing date, it will try again a few days later. After several failed attempts, Netflix will send you an email saying your account has been paused and asking you to update your payment information. You will not lose your profile, watch history, or saved shows — they stay in place while your account is paused.

Once you add a working payment method, Netflix will charge you for the month you missed plus any months you were paused, then resume your service. The amount varies depending on how long your account was paused. If you do not update your payment method within a certain period (Netflix does not publish this exact timeframe), your account may be permanently closed.

Removing a payment method

You can delete a payment method from your Billing info page at any time, but Netflix must have at least one valid method on file to keep your account active. If you delete your only payment method, Netflix will pause your account and ask you to add a new one.

If you are switching from one card to another, add the new card first, let Netflix charge it once on your next billing date, then delete the old card. This prevents your account from being paused if the old card fails before you have a chance to remove it.

Changing payment method on a shared account

If you share a Netflix account with family members, only the person who created the account can change the payment method. Other users on the account cannot access Billing info, even if they have their own profile. If someone else created the account and you need to change the payment method, ask the account owner to make the change, or contact Netflix support to request account ownership transfer.

Netflix does not charge different users different amounts. Everyone on the account shares one subscription and one monthly bill, regardless of how many profiles exist or how many people use it.

Using Netflix gift cards instead of a recurring payment method

Netflix gift cards work differently from credit cards. When you redeem a gift card, Netflix adds the dollar amount to your account as prepaid credit. Netflix then deducts your monthly subscription cost from that credit each billing cycle. Once the credit runs out, Netflix will ask you to add a payment method to continue.

Gift cards are useful if you want to avoid storing a card on Netflix's servers, or if you are unsure whether you will keep the subscription long-term. However, you still need to add a backup payment method eventually, because Netflix will pause your account when the gift card balance reaches zero and you have not provided another way to pay.

Why Netflix asks for your payment information

Netflix stores your payment method to charge you automatically each month. The company also uses your payment information to verify your age and location — some content is restricted by region, and Netflix uses your billing address to determine which shows and movies you can watch. Your payment method is also tied to your account for fraud prevention; Netflix flags unusual activity (like signing in from a new country) and may ask you to verify your identity before allowing access.

If you are concerned about storing a card on Netflix's servers, using a gift card or PayPal reduces the amount of card information Netflix holds directly. PayPal acts as a middleman and only shares limited information with Netflix. Neither option eliminates Netflix's access to your billing address and account activity, but both reduce the number of places your full card details are stored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my payment method on the Netflix app?

No. The Netflix mobile app does not have a payment settings option. You must use a web browser on a computer or tablet to change your payment method. Sign in to Netflix.com, go to your Account settings, and select Billing info.

Will Netflix charge my new payment method when ready?

No. Netflix charges your new payment method on your next regular billing date, which is the same day your subscription renews each month. Your old method remains active until then, so your service does not interrupt.

What if I delete my only payment method?

Netflix will pause your account and send you an email asking you to add a new payment method. Your profile and watch history stay in place while paused. Once you add a working payment method, Netflix will charge you for the paused period and resume your service.

Can someone else on my shared account change the payment method?

No. Only the person who created the account can access Billing info and change the payment method. Other users on the account cannot see or modify payment settings, even if they have their own profile.

Is it safer to use PayPal than a credit card with Netflix?

PayPal adds a layer between your card and Netflix — Netflix sees your PayPal email but not your full card number. This reduces the amount of card data Netflix stores directly. However, Netflix still has your billing address and account activity. Neither method is risk-free, but PayPal slightly limits what payment information Netflix holds.