Remove your old card and add a new one through the Wallet app
To change the bank account linked to Apple Pay, you remove the old card from your Wallet app and add a new one. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way on iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. You do not need to contact your bank or Apple Support unless the new card will not add.
Apple Pay stores card information on your device, encrypted. When you remove a card, Apple Pay stops using it for payments immediately. Any pending transactions tied to that card will still process through your bank, so check your account before you remove it if you have recent payments in flight.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Wallet app, tap and hold the card you want to remove, then swipe left and tap Delete to remove it from Apple Pay.
- Add a new card by opening Wallet, tapping the plus icon, choosing Credit or Debit Card, and scanning or typing your card number.
- Your bank may ask you to verify the new card with a code sent to your phone or email before Apple Pay will let you use it for payments.
- Removing a card from Apple Pay does not close the card itself or affect your bank account—it only stops Apple Pay from using that card.
- If a new card will not add, check that your card issuer supports Apple Pay and that your device has the latest iOS or watchOS version.
Step-by-step: removing your current card
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Find the card you want to remove and tap and hold it until a menu appears. Swipe left across the card or tap the three dots, then select Delete. Confirm the deletion when prompted. The card is now removed from Apple Pay, though your bank still has the card active.
If you are removing a card from an Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Wallet and Apple Pay, find the card, and swipe left to delete it. The card stays on your iPhone's Wallet unless you remove it there too.
Step-by-step: adding your new card
Open Wallet and tap the plus icon in the top right corner. Select Credit or Debit Card. You can scan the front of your new card with your camera or type the card number, expiration date, and CVV by hand. Tap Next when you are done entering the information.
Your bank will then ask you to verify the card. Most banks send a code to your phone number or email address on file. Enter that code into the prompt on your screen. Some banks may ask security questions instead. Once verified, the card is added to Apple Pay and ready to use for payments and in-app purchases.
What happens if your bank does not recognize the new card
If you see an error message saying your card cannot be added, the most common cause is that your bank does not support Apple Pay or has not activated the card yet. New cards sometimes take 24 hours to become active in your bank's system. Wait a day and try again.
Check that you entered the card number, expiration date, and CVV correctly. If the information is right and the card still will not add, contact your bank's customer service line. They can confirm the card is active and that Apple Pay is supported. Some smaller banks and credit unions do not offer Apple Pay, so your bank may not be compatible.
Changing your card on iPhone versus Apple Watch
If you use Apple Pay on both your iPhone and Apple Watch, removing the card from your iPhone does not automatically remove it from your Watch. You must delete it separately on the Watch app. When you add a new card to your iPhone, you can choose to add it to your Watch at the same time during setup, or add it to your Watch later through the Watch app.
Your default card—the one that charges first when you pay—is set separately on each device. After you add your new card, check that it is set as the default on both your iPhone and Watch if you want to use it for most payments.
Transactions in progress when you remove a card
If you remove a card from Apple Pay while a payment is still processing, the transaction will complete using that card. Your bank will charge the card even though it is no longer in your Wallet. Check your bank account for any pending charges before you delete a card, especially if you made a payment in the last few hours.
Recurring payments—subscriptions, bills set to auto-pay—will fail if you remove the card they are tied to. You will need to update those subscriptions or bills with your new card number directly through the app or website where you set them up. Apple Pay does not automatically transfer recurring charges to a new card.
Setting a default card and payment method
After you add your new card, you can set it as your default payment method. On iPhone, open Wallet, tap the three dots on any card, select Default Card, and choose which card you want to use first. On Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Wallet and Apple Pay, scroll down, and tap Default Card.
Your default card is the one that charges when you hold your device near a payment terminal without selecting a card first. You can still choose a different card at the moment of payment if you want to use a card other than the default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does removing a card from Apple Pay close the card or affect my bank account?
No. Removing a card from Apple Pay only stops Apple Pay from using that card for payments. The card itself stays active at your bank, and your account is not affected. You can still use the physical card or add it back to Apple Pay later if you want.
Can I change my card without deleting the old one first?
Yes. You can add a new card to Apple Pay while keeping the old one active. Both cards will appear in your Wallet, and you can choose which one to use at payment time. Delete the old card whenever you are ready.
What if my bank sends a verification code but I do not receive it?
Check that your phone number and email address are current in your bank's system. Ask your bank to resend the code. If you still do not receive it, call your bank's customer service line and verify the card over the phone instead. They can confirm your identity and activate the card for Apple Pay manually.
Will my subscriptions and recurring payments move to the new card automatically?
No. Subscriptions and auto-pay bills stay tied to the old card until you update them manually. Log into each app or website where you have a recurring charge and update the payment method to your new card. This includes streaming services, utilities, and loan payments.
Can I use Apple Pay if my bank is not listed when I try to add a card?
Your bank may not support Apple Pay. Check your bank's website or call customer service to confirm. If your bank does support it, try adding the card again or contact your bank to make sure the card is activated and may be able to access for Apple Pay.