Open Settings, tap Wallet & Apple Pay, and remove the old card before adding the new one
To change your bank account in Apple Pay, you need to remove the old card from the wallet first, then add the new one. Apple Pay does not let you edit a card's details directly — you delete and re-add. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
Start by opening Settings on your device. Tap Wallet & Apple Pay. You will see a list of all cards currently stored. Tap the card you want to remove, scroll to the bottom, and tap Remove This Card. Confirm the removal when prompted. After that, tap the + button at the top of the Wallet & Apple Pay screen to add your new bank account.
Key Takeaways
- You must remove the old card before adding a new one — Apple Pay does not allow you to edit card details in place.
- The removal is immediate and does not affect any pending transactions or your bank account itself.
- When you add the new card, Apple Pay may ask you to verify it with your bank through a text message or app notification.
- If you use the same card across multiple Apple devices, removing it from one device does not remove it from the others.
What happens when you remove a card from Apple Pay
Removing a card from Apple Pay stops you from using it for contactless payments, online purchases, and peer-to-peer transfers through that device. The card itself remains active at your bank — removing it from Apple Pay does not close the account or cancel the card.
Any transactions you made with that card before removal stay on your bank statement. Pending transactions (ones that have not yet settled) will still go through, because the payment was already sent to the merchant. You are only stopping future payments from that device.
Adding your new bank account to Apple Pay
After you remove the old card, tap the + button in Wallet & Apple Pay. You can add the new account by holding your iPhone over the card to scan it, or by entering the card number manually. Apple Pay will ask for the expiration date and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back).
Next, your bank will send you a verification code, usually by text message or through your bank's app. Enter this code into Apple Pay to confirm the card is yours. Some banks verify instantly; others take a few minutes. Once verified, the card is live and you can use it immediately for payments.
If your bank does not send a code automatically, open your bank's app or call the number on the back of your card to confirm you just added it to Apple Pay. This step prevents fraud and ensures the bank knows the card is being used on your device.
Removing a card from one device does not affect others
If you use Apple Pay on an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, each device has its own wallet. Removing a card from your iPhone does not remove it from your iPad or watch. You need to remove it separately on each device if you want it gone everywhere.
This is useful if you want to keep using an old card on your watch while switching to a new one on your phone. It also means if you lose a phone, the card is still active on your other devices until you remove it there too.
What to do if your bank asks for extra verification
Some banks, especially smaller regional ones, may ask you to verify the card through their own app instead of sending a code to Apple Pay. If this happens, open your bank's app, look for a section called Cards, Wallet, or Mobile Payments, and follow the prompts to confirm the card for Apple Pay.
If your bank does not have an app or the verification is not working, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Tell them you are adding the card to Apple Pay and ask what verification they need. They can usually complete it over the phone or send you a new code.
Changing your default card for payments
If you have multiple cards in Apple Pay, you can set which one is used by default when you pay. Open Settings, go to Wallet & Apple Pay, and look for Default Card or Default Transaction Card. Tap it and choose which card you want to use first.
When you make a payment, you can always override the default by double-tapping the side button (on newer iPhones) or using Face ID to unlock the wallet, then tapping a different card. The default only applies when you do not actively choose a card.
Troubleshooting: Card not adding or verification failing
If Apple Pay will not let you add the new card, the most common reasons are: the card is not yet active at your bank, your bank does not support Apple Pay, or there is a mismatch between the address you entered and the one on file at the bank. Check your bank's website to confirm Apple Pay is supported.
If the verification code never arrives, wait a few minutes — some banks are slow to send them. If nothing comes after ten minutes, open your bank's app and look for a Resend Code option. If that does not work, call your bank directly. Do not try to add the card again immediately, because multiple failed attempts can temporarily lock the card for security reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my bank account without removing the old card first?
No. Apple Pay requires you to remove the old card before adding a new one. You cannot edit a card's details or swap accounts without deleting first. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized changes.
Will removing a card from Apple Pay close my bank account?
No. Removing a card from Apple Pay only stops you from using it on that device. Your bank account stays open and active. The card itself remains valid for in-person purchases, online checkout, and ATM withdrawals.
How long does it take to add a new card after removing the old one?
The removal is instant. Adding the new card usually takes five to ten minutes, including the time for your bank to send and you to enter the verification code. Some banks verify faster than others.
What if I want to keep both cards in Apple Pay?
You can have multiple cards in Apple Pay at the same time. You only need to remove the old one if you do not want to use it anymore. If you want to keep both, just add the new card without removing the old one.
Do I need to remove the card from my Apple Watch too?
Only if you want it gone from the watch. Removing it from your iPhone does not automatically remove it from your watch. Each device's wallet is separate, so you need to remove it on the watch through its own settings if you want it off there.