Removing a payment method from your account is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. Here are some quick answers to common questions about removing payment methods:
Why would I want to remove a payment method?
There are a few main reasons you may want to remove a payment method from your account:
- The payment method is expired or no longer valid
- You want to update the payment method to a new one
- You want to remove access to the payment method for security reasons
- You are closing the account associated with the payment method
Removing invalid, old, or unneeded payment methods helps keep your account secure and up to date.
Can I remove my primary payment method?
Yes, you can remove your primary payment method. However, your account will require you to add a new valid payment method before you can make additional purchases or subscriptions.
What happens when I remove a payment method?
Here is what happens when you remove a payment method from your account:
- The payment method will no longer be available as a payment option at checkout.
- Any pending or future automatic payments set up on that payment method will be cancelled.
- Your account balance or history will not be impacted.
- You can continue using your account as normal, but will need to add a new payment method before making any new purchases or subscriptions.
How do I remove a payment method from my account?
Removing a payment method is easy to do through your account settings:
- Log into your account and go to the Billing or Payment Methods page.
- Locate the payment method you want to remove.
- Click “Remove” or “Delete” next to the payment method.
- Confirm that you want to remove this card or payment method.
The process for removing payment methods may vary slightly between websites or merchants. But there will always be a clear “Remove” or “Delete” option to disassociate that payment method from your account.
Can I remove a payment method on mobile?
Yes, you can also remove saved payment methods through the mobile app or mobile site. The process is very similar:
- Open the app or mobile site and go to your account settings.
- Tap “Payment Methods”.
- Tap the trash icon or “Remove” button next to the card you want to remove.
- Confirm you want to delete this card.
The steps may be adjusted slightly on different apps or sites, but you will generally find the option to remove payment methods in your profile or account settings on mobile.
What if I have subscriptions with the payment method?
When you remove a payment method, any active subscriptions attached to that payment method will be cancelled automatically. You will need to add a new payment method and resubscribe if you want those subscriptions to continue.
Many sites will send a notification email that subscriptions have been cancelled due to the payment method being removed. You will still have access to the subscription services until the next billing date, when billing would fail without updated payment details.
Can I recover a payment method after removing it?
Unfortunately, no. Once you delete a payment method, it is permanently removed from the system and cannot be recovered. You will need to enter the details again as a new payment method if you want to reuse that card or payment source in the future.
What about payment methods on file for one-click checkout?
Removing a payment method that is on file for one-click or express checkout will also remove it from being available for convenient one-click payments. You will need to re-enter the card details if you want to setup one-click convenience again in the future.
Conclusion
Removing a payment method is straightforward – just locate the card or payment details in your account settings and select “Remove” or “Delete”. It’s a good idea to periodically remove expired, invalid, or unused payment methods to keep your account safe and up to date. Just be sure to add a new payment method if the one you are deleting is attached to any active subscriptions.
How to Remove a Payment Method – Step-by-Step Instructions
Updating your payment information is an important part of managing your online accounts. Here are step-by-step instructions for removing a payment method you no longer want tied to your account:
Preparation
Before removing a payment method, take a few moments to:
- Review any subscriptions or memberships tied to that payment method – you may need to update the payment information for these if you want them to continue.
- Confirm you have at least one other valid payment method on file, if required.
- Have your login credentials ready for the website or app.
Website Instructions
Follow these steps to remove a payment method via the website:
- Log into your account on the website.
- Go to your “Account Settings” or “Profile”.
- Click on “Payment Methods” or “Billing Information”.
- Locate the payment method you want to remove.
- Click the “Remove”, “Delete”, or “X” icon next to the method.
- Confirm you want to remove the payment method.
Mobile App Instructions
Here’s how to remove a payment method on a mobile app:
- Open the app and log into your account.
- Tap the profile/account icon or go to your account menu.
- Tap “Payment Methods” or “Manage Payments”.
- Find the payment method you want to remove.
- Tap the “Remove” or “Delete” button next to it.
- Confirm that you want to remove this payment method.
When Removing Primary Payment Method
If the payment method you are deleting is set as your primary/preferred method, keep in mind:
- You will need to add a new primary payment method after deleting the old one.
- Your account may be put on hold for new transactions until you add a new method.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having trouble removing a payment method, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure you are logged into the correct account.
- Double check you selected the right payment method to remove.
- For payment errors, contact customer service for assistance.
- If all else fails, you may need to close the account entirely.
Conclusion
Keeping your payment methods up-to-date is an important account maintenance task. Follow the step-by-step instructions to easily remove a card or payment method you no longer want to use for purchases. Just be sure your key subscriptions remain active and you have a valid primary payment method set up.