Where to find your Tesla subscription payment settings

You change your Tesla subscription payment method through the Tesla app or website, not through your bank or credit card company. The steps are the same whether you're paying for Premium Connectivity, Full Self-Driving, or any other Tesla subscription.

Start by opening the Tesla app on your phone or going to tesla.com on a computer and signing into your account. You'll need the login credentials for the Tesla account that holds the subscription — if someone else in your household set it up, you may need them to make this change, depending on account permissions.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your payment method in the Tesla app under Account settings, not by contacting Tesla support or your bank.
  • Tesla accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal, though available options may vary by country.
  • The new payment method takes effect when ready for your next billing cycle, not retroactively.
  • If a payment fails after you've updated your method, Tesla will retry it automatically before suspending your subscription.

Steps to update your payment method in the Tesla app

Open the Tesla app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. From there, select "Account" and then look for "Billing" or "Payment Method" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on your phone's operating system and which Tesla services you subscribe to.

Tap "Edit Payment Method" or the pencil icon next to your current card. You'll see a form asking for the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). Enter the new card details exactly as they appear on your card, including the cardholder name and billing address.

After you enter the information, tap "Save" or "Update." Tesla will process the change when ready. You won't see a charge right away — the new card will be charged on your regular billing date, which is usually the same day each month that your subscription renews.

Updating your payment method on the Tesla website

If you prefer to use a computer, sign into your Tesla account at tesla.com. Click on your name or profile icon in the top right, then select "Account" from the dropdown menu.

Look for "Billing" or "Payment Settings" and click "Manage Payment Method." You'll see your current card listed. Click "Edit" or the pencil icon to replace it with new card information. Enter all the details the same way you would in the app, then click "Save Changes."

The website method works identically to the app — your new card becomes active when ready, and the first charge appears on your next billing date.

What payment methods Tesla accepts

Tesla accepts most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo. You can also use PayPal if you link your PayPal account to your Tesla account, though this option is not available in all countries.

The card must be in the name of the person whose Tesla account it is — you cannot use someone else's card, even if they give you permission. The billing address on the card should match the address on your Tesla account, though Tesla's system will sometimes accept a mismatch if the card issuer approves the charge.

What happens if your payment fails

If Tesla tries to charge your card on your billing date and the charge is declined, you'll receive an email notification. Tesla will retry the payment automatically over the next few days — usually three to five attempts spread across a week.

If all retry attempts fail, your subscription will be suspended. You won't lose access when ready, but features like Premium Connectivity or Full Self-Driving will stop working until the payment goes through. Once you update your payment method and the charge succeeds, your subscription resumes automatically.

If you know your card is expiring or being replaced, update it before your billing date to avoid this interruption. You can also contact Tesla support if you need to pause a subscription temporarily rather than letting it fail.

Removing an old payment method after you update

Tesla typically keeps your old payment method on file even after you switch to a new one. You don't have to remove it, but you can if you want to clean up your account or if the old card is no longer valid.

In the Tesla app, go to Account > Billing and look for a list of saved payment methods. Next to the old card, you should see a delete button (usually a trash icon or an "X"). Tap it to remove the card from your account. On the website, the process is the same — find the old card in your payment settings and click "Delete" or "Remove."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my payment method if I'm behind on a payment?

Yes. Updating your payment method doesn't clear past-due charges, but it does allow Tesla to retry the failed payment. If you update your card and the retry succeeds, your subscription will resume. If you owe multiple months, contact Tesla support to discuss a payment plan.

Will changing my payment method affect my subscription dates or billing cycle?

No. Your billing date stays the same. If you normally get charged on the 15th of each month, you'll continue to be charged on the 15th after you update your card. The new card is straightforward used for that next charge instead of the old one.

What if I don't have the CVV code for my card?

You'll need it to update your payment method online. The CVV is the three-digit code on the back of your card (or four digits on the front of American Express cards). If you can't find it, contact your card issuer. You cannot update your payment method without it.

Can I use a prepaid card or gift card for my Tesla subscription?

Some prepaid cards work if they have a Visa or Mastercard logo and are registered with a billing address. However, many prepaid cards decline recurring charges like subscriptions. Try adding it to your account — if Tesla's system rejects it, you'll need to use a standard credit or debit card instead.

How long does it take for the new payment method to start working?

It's active when ready after you save it. The first charge to the new card happens on your next regular billing date. You don't need to wait for confirmation or for Tesla to process anything — the change is live as soon as you tap "Save."