Where to find the payment method settings in the Ring app
Open the Ring app on your phone or tablet and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select Account, then tap Payment Methods. You will see any cards or payment sources you have already added. To change which one Ring charges for your subscription or purchases, tap the payment method you want to use, then confirm it as your default.
If you are using Ring.com on a computer instead, log in to your account, click your name in the top right, select Account Settings, then choose Payment Methods from the left menu. The process is the same: select the card or account you want to use going forward.
The change takes effect immediately for any new charges. Recurring subscriptions like Ring Protect will use the new method on the next billing date.
Key Takeaways
- You can add a new card or payment source before removing the old one, so you never lose the ability to pay.
- Changing your default payment method in the Ring app or on Ring.com takes effect right away for new charges.
- Subscriptions like Ring Protect will switch to the new payment method on your next billing date, not immediately.
- If a payment fails, Ring will attempt to charge your default payment method again before suspending your service.
Adding a new card or payment source
In the Ring app, go to Account > Payment Methods and tap the plus icon or Add Payment Method. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). You can also add a debit card, prepaid card, or PayPal account the same way.
On Ring.com, click Account Settings > Payment Methods and select Add a Payment Method. Fill in the same information. Ring will charge a small amount (usually $1) to verify the card is real, then refund it within a few business days.
Keep at least one active payment method on file at all times. If your only card expires or is declined, Ring cannot charge you for renewals or new purchases until you add another one.
Removing an old or expired card
Do not delete a card while it is still set as your default payment method. First, add a new card and set it as your default (see the section above). Then go back to Payment Methods, find the old card, and tap or click the trash icon or Remove.
If a card has expired, Ring will stop trying to charge it automatically. You can remove it at any time, but there is no rush—it will not cause failed payments if another valid card is set as your default.
Removing a card does not affect past charges or refunds. It only prevents Ring from attempting new charges to that card.
What happens if a payment fails
If Ring tries to charge your default payment method and it is declined, you will receive an email notification. Ring will retry the charge a few times over the next several days. During this time, your Ring Protect subscription may remain active, but you should add or update a working payment method as soon as you see the notice.
If all retry attempts fail, Ring will suspend your subscription or service. You will lose features like cloud video recording and professional monitoring (if you have Ring Protect). Once you update your payment method and the charge goes through, your service resumes.
To avoid this, keep your card information current. If you know your card is expiring soon, update it before the expiration date arrives.
Updating a card that is about to expire
If your card expires in the next month, update it now rather than waiting for a failed charge. Go to Payment Methods in the Ring app or on Ring.com, tap or click the card you want to update, and enter the new expiration date and CVV.
Some banks and card issuers send Ring an automatic update when your card is reissued with a new expiration date. If that happens, Ring will update the card on file for you. You will see a notification in the app or receive an email confirming the update.
If you do not see an automatic update within a week of receiving your new card, manually update it yourself to be safe.
Using a different payment method for a one-time purchase
When you buy a Ring device, Ring Protect subscription, or other product through the Ring app or Ring.com, you can choose which payment method to use at checkout. Your default method will be pre-selected, but you can tap or click Change Payment Method to pick a different card or account for that purchase only.
This does not change your default payment method. The next time you make a purchase or your subscription renews, it will use your default again unless you change it at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a prepaid card or gift card with Ring?
Yes. Prepaid cards and gift cards work the same way as regular debit or credit cards. Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV in the payment method section. Ring will verify the card with a small charge, then refund it. The card must have enough balance to cover any charges Ring attempts.
What if I want to use a different payment method for each Ring device?
Ring does not allow separate payment methods per device. All charges go to your default payment method on your account. You can change which card is default before making a purchase, but you cannot assign different cards to different devices permanently.
How long does it take for a payment method change to take effect?
Changes take effect immediately for new purchases and one-time charges. Recurring subscriptions like Ring Protect will use the new method on your next billing date, which may be days or weeks away depending on when your subscription renews.
What should I do if Ring keeps declining my card?
Contact your bank or card issuer first—they may be blocking Ring charges for fraud protection. Ask them to allow charges from Ring. If your bank approves it and Ring still declines the card, try adding it again as a new payment method. If that does not work, try a different card or contact Ring support.
Can I pay Ring with a bank account instead of a card?
Ring does not accept direct bank account transfers or ACH payments. You can only pay with a credit card, debit card, prepaid card, or PayPal account. If you do not have a card, PayPal is your best option.