How to Change the Default Card in Apple Pay

The first card you added to the Wallet app is the default card for payments in Apple Pay. But what happens if you want a different card to be your default option? Fortunately, switching things up and changing cards is a relatively straightforward process.

This guide will explain how to change your default card on Apple Pay.

Selecting the Default Card

Changing your default card on Apple Pay is a smart move whether you want to earn more reward points on a specific card or prevent unauthorized transactions. Alternatively, you might prefer to use a card with a lower interest rate or one offering a promotional period with no purchase fees.

Here’s how to change your default card on Apple Pay:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
   
2. Tap on Wallet & Apple Pay.
   
3. Scroll down to the Transaction Defaults section.
   
4. Click Default Card.
   
5. Select the card you would like as the default for Apple Pay.
   
6. If you switch between cards a lot, open up the wallet app.
   
7. Tap on the card you want then touch and hold.
8. Pull it to the top.
   • To confirm this change, ensure that the desired card is now your default card.
   • Start using Apple Pay with your new default card.

Editing Cards

Changing or removing cards stored in your Apple Wallet is simple. This allows you to update card details or delete cards that are no longer useful.

To edit or remove a card, do the following:

1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
   
2. Tap on the card you want to edit or delete.
3. Scroll down and tap Edit Card or Remove Card.
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to update your card’s details or confirm removal.

If you have a new card with the same number but with an expiration date later than the old one, you can update it by editing the stored card. If you edit this card, it will continue working with Apple Pay.

When you take out a credit card from your Wallet app, it will be removed from Apple Pay across all devices.

Why Change Default Card?

Here are the main reasons why you may need to change your default card on Apple Pay:

• Fraudulent charges – If fraudulent charges appear on your default card, you should delete that card on Apple Pay immediately and select another default card to safeguard your accounts.
• New card – When you get a new credit or debit card, you must update the card details in your iPhone Wallet. Ensure all your cards are up-to-date so that they’ll work properly on Apple Pay.
• Earn rewards – If you have several rewards cards, consider changing the default card to get more points or cashback on Apple Pay transactions. Select the most beneficial card for yourself as a default.

The default card will be used automatically for all Apple Pay purchases, so make sure it reflects your needs and preferences.

Touch ID and Face ID

Apple Pay automatically selects your default card but you still need to confirm the purchase by either Touch ID or Face ID. This increases security as your fingerprint or face biometric is required for every transaction.

If you’re unable to use any of these verification methods, Apple Pay won’t work. When you make a payment, your iPhone will prompt you to put your finger on the Touch ID sensor or look at the camera for Face ID. Doing so verifies your identity and confirms the payment.

Authentication is necessary on iPhones that have either Touch ID or Face ID enabled. On an Apple Watch, double pressing the side button serves as authentication. If someone else tries to use your default card, they won’t be able to complete the transaction.

Using Apple Pay Online

When you make a purchase on a website that accepts Apple Pay, your first card in the Apple Wallet will be used. This also applies to Safari or any other browser when you buy an iPhone or iPad.

When you check out at BestBuy.com with Apple Pay enabled, you’ll be charged with that Chase Visa card by default. The site will show your default card payment option during checkout.

You can switch it up before confirming the purchase by selecting another card. If you don’t do anything about it, the default card will be used. This assures an uninterrupted online transaction via Apple Pay using your selected primary credit card.

Troubleshooting

Some users have reported issues with changing the default card in Apple Pay. Here are some solutions for common problems:

• The default card does not update after changing. Try forcing closing the Wallet app and reopening it to refresh the default card setting. You can also try rebooting your iPhone.
• Unable to remove the card from Wallet – Check that the card isn’t active on any other paired devices like an Apple Watch or iPad. Remove it from those devices before deleting it from the iPhone.
• Card missing from Wallet – Your card needs to be active and working to show in Wallet. Contact your bank or card provider if your card is missing or not working. You may need to update the card details or request a replacement.
• Authentication issues – Make sure your device sets up Face ID/Touch ID and passcodes properly. Verify you are using the right finger/face that gets authenticated during transactions.
• Outdated Card Details – If your credit/debit expired or changed, update this information via your bank’s app/website; delete old cards, then add new ones to Wallet.

FAQs

Can I change my default card on Apple Pay for a specific transaction without changing it permanently?

You can select another card for just one purchase without changing your permanent default card. However, your default card will be automatically chosen the next time you make a purchase.

What should I do if I lose my default card and need to change it on Apple Pay?

If you lose your default card on Apple Pay, remove it from your Wallet app right away and set another one as default. Also, contact your bank or credit card issuer to report the loss.

If I change my default card on Apple Pay, will it affect any recurring payments or subscriptions I have set up with my previous default card?

When you change your default card on Apple Pay, it doesn’t update any recurring payments or subscriptions automatically. Therefore, you must provide new payment details for each service or provider with which they are associated using your new primary credit /debit account information.

What happens if my default card on Apple Pay gets declined during a transaction?

When your default card is declined during a transaction on Apple Pay, you’ll be prompted to choose another card so that you can finish shopping. You can also contact your financial institution or card provider to find out why the payment has been rejected and fix any issues.

Does changing my default card on Apple Pay affect my credit score?

Your credit score won’t be affected by changing your default card on Apple Pay. Rather, how you use and manage your credit cards affects your credit score, not altering the default card in Apple Pay.

Insights Into Apple Pay’s Default Card Switching Process

Changing your default card on Apple Pay is a simple process. Be aware that the card used for your first Apple Pay transaction is the default card. But if you want to switch things up for whatever reason, you can do so quickly and conveniently.

Have you ever changed your default card on Apple Pay? If so, why did you decide to switch cards? Let us know in the comments section below.