Where to find and update your payment method
To change your payment method on PS5, go to your profile settings, select Account, then Payment and Subscriptions, and choose Payment Methods. From there you can add a new card, delete an old one, or set a different method as your default. The system will use your default method for any purchase you make on the console or through the PlayStation Store.
You can also manage payment methods through your web browser by logging into your PlayStation Network account at account.playstation.com. The steps are similar: go to Profile, then Wallets, then Payment Methods. Changes you make on the web show up on your console within a few minutes.
If you're changing payment methods because your current card is expiring or has been compromised, remove the old one after you've added the new one. PlayStation will not charge a card you've deleted, even if it's still listed in your purchase history.
Key Takeaways
- You can add, remove, or change your default payment method through your PS5 settings under Account > Payment and Subscriptions > Payment Methods.
- Changes made on your console or through the PlayStation Network website sync automatically and take effect within minutes.
- PlayStation accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal; the payment method you set as default will be charged for all future purchases.
- Removing an old payment method prevents PlayStation from attempting to charge it, even if it remains visible in your transaction history.
- If a payment fails, PlayStation will retry the charge on your default method; you can prevent retries by removing the card before the retry window closes.
What payment methods PlayStation accepts
PlayStation accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. You can also link a PayPal account, which then appears as a payment option at checkout. Some regions also accept local payment methods—for example, certain European countries accept SEPA bank transfers, and some Asian regions accept local digital wallets—but the core options everywhere are cards and PayPal.
When you add a card, PlayStation will place a temporary hold of $1 to verify it's valid. This hold drops within a few business days and is not a charge. If the hold fails, the card won't be added to your account.
How to add a new payment method
On your PS5, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Account > Payment and Subscriptions > Payment Methods > Add a Payment Method. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back), along with your billing address. If you're adding PayPal, you'll be directed to log into your PayPal account instead.
After you enter the information, PlayStation will attempt the $1 verification hold. If it succeeds, your new method appears in your payment list immediately. You can then set it as your default or leave your current method as default.
If the verification fails, the card won't be added. Common reasons include a mistyped number, an expired card, or a billing address that doesn't match your card issuer's records. Check all details and try again, or use a different card.
Setting a default payment method
Your default payment method is what PlayStation charges whenever you buy a game, renew a subscription, or make any other purchase on the console. To change which method is default, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Account > Payment and Subscriptions > Payment Methods, select the method you want to use, and choose Set as Default.
If you have multiple cards on your account, you can choose which one to use at checkout for a single purchase—but if you don't make a choice, PlayStation will charge your default method. Setting a default prevents you from accidentally using the wrong card.
Removing an old or unused payment method
To delete a payment method, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Account > Payment and Subscriptions > Payment Methods, select the card or PayPal account you want to remove, and choose Delete. PlayStation will ask you to confirm. Once deleted, that method cannot be charged, even if a retry is scheduled.
You cannot delete your default payment method without first setting a different method as default. If you only have one payment method on your account, you must add a second one before you can delete the first.
Deleting a payment method does not cancel any subscriptions or pre-orders tied to it. If you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription or a pre-order on that card, you'll need to add a new payment method or the renewal or charge will fail.
What happens when a payment fails
If PlayStation tries to charge your default payment method and the charge is declined, you'll receive a notification on your console and an email to your account address. PlayStation will typically retry the charge within a few days. If the second attempt also fails, your subscription may be suspended or your pre-order may be cancelled, depending on what was being charged.
To prevent a retry, remove the card from your account before the retry window closes. If you do this, PlayStation will not attempt to charge it again. However, any service tied to that payment (like PlayStation Plus) will lapse unless you add a working payment method.
If a charge succeeds but you believe it was made in error, you can dispute it through your bank or card issuer. PlayStation's refund policy is separate from payment method management; contact PlayStation Support if you need a refund for a specific purchase.
Updating payment information for an existing card
If your card number, expiration date, or billing address changes but you want to keep using the same card, you cannot edit the existing entry. Instead, delete the old card and add it again with the updated information. PlayStation will run the $1 verification hold on the new entry.
If your card was declined and you've since fixed the issue (for example, you paid down your balance or the fraud hold was lifted), you don't need to delete and re-add it. Simply wait for PlayStation's retry attempt, or contact your bank to confirm the card is active and try making a purchase again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different payment method for each purchase?
Yes. At checkout, if you have multiple payment methods on your account, you can select which one to use for that specific purchase. If you don't choose, PlayStation will charge your default method. You can change your default at any time through your account settings.
What if I don't have a payment method on my account?
You can still play games you own and access free-to-play titles. You cannot buy games, renew subscriptions, or make in-game purchases without adding at least one payment method. You can add a card or PayPal account whenever you're ready to make a purchase.
Will removing a payment method cancel my PlayStation Plus subscription?
Removing the card does not automatically cancel the subscription, but PlayStation will not be able to renew it when it expires. Your subscription will lapse, and you'll lose access to online multiplayer and monthly games. Add a new payment method before your subscription renews to keep it active.
How long does it take for a new payment method to work?
A new payment method is ready to use immediately after the $1 verification hold succeeds. You can make a purchase right away. The verification hold itself drops from your bank account within a few business days.
Can I use someone else's payment method on my PS5?
Technically yes, but PlayStation's terms of service require that the payment method belong to the account holder. If you're a child or teenager, a parent or guardian can add their card to a family account and set spending limits. For other situations, the person whose card it is should add it to their own account.