You can change your bank on Apple Pay in Settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac in about two minutes
Open the Wallet app or go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay. Find the card linked to your bank account, tap it, then tap the three dots or "More" button. Select "Remove This Card" or "Delete," confirm, and the card is gone. Then add your new bank card the same way you added the first one: open Wallet, tap the plus sign, hold your iPhone over the card to scan it (or enter the details manually), and follow the prompts to verify with your bank.
The process is the same whether you're switching banks entirely or just replacing one card with another from the same bank. Your old card stops working for Apple Pay when ready once you remove it, but the card itself remains active at your bank—you can still use it in stores or online the regular way.
Key Takeaways
- Removing a card from Apple Pay takes about one minute and happens entirely on your device—your bank doesn't need to do anything.
- Your physical card stays active after you remove it from Apple Pay; only the digital wallet connection ends.
- Adding a new card requires your bank to verify your identity, which usually happens through a text code or a temporary charge to your account.
- If you're switching banks, you may need to wait for your new debit or credit card to arrive before you can add it to Apple Pay.
- You can have multiple cards from different banks on Apple Pay at the same time, and you choose which one to use each time you pay.
How to remove your current bank card from Apple Pay
On an iPhone or iPad, open the Wallet app and find the card you want to remove. Tap and hold the card, or tap it once and look for a menu icon (three dots or lines). Tap "More" or the menu button, scroll down, and select "Remove This Card" or "Delete Card." Confirm when the phone asks you to verify.
On a Mac, open System Settings, go to Wallet & Apple Pay, click the card you want to remove, and click the minus sign or "Remove" button. The card disappears from Apple Pay when ready, but you can add it back later if you change your mind—your bank will just need to verify you again.
How to add your new bank card to Apple Pay
Open the Wallet app and tap the plus sign in the top right corner. You can either hold your iPhone over the card to let the camera scan it, or tap "Enter Card Details Manually" and type the number, expiration date, and CVV yourself. Either way, you'll see the card issuer's name and your name filled in automatically.
Your bank will then send you a verification code, usually by text message or through their app. Enter that code into Apple Pay to finish. Some banks also place a small temporary charge (usually under $1) to your account and ask you to confirm the amount—this is normal and the charge disappears within a few days. Once verification is complete, the card is ready to use.
What happens to your old card after you remove it
Removing a card from Apple Pay does not close the card or notify your bank that you've stopped using it digitally. The physical card itself remains active and you can still swipe it, insert it, or use it online. Only the Apple Pay connection ends.
If you're removing the card because you lost it or it was compromised, contact your bank directly to report it or request a replacement. Apple Pay removal is not the same as card cancellation, and your bank won't know you've removed it from your wallet unless you tell them.
Switching banks entirely: what you need to know
If you're closing an account at one bank and moving to another, you'll need to wait for your new debit or credit card to arrive before you can add it to Apple Pay. Most banks mail new cards within 7 to 10 business days, though some offer when ready digital card numbers you can add to Apple Pay right away—check your new bank's app or website to see if this option is available.
Once you have the new card number, remove your old bank's card from Apple Pay and add the new one using the steps above. If you have automatic payments set up through Apple Pay (like subscriptions or recurring bills), you'll need to update those separately with your new card number—Apple Pay doesn't transfer payment information to merchants automatically.
If your bank won't verify your new card
Occasionally the verification step fails or times out. If this happens, try removing the card and adding it again. Make sure you're entering the card number, expiration date, and CVV exactly as they appear on the card, with no extra spaces.
If the problem persists, contact your bank's customer service line. They can tell you whether there's a fraud hold on the card, whether the card is active yet, or whether there's a technical issue on their end. Some banks have a separate Apple Pay support team that can walk you through the process. You can also try adding the card on a different device (iPad or Mac) to see if the problem is specific to your iPhone.
Using multiple bank cards on Apple Pay
You can add as many cards as you want from as many banks as you want. When you pay with Apple Pay, your phone shows you which card is set as the default, and you can tap a different one before you complete the transaction. This is useful if you have a rewards card you prefer for certain purchases, or if you want to keep a backup card active.
To change which card is your default, open Wallet, tap the three dots on the card you want to make default, and select "Set as Default Card." The next time you use Apple Pay without selecting a specific card, it will use the default one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tell my bank before I remove a card from Apple Pay?
No. Removing a card from Apple Pay is a change you make on your device only. Your bank has no way of knowing unless you tell them, and they don't need to do anything on their end. The card itself stays active.
Can I add a card to Apple Pay if I haven't received the physical card yet?
Some banks let you add a digital card number to Apple Pay before the physical card arrives. Check your new bank's mobile app or website to see if they offer this. If not, you'll have to wait for the card to arrive in the mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.
What if I remove a card by accident?
You can add it back when ready by opening Wallet, tapping the plus sign, and entering the card details again. Your bank will verify you a second time, but there's no penalty for removing and re-adding a card.
Will my subscriptions and recurring payments still work if I change my bank card?
No. Subscriptions and recurring charges (like Netflix, insurance, or utilities) are tied to your card number, not to Apple Pay. You'll need to update those services separately with your new card number. Apple Pay doesn't pass your card information to merchants automatically.
Can I use Apple Pay if I switch banks?
Yes. Once your new bank sends you a card number, you can add it to Apple Pay the same way you added your old one. There's no waiting period or special process—just remove the old card and add the new one.