Paying with the wrong card in Apple Pay is frustrating. Fortunately, changing your default card is super quick whether you use iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch.
This step-by-step guide explains how to update your preferred payment card so the correct account always shows up first at checkout. Let‘s dive in!
Why Change Your Apple Pay Default Card?
Before walking through exactly how to change cards, let‘s discuss a few reasons why you‘d want to switch your default in the first place:
Closed a credit card account – If your primary Apple Pay card on file gets closed, payments will get declined until you remove it and pick another top card.
New card has better rewards – Over time you likely sign up for credit cards with exciting point bonuses. Updating Apple Pay ensures you maximize rewards.
Separate personal and work expenses – If you originally set your personal bank card as the default, having a dedicated corporate card avoids business budget headaches.
Beyond these scenarios, updating your go-to card periodically is a best practice to prevent accidental late payments if an old card expires or has low funds.
Now let‘s get that primary card switched!
Change Default Card on iPhone
Modifying your default physical credit/debit card attached to Apple Pay only takes seconds on iPhone.
Step 1: Open Wallet App
From your home screen, tap the Wallet app to launch it:
Don‘t see it? Pull down to search for "Wallet".
Step 2: Long-Press Desired Card
In Wallet, touch and hold the card that should become the new primary. This gives options to remove it or keep customizing:
A mini settings menu pops up.
Step 3: Drag Card to the Top
Still pressing firmly, slowly drag the card all the way upward until it‘s fully visible at the top edge of your screen:
Once at the very top, release your finger. A confirmation message will assure you the card now defaults for Apple Pay!
Here are two more great ways to change the primary card…
Change Through iPhone Settings Menu
If lifting a card isn‘t working well (hey, dropping a heavy grocer bag builds grip strength but not finger finesse), change the card via Settings:
Step 1: Open your iPhone‘s Settings app
Step 2: Tap Wallet & Apple Pay
Step 3: Choose Default Card > new card
Settings changes can take 1-2 minutes to fully apply across all apps using your Apple ID payment details.
Use iPad or Mac Wallet Settings
On iPad or Mac, modifying your default Apple Pay card follows nearly identical steps:
Step 1: Open System Settings > **Wallet & Apple Pay
Step 2: Select Default Card
Step 3: Pick your new top payment card
Confirm your choice shows a checkmark icon indicating success!
Let‘s recap the key steps to update cards across all devices:
| Action | Instructions |
|---|---|
| iPhone | 1. Wallet app > Long press card > Drag to top edge |
| iPad/Mac | 1. Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay > Default Card > Checkmark |
| Apple Watch | 1. iPhone Watch app > Wallet & Apple Pay > Default Card> Checkmark |
And that‘s it! Now your preferred payment card will automatically appear first every time you go to checkout with Apple Pay. No more fumbling with card selection mid-purchase!
Header image: LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com
Below I‘ll cover a few other common questions around setting a primary default card…
Apple Pay Default Card Questions, Answered!
Changing your default card in Apple Pay sparks lots of follow-up questions for new users. Below I‘ll share 8 tips to clear up common concerns based on my experience testing mobile wallet apps.
*Do I need to update the default card separately on all devices using my Apple ID for payments?
Unfortunately yes. The default card setting doesn‘t automatically sync across iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc. You must open Wallet settings on each device to check and confirm the correct card shows as primary.
What‘s the benefit of selecting one main default card in Apple Pay?
Tapping your default card requires no additional action when checking out. And the card on file with your Apple ID for purchases like app subscriptions is whichever one you pick as the default.
*Is Apple Pay safe to use for everyday spending with my top bank card added?
Yes – with key security protections you should enable like passcodes, two-factor authentication, and remote wipe abilities via Find My iPhone. Analyzing threats is my specialty!
What if I want to use a different payment card just one time?
No problem! When paying, tap a different card below your default. Just know your chosen main card will still sit at the top for next time. Convenient!
Can I delete my primary default card?
You bet. But first visit Wallet or Apple Pay settings to pick another card as the new fallback default. An existing secondary card won‘t automatically promote itself.
*How do I remove an expired or unused card from Apple Pay?
Easy! Open Wallet app > tap card icons > Remove This Card. Then delete it from your physical wallet too. Out of sight, out of mind!
Will a newly added card ever become the default automatically?
Unfortunately, no. You must manually drag a card to the first slot in the Wallet app or tap to designate it as primary via Default Card settings after adding it.
How can I get notified if an unauthorized charge occurs on my Apple Pay default card?
Call the number on the back of your card and ask the bank to enable purchase alerts. Or check if they offer app notifications for charges over $1 or $5.
And there you have it – the inside scoop on changing your top paying card in Apple Pay! Let me know if any other Apple payment questions pop up.
Jenny 💳
Header image: LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com
