Where to find the payment method settings

Open the Ring app on your phone and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. From there, tap your name or account icon at the top left. You'll see an option for "Payment Methods" or "Billing" — the exact wording depends on whether you're on iOS or Android, but it's always in the account settings area.

Once you're in the payment methods section, you'll see any cards or payment sources you've already added. The app shows the last four digits of each card and the expiration date. If you want to use a different card for future Ring charges, you add it here before you can set it as your default.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach payment methods through your account settings in the Ring app, not through a subscription or device page.
  • Adding a new card and setting it as your default are two separate steps — you must do both for charges to go to the new card.
  • Ring stores payment methods on file, so you can switch between them without re-entering full card details each time.
  • If a charge fails because a card expired or was declined, Ring will attempt to charge your default payment method on the next billing cycle.

Adding a new card to your account

Tap the option to add a new payment method. The Ring app will ask for your card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit code on the back), and billing zip code. Enter these details exactly as they appear on your card. Ring uses encryption to protect this information, so it's safe to enter in the app.

After you add the card, Ring may run a small temporary charge (usually $1 or less) to verify the card is real and active. This charge will be reversed within a few business days. If the verification charge fails, the card won't be saved and you'll see an error message telling you why — usually because the zip code didn't match, the card was declined, or the card is expired.

Setting a card as your default payment method

Once a card is saved, you need to set it as your default. In the payment methods section, look for the card you want to use and tap it or look for a "Set as Default" button next to it. The app will show a checkmark or highlight next to whichever card is currently your default.

Ring charges your default payment method for subscriptions (like Ring Protect), video storage, or any other recurring services tied to your account. If you change your default card, the change takes effect when ready — your next charge will go to the new card.

Removing an old or unused card

If you want to delete a card you no longer use, find it in your payment methods list and look for a delete, remove, or trash icon. Ring will ask you to confirm before removing it. You can only delete a card if it's not currently set as your default — if you want to remove your default card, you must first set a different card as the default.

Removing a card from the app does not affect any charges that already went through on that card. It only stops Ring from charging that card in the future.

What happens if a charge fails on your current card

If Ring tries to charge your default card and the charge is declined — because the card expired, was reported lost, or the issuing bank declined it for another reason — the charge fails. Ring will not automatically try a different card you have on file. Instead, you'll receive a notification that the charge failed, usually by email.

You then have the option to update your payment method or retry the charge. If you don't take action, your Ring subscription or service may pause or expire depending on what was being charged. For subscriptions like Ring Protect, this means you lose video recording and other subscription features until you add a working payment method and the charge goes through.

Updating a card that's about to expire

If you have a card on file that's expiring soon, you don't have to wait for a charge to fail. Add your new card to your account now, set it as your default, and then remove the old card. This way there's no gap in service and no failed charges.

Some credit card companies notify merchants (like Ring) when a card is about to expire and provide updated expiration dates automatically. If this happens, Ring may update the expiration date on file without you doing anything. You can always check your payment methods in the app to see what expiration date Ring has on record.

Using a different payment method for a one-time purchase

If you're buying something in the Ring app — like a new device or an extended warranty — you can choose which payment method to use at checkout, even if it's not your default. During the checkout process, you'll see an option to select from your saved cards or add a new one for that purchase only.

Selecting a different card for a one-time purchase does not change your default payment method. Your subscription and recurring charges will still go to whatever card you set as default in your account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?

Yes. Ring accepts debit cards the same way it accepts credit cards — you enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV just like a credit card. The verification process is identical. Some debit cards may decline if they have fraud protections that block online charges, so contact your bank if you see a decline message.

What if I don't see my new card in the payment methods list after I add it?

The card may not have saved if the verification charge was declined. Check your email for a message from Ring explaining why. Common reasons are a zip code mismatch, an expired card, or the card being declined by your bank. Try adding the card again and double-check that all details match exactly what's on your card.

Does changing my payment method affect charges I've already made?

No. Charges that already went through on an old card stay on that card and that statement. Changing your payment method only affects future charges. If you remove a card after a charge has posted, the charge remains on your account history but won't be charged again.

Can I use the same card for multiple Ring accounts?

Yes. You can add the same card to multiple Ring accounts if you have them. Each account stores its own copy of your payment methods, so you manage them separately in each account's settings.