How to change your bank account on Apple Pay
You can change the bank account linked to Apple Pay by removing the old card and adding a new one. The process takes a few minutes and happens entirely in the Wallet app on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. You do not need to contact your bank or Apple Support unless the new card fails to verify.
The key difference from adding a card for the first time is that you may want to keep your old card in Wallet for other purposes—like online shopping or in-app purchases—even after you stop using it for Apple Pay transactions. Removing a card from Apple Pay does not delete it from your device; it just stops it from being your default payment method.
Key Takeaways
- Open Wallet, tap the card you want to replace, scroll to the bottom, and select "Remove This Card" to stop using it for Apple Pay payments.
- Add your new card by tapping the plus icon in Wallet, choosing "Credit or Debit Card," and following the prompts to photograph or manually enter the card details.
- Your bank will send a verification code via text or email; enter it in the Wallet app to complete the setup, which usually takes under five minutes.
- If your new card fails verification, contact your bank to confirm the card is active and that your contact information on file is current.
- You can set which card is your default for contactless payments in Wallet settings, and change it anytime without removing the other cards.
Remove your old card from Apple Pay
Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad. Find the card you want to stop using for Apple Pay and tap it to open the card details. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the screen.
Tap "Remove This Card" in red text. A confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure. Tap "Remove" again to confirm. The card is now removed from Apple Pay, though it may still appear in your Wallet for other uses depending on your device settings.
If you are using an Apple Watch, you will need to remove the card there separately. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Wallet and Apple Pay, tap the card, scroll down, and select "Remove This Card."
Add your new card to Apple Pay
In the Wallet app, tap the plus icon in the upper right corner. Select "Credit or Debit Card" from the menu. You can now either photograph the front of your new card or enter the details manually.
If you photograph the card, the app will read the card number and expiration date automatically. If you enter it manually, type the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). Tap "Next" when you are done.
Enter your billing address and any other information your bank requires. Some banks ask for your phone number or email to match their records. Tap "Next" again to move to verification.
Verify your new card with your bank
Your bank will send a verification code to the phone number or email address on file. This code usually arrives within seconds, though it can take a few minutes. Check your text messages or email inbox for a message from your bank.
Return to the Wallet app and enter the code when prompted. The app will confirm that your card is verified and ready to use. If you do not receive a code within five minutes, tap "Did not receive a code?" and your bank may offer an alternative verification method, such as a call to a phone number or a one-time password through your banking app.
If verification fails, your bank may have flagged the card as inactive or your contact information may not match their records. Contact your bank directly to confirm the card is turned on and that they have your current phone number or email.
Set your default card for Apple Pay
You can have multiple cards in Apple Pay and choose which one is used by default when you tap your phone or watch to pay. Open Wallet, tap the three dots in the upper right corner, and select "Settings."
Under "Default Card," choose which card you want to use for contactless payments. This is the card that will be charged if you do not select a different one at the payment terminal. You can change this setting anytime without removing any cards.
If you want to use a different card for a specific transaction, hold your phone or watch near the payment terminal and swipe up (on iPhone) or press the side button (on Apple Watch) to see all your cards. Tap the one you want to use instead of the default.
Troubleshooting if your new card will not verify
If your bank does not send a verification code, the card may not be active yet. New cards sometimes take 24 to 48 hours to activate, even if they arrived in the mail. Wait a day and try adding it again.
If the code arrives but the app rejects it, make sure you are entering it correctly and that you have not already used it. Codes are usually single-use and expire after 10 to 15 minutes. If it expired, request a new one through the Wallet app.
If your bank requires a different verification method—such as calling a phone number or using their mobile app—follow those instructions first before trying to add the card to Apple Pay again. Some banks verify cards through their own system before Apple Pay can use them.
Contact your bank if the problem persists. Give them your card number and let them know you are trying to add it to Apple Pay. They can check whether the card is active, whether your contact information is correct, and whether there are any blocks on the account.
Moving Apple Pay to a new device
If you are switching to a new iPhone or Apple Watch, your cards do not automatically transfer. You will need to add them to Apple Pay on the new device. The process is the same: open Wallet, tap the plus icon, and add each card.
Your bank may recognize you and skip verification on the new device, or it may send a new code. Either way, the setup usually takes just a few minutes per card. You do not need to remove the cards from your old device first, though you may want to for security reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does removing a card from Apple Pay delete it from my iPhone?
No. Removing a card from Apple Pay stops it from being used for contactless payments, but the card information may still be stored in Wallet or in your banking app. If you want to completely delete the card from your device, you will need to remove it separately from any other apps or services that have it saved.
Can I use the same card on multiple devices?
Yes. You can add the same card to Apple Pay on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Each device stores its own copy of the card, and you can remove it from one device without affecting the others. Your bank sees all the transactions, regardless of which device you used.
What happens to pending transactions if I remove a card?
Transactions that have already been processed will still charge the old card. Only new transactions will use your new card. If you have a recurring payment set up through Apple Pay, you will need to update the card in that app or service separately—removing it from Wallet does not automatically update subscriptions.
How long does it take to add a new card to Apple Pay?
The entire process usually takes five to ten minutes, including photographing the card and waiting for the verification code. The longest part is waiting for your bank to send the code, which can range from seconds to a few minutes depending on the bank and your contact method.
Can I add a debit card to Apple Pay?
Yes. Apple Pay accepts both credit and debit cards. The process is identical—open Wallet, tap the plus icon, select "Credit or Debit Card," and follow the verification steps. Your bank will verify the debit card the same way it verifies a credit card.