Where to find and update your payment method
Log into your Patreon account on a web browser (the mobile app does not have this option). Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Settings. From the left menu, click Billing. You will see your current payment method listed under "Payment Method" — this is where you add a new card, update an existing one, or switch to a different payment source.
The change takes effect immediately for any new charges. If you have an active membership or are mid-billing cycle, your next payment will use the new method you just added. Patreon does not charge a fee to change your payment method, and you can update it as many times as you need.
Key Takeaways
- Payment method changes happen in Settings > Billing on the web version only, and take effect right away for future charges.
- You can add multiple payment methods to your account and switch between them without canceling your memberships.
- If a payment fails, Patreon will retry it using your current payment method on the next billing cycle, usually three to five days later.
- Removing a payment method does not cancel your memberships — you must have at least one valid method on file to keep them active.
Adding a new card or payment source
Click the Add a payment method button in the Billing section. Patreon accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and PayPal. Enter your card details or connect your PayPal account. If you use a debit card, Patreon treats it the same way as a credit card — the charge posts as a transaction, not a transfer.
Once you add a new method, it becomes your default for future charges. If you want to keep multiple methods on file but use a specific one for certain creators, you cannot choose per-creator — Patreon always charges your default method first. You can add up to five payment methods to a single account.
What happens if your payment method fails
If a charge is declined, Patreon sends you an email notification within a few hours. Your membership does not cancel immediately. Patreon will attempt to charge your account again on your next scheduled billing date, usually three to five days later. If the second attempt fails, your membership pauses and you lose access to patron-only content until you fix the payment method.
You have up to 60 days to update your payment information before Patreon cancels the membership entirely. During this window, you can add a new card or reactivate an old one, and your membership will resume. After 60 days, the membership is canceled and you will need to rejoin the creator to restore access.
Removing a payment method safely
You can delete a payment method from your account only if you have another one on file. Patreon requires at least one active payment method to keep your memberships running. If you try to remove your only method, the system will not allow it — you must add a replacement first.
To remove a method, go to Settings > Billing, find the card you want to delete, and click the trash icon next to it. The deletion is instant. This does not affect your active memberships — they will simply charge to your remaining default method on the next billing cycle.
Switching between multiple payment methods
If you have added more than one card or PayPal account, you can change which one is your default. In the Billing section, each payment method has a radio button or toggle. Click the one you want to use going forward. Your next charge will use that method.
Patreon does not let you assign different payment methods to different creators. All charges go to your default method unless you manually change it before each billing cycle. If you want to use a specific card for a specific creator, you will need to switch your default method, wait for that charge to process, then switch back.
Troubleshooting a declined payment
If your card is being declined, the most common reasons are: the card has expired, the billing address on file does not match your bank's records, you have hit your card's daily spending limit, or your bank flagged the charge as suspicious. Contact your bank first to confirm the card is active and has no fraud holds.
Once your bank clears the issue, return to Patreon's Billing page and update your payment method with the correct information. If your address changed, update it in your bank's system, then update it in Patreon as well — some banks require both. Patreon will retry the charge on your next billing date automatically.
Changing payment method on the Patreon mobile app
The Patreon mobile app (iOS and Android) does not have a billing settings page. To change your payment method, you must use a web browser on a computer or phone. Open Patreon.com, log in, and follow the steps above. Once you have updated your payment method on the web, it applies to all your memberships across the app and website.
If you are trying to join a creator for the first time on the mobile app, you will be prompted to add a payment method during checkout. This method is added to your account and becomes your default for all future charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different payment method for each creator I support?
No. Patreon charges all your memberships to your default payment method. If you want to use a specific card for a specific creator, you would need to change your default method before that creator's billing date, then change it back afterward — but this is impractical if you support multiple creators.
What if I delete my only payment method by accident?
You cannot delete your only payment method — Patreon blocks the action. If you somehow end up with no payment method on file, add a new one immediately through Settings > Billing. Your memberships will pause until you do, but they will not cancel for 60 days.
Do I lose my membership if I change my payment method?
No. Changing your payment method does not affect your active memberships. Your next charge will simply use the new method instead of the old one. You stay subscribed to all creators the entire time.
How long does it take for a new payment method to work?
It is instant. Once you add a card or connect PayPal in the Billing section, it is active immediately. If you join a creator right after adding a new method, that charge will use it.
Can I see my payment history on Patreon?
Yes. In Settings > Billing, scroll down to "Billing History" to see all past charges, the date they posted, the creator you paid, and the amount. You can also download a receipt for any individual charge by clicking on it.