Where to find your payment method settings
To change how Patreon charges you, log into your account on a computer or phone and go to your account settings. Look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner, then select "Settings." From there, click on "Billing" in the left sidebar. This is where Patreon stores all your payment information.
You'll see a section labeled "Payment Method" that shows your current card or payment option. This is the only place where you can add a new payment method or remove an old one. Mobile apps don't always show this option, so use the website if you're having trouble finding it.
Key Takeaways
- Your payment method lives in Settings > Billing on the Patreon website, not in the mobile app.
- You can add a new card or payment method without removing the old one first.
- Patreon charges your payment method on the first of each month, or on the date you became a patron if that's different.
- If a charge fails, Patreon retries it a few times over several days before pausing your membership.
- You can change your payment method at any time, even in the middle of a billing cycle.
Adding a new card or payment option
Click the "Add Payment Method" button in your Billing settings. Patreon will ask you to enter your card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. If you're using a debit card, the process is identical—Patreon treats debit and credit cards the same way.
After you add the new payment method, it won't automatically become your default. You'll see both your old and new payment methods listed. To make the new one your primary card, look for a radio button or checkbox next to it and select "Make Default" or similar wording. Once you do this, Patreon will charge the new card on your next billing date.
Removing an old payment method
You can only remove a payment method if you have another one set as your default. Patreon won't let you delete your last payment method, because the platform needs a way to charge you for your memberships. If you try to remove your only card, you'll see a message telling you to add a new one first.
To remove a card you no longer use, find it in your Billing settings and click the trash icon or "Remove" button next to it. Patreon will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, that card is deleted from your account and Patreon won't attempt to charge it again.
What happens if your payment method fails
If Patreon tries to charge your card on the first of the month and the charge fails—because the card is expired, closed, or has insufficient funds—the platform doesn't when ready cancel your membership. Instead, Patreon retries the charge several times over the next few days. During this time, you'll usually still have access to your patron benefits.
If all retry attempts fail, Patreon will pause your membership and send you an email. You then have a window of time to update your payment method and resume your membership. The exact length of this window varies, so check your email promptly if a charge fails. Once you add a working payment method, your membership resumes and you're charged for the current month.
Changing your payment method mid-cycle
You can update your payment method at any time during your billing cycle. The change takes effect on your next scheduled charge date, which is usually the first of the month. If you change your payment method on the 15th of the month, for example, your old card will still be charged on the 1st of next month—unless you've already removed it.
If you remove your old card before adding a new one, Patreon will show a warning that you have no active payment method. Add your new card right away to avoid a lapsed membership. Once your new card is set as default, Patreon will charge it on the next billing date as scheduled.
Payment methods Patreon accepts
Patreon accepts most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo. The platform also accepts PayPal in some countries. If you're outside the United States, your options may be different—Patreon's accepted payment methods vary by region.
Prepaid cards and virtual card numbers sometimes work, but they're not may provide. If your prepaid card is declined, it's usually because the card issuer doesn't support recurring charges or the card has expired. Contact your card issuer to confirm the card supports subscription payments before adding it to Patreon.
Troubleshooting payment method problems
If you can't add a new payment method, the most common reason is that your card issuer is blocking the transaction. Some banks flag recurring charges as suspicious, especially if you're adding a card for the first time or from a new device. Contact your bank and let them know you're adding a card to Patreon, then try again.
If your payment method is saved but Patreon keeps failing to charge it, check that your card hasn't expired and that the billing address on file matches your bank's records. You can update your billing address in your Patreon account settings. If the problem persists after you've verified all this information, remove the card and add it again from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same card for multiple Patreon accounts?
Yes. You can add the same card to as many Patreon accounts as you want. Patreon doesn't restrict this, and your card issuer won't block it. Each account will be charged separately on its own billing date.
What if I want to pause my membership instead of changing my payment method?
You can pause a membership without changing your payment method. In your account settings under "Memberships," find the creator you support and select "Pause Membership." This stops charges until you resume it. You can pause for as long as you want and resume whenever you're ready.
Will changing my payment method affect my patron status or benefits?
No. Changing your payment method doesn't interrupt your membership or remove any benefits. Your patron status stays the same, and you'll continue to have access to everything your membership includes. The change only affects how Patreon bills you.
Can I set different payment methods for different creators I support?
No. Patreon uses one default payment method for all your memberships. You can't assign different cards to different creators. If you want to use a different card for a specific creator, you'd need to remove that membership and rejoin using a different Patreon account with a different payment method.
How far in advance should I update my payment method if my card is expiring?
Update it as soon as you receive your new card. Patreon charges on the first of each month, so if your card expires before then, add your new card at least a few days early. This gives you time to make sure the new card works before your next billing date arrives.