Where to find and change your Shop Pay payment method
Your Shop Pay payment method lives in your account settings, not in individual stores. When you log into Shop Pay through any Shopify store, you can update the card or bank account attached to your account from one central location. This change applies everywhere you use Shop Pay, so you only have to do it once.
The fastest way in: go to any Shopify store where you have a Shop Pay account, click the account icon (usually in the top right), and select "Payment methods" or "Manage payment methods". You'll see the card or bank account currently linked to your account, along with an option to add or change it.
If you're already in the middle of checkout and want to switch payment methods before completing the purchase, most stores let you do that too — look for a "Change" or "Edit" link next to your current payment method during the final checkout step.
Key Takeaways
- Shop Pay stores your payment method in your account settings, which you reach through any Shopify store where you have an account.
- Changes you make to your payment method explore to all stores that accept Shop Pay, not just the one you're shopping at.
- You can add a new card or bank account and delete old ones from the same "Payment methods" page.
- If you're in checkout and want to use a different card for that single purchase, most stores let you change it before you confirm the order.
Adding a new card or bank account to Shop Pay
When you add a new payment method, Shop Pay asks for the standard details: cardholder name, card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). If you're adding a bank account instead of a card, you'll provide your routing number and account number.
Shop Pay will ask you to confirm your billing address — the address where your bank or card issuer has you on file. This has to match what your financial institution has, or the payment may decline. If you've moved recently and haven't updated your address with your bank yet, do that first before adding the card to Shop Pay.
Once you've entered the information, Shop Pay may run a small test charge (usually under $1) to verify the card works. This charge will appear on your statement briefly and then reverse. Some banks take a few business days to show the reversal, so don't be alarmed if you see it for a moment.
Removing a payment method you no longer use
From the same "Payment methods" page, you can delete any card or bank account you've added. Click the trash icon or "Remove" button next to the payment method you want to delete. Shop Pay will ask you to confirm — once you do, that card is no longer stored in your account.
You can't delete the payment method you're currently using for Shop Pay. If you want to remove your only card, you have to add a new one first, set it as your default, and then delete the old one. This prevents you from accidentally locking yourself out of your account.
Setting a default payment method
If you have multiple cards or bank accounts linked to Shop Pay, you can choose which one appears first during checkout. The default method is the one that will be pre-selected when you use Shop Pay at any store, though you can always change it in the final checkout step if you want to use a different card for that purchase.
To set a default, go to your payment methods page and look for a radio button or "Set as default" option next to the card you want to use most often. The change takes effect when ready across all stores.
What happens during checkout if you change your mind
Most Shopify stores show you your default Shop Pay payment method during the final checkout step, before you place the order. At this point, you can click "Change" or "Edit" to pick a different card from the ones you have saved, or to add a brand new card just for this purchase.
If you add a new card during checkout, Shop Pay will ask whether you want to save it to your account for future purchases. If you say yes, it becomes part of your account and you can use it at any store that accepts Shop Pay. If you say no, the card is used only for that transaction and isn't stored.
Troubleshooting when your payment method won't update
If you're trying to add a new card and Shop Pay keeps rejecting it, the most common reason is that your billing address doesn't match what your bank has on file. Double-check the spelling, including any apartment or suite numbers, and make sure the zip code is exactly right. Even a small difference will cause the card to be declined.
If the address is correct and the card still won't go through, try a different card or contact your bank to ask whether they've flagged the transaction as suspicious. Some banks block online card additions as a security measure until you call and confirm it's you.
If you're having trouble accessing your Shop Pay account at all, make sure you're logging in with the email address you used when you first created your Shop Pay account. If you've changed your email address since then, you may need to use your original email to get back in, or contact the store's customer service for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different payment method at each store?
No — Shop Pay is tied to your account, not to individual stores. All your saved payment methods are available at every store that accepts Shop Pay. However, you can choose which card to use during checkout at any store, so you can pick a different one each time if you want.
Does changing my payment method affect orders I've already placed?
No. Orders that have already been processed use the payment method you selected at the time of checkout. Changing your payment method now won't change how past orders were charged. Future orders will use whatever payment method you have set as default, unless you pick a different one during checkout.
What if I delete a card but a store still tries to charge it?
Once you delete a card from Shop Pay, no new charges can be made with it through Shop Pay. If a store tries to charge a deleted card, the charge will fail. For recurring subscriptions or pre-orders, make sure you update the payment method before the next charge date, or contact the store to let them know you've changed your card.
Can I use Shop Pay with a prepaid card or gift card?
Yes, as long as the prepaid card or gift card has a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logo and can be used for online purchases. Some prepaid cards have restrictions on online transactions, so check with the card issuer if you're not sure. The card will work the same way as any other card in Shop Pay.
How long does it take for a new payment method to work?
Once you've added a card and Shop Pay has verified it (usually within a few minutes), it's ready to use when ready. You can use it at checkout right away. The verification charge Shop Pay runs will reverse within a few business days, depending on your bank.