Where to find your payment method settings
Log into your MyHeritage account and go to Settings in the top right corner. From there, select Subscription & Billing. You'll see a section labeled Payment Method — this is where you update, add, or remove how MyHeritage charges you.
If you're on a free account with no active subscription, you won't see billing settings. You only need to change your payment method if you have a paid subscription (DNA test, Premium membership, or storage plans) or if you've set up automatic renewal for any service.
Key Takeaways
- Your payment method lives in Settings > Subscription & Billing > Payment Method on the MyHeritage website.
- You can add a new card or PayPal account without deleting the old one, then choose which one to use for future charges.
- Changes take effect immediately for your next scheduled charge or renewal.
- If you're changing payment methods because a card was declined, contact MyHeritage support to retry the charge once your new method is saved.
Adding a new card or PayPal account
Click the Add Payment Method button in the Payment Method section. You can add either a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) or link your PayPal account. Enter the card details or authorize PayPal, and MyHeritage will save it to your account.
You don't have to remove your old payment method first. MyHeritage lets you keep multiple payment methods on file. Once you've added the new one, you can set it as your default for future charges, or keep the old one active as a backup.
Setting a default payment method
If you have more than one payment method saved, MyHeritage will show all of them in the Payment Method section. Next to each one, you'll see an option to make it your default. Click that option for whichever card or PayPal account you want MyHeritage to charge first.
Your default method is what MyHeritage will attempt to charge when your subscription renews or when you make a purchase. If that charge fails, MyHeritage may try your other saved payment methods automatically, depending on your account settings.
Removing an old payment method
To delete a payment method, find it in your Payment Method section and click Remove or the trash icon next to it. You can only remove a payment method if it's not currently set as your default. If you want to delete your only payment method, you'll need to add a new one first, set it as default, and then remove the old one.
Removing a payment method does not cancel your subscription. It only removes that card or PayPal account from your saved methods. Your subscription will continue to renew on your default payment method.
What happens when your payment method changes
The change takes effect immediately. Your next scheduled charge — whether that's a subscription renewal, storage plan renewal, or a new purchase — will use your new default payment method. MyHeritage does not re-charge you for past transactions or subscriptions already paid.
If you changed your payment method because your previous card was declined or expired, your subscription may have been paused. Once you've saved a new payment method, contact MyHeritage support to request that they retry the failed charge. They can often process it the same day.
Updating payment details on an existing card
If your card number, expiration date, or security code changed but you're keeping the same card, you'll need to remove the old entry and add the card again with the updated information. MyHeritage does not have an "edit" function for existing payment methods — you must delete and re-add.
This is common when your bank reissues your card or when you renew an expiring card. The process takes less than a minute, and your subscription will continue without interruption once the new card is saved.
Troubleshooting payment method changes
If you're unable to add a new payment method, check that your card or PayPal account is active and has no fraud holds. Some banks flag international charges or subscription services as suspicious. Contact your bank to confirm the charge is allowed, then try adding the payment method again.
If your new payment method was saved but MyHeritage is still trying to charge your old card, clear your browser cache and log out completely. Log back in and verify that your new method is set as default. If the problem persists, contact MyHeritage support with your account email and the last four digits of the card you want to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my payment method without canceling my subscription?
Yes. Changing your payment method does not affect your subscription at all. You can update, add, or remove payment methods anytime, and your subscription will continue to renew on whatever default method you have saved.
What if I want to use a different payment method for just one purchase?
You cannot choose a different payment method for a single purchase. MyHeritage always charges your default payment method. If you need to use a different card for one transaction, change your default method before making the purchase, then change it back afterward.
How long does it take for a new payment method to work?
A new payment method is active immediately after you save it. Your next charge will use the new method right away. There is no waiting period or verification delay.
What if my payment method fails during a renewal?
MyHeritage will attempt to charge your default payment method on your renewal date. If it fails, your subscription may pause or be marked as past due. Log in, update your payment method, and contact MyHeritage support to request a retry of the failed charge.
Can I use a prepaid card or gift card on MyHeritage?
Yes, if the prepaid card is a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. Make sure the card has enough balance for your subscription or purchase before adding it. Some prepaid cards decline recurring charges, so test it with a small purchase first if you're unsure.