Update your card directly in the Wallet app on your iPhone
The fastest way to update a card in Apple Pay is through the Wallet app on your iPhone. Open Wallet, tap the card you want to change, then tap the three dots in the corner. Select "Card Details" and you can update the expiration date, security code, or billing address without removing and re-adding the card.
If you need to change the card number itself — because it was compromised or you switched to a different card entirely — you'll need to remove the old card and add the new one. Tap the card, select the three dots, scroll down, and choose "Remove This Card." Then add your new card by tapping the plus sign in Wallet and following the prompts to photograph or manually enter the card details.
The update takes effect when ready. You can use the card in Apple Pay right away, though your bank may take a few hours to process the change on their end.
Key Takeaways
- You can update the expiration date, security code, or billing address without removing the card by opening Wallet, tapping the card, selecting the three dots, and choosing "Card Details."
- To change the card number itself, you must remove the old card and add a new one through the Wallet app.
- Updates take effect when ready in Apple Pay, though your bank may need a few hours to sync the change.
- If your card was compromised, contact your bank first — they may issue a replacement card with a new number automatically.
Update through your bank's app or website
Many banks let you update your card details directly through their own app or website, and the change syncs to Apple Pay automatically. Log into your bank's app, find the card management section, and update the expiration date or security code there. Within a few minutes, the change appears in your Wallet app without any action on your part.
This route is useful if you're already in your bank's app handling other account business. It also creates a record with your bank that you initiated the change, which can matter if there's ever a dispute about when the update happened.
What happens when your card expires
When your card's expiration date passes, Apple Pay stops accepting it automatically. Your bank usually sends you a replacement card in the mail before the old one expires. Once you receive the new card, update the expiration date in Wallet (if only the date changed) or remove the old card and add the new one (if you received a new card number).
You don't need to wait for the new physical card to arrive to update Apple Pay — you can add it as soon as your bank tells you the new number and expiration date. Many banks show this information in their app or through online banking before the physical card reaches your mailbox.
Update on Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch
If you use Apple Pay on multiple devices, you can update your card on any of them. On a Mac, open System Settings, go to Wallet & Apple Pay, select your card, and click "Edit." On an iPad, open Settings, tap Wallet & Apple Pay, select the card, and tap "Edit Card Details." On an Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Wallet & Apple Pay, select the card, and tap the info button.
The change syncs across all your devices within a few minutes because they're all connected to the same Apple ID. You only need to update it once, on whichever device is most convenient.
What to do if the update won't go through
If you see an error message when trying to update your card, first check that you're entering the information correctly — expiration dates are often month and year only, and security codes are usually three or four digits on the back of the card. If the details are correct, restart your iPhone and try again.
If the problem persists, contact your bank. They may have flagged the card for security reasons, or there may be a temporary issue on their end. Your bank can confirm the card is active and working, and they can tell you whether there's a problem with the card itself or with the connection between your bank and Apple Pay.
Removing a card you no longer use
If you want to stop using a card in Apple Pay but keep it active with your bank, open Wallet, tap the card, select the three dots, scroll down, and choose "Remove This Card." The card stays active at your bank — you're just removing it from Apple Pay. You can add it back later if you change your mind.
If you've closed the card entirely with your bank, removing it from Apple Pay is a good housekeeping step, but it's not urgent. The card straightforward won't work if someone tries to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to update my card before it expires?
No. Apple Pay will stop accepting the card once it expires, but you don't need to update it in advance. Once you receive your replacement card from your bank, update Apple Pay at that point. If you want to update it early because you already have the new card number, you can.
Will updating my card in Apple Pay affect my bank account?
No. Updating the card details in Apple Pay only changes how the card appears in your Wallet app. It doesn't change your account balance, payment history, or anything else at your bank. The card itself remains the same.
What if I update my card and then my bank sends me a replacement card anyway?
If you updated the expiration date and security code, but your bank then mails you a new physical card with a different number, remove the old card from Apple Pay and add the new one. This sometimes happens if your bank issued a replacement for security reasons after you already updated the expiration date.
Can I update a card that's been reported lost or stolen?
No. Once you report a card lost or stolen to your bank, they deactivate it when ready, and Apple Pay will reject it. Your bank will issue a replacement card with a new number. Add that new card to Apple Pay instead.
How long does it take for an update to show up across all my devices?
Usually a few minutes. If you update on your iPhone, the change syncs to your Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch through your Apple ID. If one device hasn't updated after 10 minutes, restart it and check again.