Where to find your payment method settings in the Ring app
Open the Ring app on your phone or tablet and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Select Account, then tap Payment Methods. You will see any cards or payment sources you have already added. To change which one Ring charges for your subscription or purchases, tap the payment method you want to use, then select Set as Default.
If you are using Ring on a web browser instead, log into your Ring account at ring.com, click the menu icon in the top left, select Account Settings, then Payment Methods. The process is the same: choose the card or payment source you want to use going forward and mark it as your default.
The change takes effect when ready for any new charges. Recurring subscriptions (like Ring Protect) will use the new method on the next billing date.
Key Takeaways
- You can add a new card or payment method without removing the old one, then set whichever you prefer as your default.
- Changes to your default payment method take effect right away for new purchases but explore to subscriptions on the next billing date.
- If a charge fails on your current payment method, Ring will attempt to charge your default method instead.
- Removing a payment method does not cancel subscriptions; you must have at least one valid payment method on file for recurring charges to continue.
Adding a new payment method before switching
You do not have to remove your current payment method to add a new one. In the Payment Methods section, tap Add Payment Method and enter the card details (card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address). Ring accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Once the new card is added and verified, you can set it as your default when ready. The old card will remain on file unless you delete it. This is useful if you want to keep a backup payment method or if you are switching cards but want to keep the old one active for a period of time.
Removing a payment method you no longer use
If you have more than one payment method on file and want to remove one, go to Payment Methods, find the card you no longer want, and tap the trash or delete icon next to it. You can only delete a payment method if you have another one set as your default. Ring will not let you remove your last payment method on file.
Deleting a card does not affect any active subscriptions. Your default payment method will continue to be charged for those services. If the card you delete was previously set as default, Ring will automatically use the remaining card for future charges.
What happens if your payment method fails or expires
If Ring tries to charge your default payment method and the charge is declined (due to insufficient funds, an expired card, or a block from your bank), the transaction fails. Ring will not automatically try a different card on file. You will receive an email notification that the charge failed.
For subscriptions like Ring Protect, a failed charge means your service may be interrupted. You have a grace period (usually a few days) to update your payment method before Ring pauses your subscription. Log back into your account, update the card information or switch to a different payment method, and the subscription will resume.
To avoid this, update your payment method before your card expires. If you know your card is expiring soon, add the new card now and set it as default while the old one is still active.
Updating card details without removing the card
If your card number, expiration date, or billing address has changed but you want to keep using the same card, you do not need to delete it and start over. In the Payment Methods section, tap the card you want to update and select Edit. Change the information that has been updated and save.
This is especially useful if your card was reissued by your bank with a new number or expiration date but it is the same account. Updating the details keeps the card active without interrupting any subscriptions tied to it.
Using a different payment method for a one-time purchase
When you are making a one-time purchase in the Ring app (such as buying Ring Protect for an additional device or purchasing Ring products), you can choose which payment method to use at checkout. Even if you have a default method set, the checkout screen will let you select a different card for that specific transaction.
This does not change your default payment method. Subscriptions and future charges will still use whatever you have set as default. Only that single purchase will be charged to the card you selected at checkout.
Troubleshooting payment method issues
If you add a new card but it will not save, check that all the information is entered correctly: the card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit security code on the back), and the billing address must match what your bank has on file. Even a small typo will cause the card to be rejected.
If your card is being declined repeatedly, contact your bank or credit card company. They may have flagged the charge as suspicious, or there may be a hold on the account. Once your bank clears it, try adding the card to Ring again.
If you are having trouble accessing the Payment Methods section in the app, try logging out completely and logging back in. If the problem persists, uninstall the Ring app and reinstall it from your device's app store. This often fixes display or navigation issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?
Yes. Ring accepts debit cards as long as they carry a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logo. The process is the same as adding a credit card. Make sure your debit card has sufficient funds before Ring attempts to charge it, since a declined debit card charge may trigger overdraft fees from your bank.
What if I want to pause my subscription instead of changing the payment method?
You can pause or cancel a Ring Protect subscription without changing your payment method. Go to Account, select Ring Protect, and choose Pause Subscription or Cancel. This stops charges without affecting your payment method settings.
Does changing my payment method affect my Ring Protect plan?
No. Your Ring Protect plan remains active and unchanged. The new payment method will straightforward be charged on your next billing date instead of the old one. There is no interruption to your service or plan features.
Can I set different payment methods for different Ring devices?
No. You have one default payment method for your entire Ring account, which covers all devices and subscriptions linked to that account. All charges go to the same card unless you manually select a different one at checkout for a specific purchase.
What should I do if I do not recognize a charge on my payment method?
Check your Ring account to see what the charge was for. Log into your account, go to Account Settings, and look for a transaction history or billing section. If you still cannot identify the charge, contact Ring support with the transaction date and amount. If you believe the charge is fraudulent, contact your bank or credit card company to dispute it.