Open the app and go to your account settings
To change your payment method on the McDonald's app, start by opening the app and tapping the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Then tap your profile picture or the account icon at the top left of the screen. You'll see your account menu with several options.
Look for "Payment Methods" or "Saved Cards" — the exact label depends on whether you're using iOS or Android, but both versions have this option in the account settings. Tap it to see all the payment methods you currently have stored.
Key Takeaways
- You can add, remove, or set a default payment method directly from your account settings in the McDonald's app.
- The app accepts credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and McDonald's gift cards.
- Removing an old payment method does not cancel any active orders or subscriptions tied to it — you'll need to update those separately if they exist.
- If a payment method fails during checkout, the app will prompt you to choose a different one before the order goes through.
Add a new payment method before removing the old one
If you want to switch to a completely different card or wallet, add the new payment method first. Tap "Add Payment Method" or the plus icon on the payment methods screen. Enter the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing zip code, or select a digital wallet option like Apple Pay or Google Pay if you prefer.
Once the new method is saved and verified (the app may run a small test charge that gets refunded), you can then remove the old one. This prevents you from getting stuck at checkout without a valid payment option.
Set a default payment method for faster checkout
After you've added a new payment method, you can make it your default. On the payment methods screen, look for the card or wallet you want to use most often and tap "Set as Default" or a similar option. The app will use this method automatically when you place an order, though you can still change it at checkout if needed.
If you don't set a default, the app will ask you to choose a payment method each time you order. This takes an extra step but gives you more control over which card you use for each purchase.
Remove a payment method you no longer use
To delete an old card or wallet, find it in your payment methods list and tap the trash icon, three dots, or "Remove" button next to it. The app will ask you to confirm the deletion. Once you confirm, that payment method is removed from your account and cannot be used for future orders.
Removing a payment method does not affect past orders or any active subscriptions (like McDonald's+ membership if you have one). If you have an active subscription charged to that card, you'll need to update the subscription's payment method separately in your account settings or through the subscription management screen.
Update payment method if a charge fails
If the app tries to charge a payment method and it fails — because the card is expired, the account is closed, or there are insufficient funds — you'll see an error message at checkout. The app will not process the order and will ask you to choose a different payment method or update the one that failed.
Tap the failed payment method and update the information if possible (for example, entering a new expiration date if the card was recently renewed). If you can't fix it, select a different payment method from your saved list or add a new one. The order will only go through once you've selected a working payment method.
Digital wallets and what they accept
The McDonald's app works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay depending on your phone. These digital wallets are often faster than entering card details manually because your phone handles the authentication. To use a digital wallet, tap "Add Payment Method," select the wallet option, and follow your phone's prompts to authorize it.
You can also add a McDonald's gift card as a payment method. Tap "Add Payment Method," select "Gift Card," and enter the card number and PIN. Gift cards work like any other saved payment method and can be set as your default if you use them frequently.
What happens to recurring charges when you change payment methods
If you have an active McDonald's+ membership or any other recurring charge tied to your old payment method, changing your default payment method in the app does not automatically update the subscription. You need to go into your subscription settings separately and update the payment method there.
To do this, go to your account menu, find "Subscriptions" or "McDonald's+," and look for payment settings within that section. Update the card or wallet there. If you remove a payment method that's still being used for a subscription, the next charge will fail and the subscription may be paused until you add a working payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use multiple payment methods on one order?
No. The McDonald's app requires you to pay with a single payment method per order. You cannot split a payment between two cards or wallets. If you want to use a different payment method, you'll need to place a separate order.
What if I forget my password and can't access my account settings?
Tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen and enter your email address. McDonald's will send you a password reset link. Click the link, create a new password, and log back in. Once you're logged in, you can access your payment methods as usual.
Does the app save my payment information securely?
The McDonald's app uses encryption to store payment information and does not store full card numbers on your device. Payment data is processed through secure payment gateways. However, if your phone is lost or stolen, someone with access to your unlocked phone could potentially place orders using your saved payment methods.
Can I change my payment method after I've already placed an order?
No. Once an order is placed and payment is processed, you cannot change the payment method for that order. If you need to cancel and reorder with a different payment method, you'll need to cancel the original order first (if the restaurant hasn't started preparing it) and place a new one.
Why does the app ask for my billing zip code?
The billing zip code is part of the Address Verification System (AVS), which helps prevent fraud by confirming that the zip code matches the one on file with your card issuer. It's a security step, not optional, and the app will not save your payment method without it.