Change your Spotify payment method through your account settings
To change how Spotify charges you, log into your account on a web browser, go to your account page, and select Billing from the left menu. From there, you can update your credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. Spotify will use the new payment method for your next billing cycle, which usually happens on the same day each month that you started your subscription.
If you're on a free account, you won't see a Billing section because Spotify doesn't charge you anything. Paid plans — Premium, Duo, Family, and Student — all use the same payment update process.
You can also change your payment method through the Spotify mobile app on iPhone or Android, though the web browser method is usually faster and clearer to follow.
Key Takeaways
- Log into Spotify on a web browser, click your profile name, and select Account to reach the Billing section where you update payment methods.
- Spotify accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal; the new method takes effect on your next billing date.
- If your payment fails, Spotify will try again a few times before pausing your subscription, giving you time to update your payment method.
- Removing a payment method without adding a new one will pause your subscription until you add one back.
What payment methods Spotify accepts
Spotify takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. You can also pay through PayPal, Google Play (on Android), or Apple ID (on iPhone and iPad). Some countries also support local payment methods like iDEAL in the Netherlands or Przelewy24 in Poland, depending on where your account is registered.
When you add a new card, Spotify may place a small temporary hold on your account to verify the card is real. This hold usually disappears within a few days and is not a charge.
Steps to update your payment method on the web
Open Spotify in a web browser and log in. Click your profile name in the top right corner and select Account from the dropdown menu. On the Account page, find the Billing section on the left side. Click Payment methods to see what's currently on file.
To add a new payment method, click the Add a payment method button and enter your card or PayPal details. To remove an old one, find it in the list and click the trash icon next to it. If you're replacing a card, add the new one first, then delete the old one — this keeps your subscription active without interruption.
After you save your changes, Spotify will use the new method on your next billing date. You can check when that is by looking at the Billing cycle section on the same page.
How to change payment on the Spotify app
On iPhone, open Spotify, tap the gear icon at the bottom right to open Settings, and scroll down to find Billing. Tap Payment methods to add or remove a card. On Android, the steps are similar: open Settings, scroll to Billing, and tap Payment methods.
The mobile app method works, but the web browser is usually clearer because you can see all your information at once. If you run into trouble on the app, switching to a browser often solves it.
What happens if your payment fails
If Spotify can't charge your payment method, it will try again over the next few days. You'll receive an email letting you know the charge didn't go through. During this time, you can still use Spotify — your subscription doesn't pause when ready.
If the payment continues to fail after several attempts, Spotify will pause your subscription. You won't lose your playlists, followers, or saved songs; they'll all be there when you add a working payment method and restart your subscription. To restart, go back to Billing and update your payment information.
Switching from one subscription plan to another
If you want to change from Spotify Premium to Family, or from Student to Duo, you do that in the same Billing section. Click Change plan and select the plan you want. The price difference will be prorated — if you're switching mid-cycle, Spotify will credit or charge you the difference so you only pay for the time you actually use each plan.
When you change plans, your payment method stays the same unless you choose to update it at the same time. Your new plan takes effect when ready, and your billing date stays on the same day of the month.
Removing a payment method without replacing it
If you delete your only payment method without adding a new one, Spotify will pause your subscription. This is a safety measure — Spotify can't charge you if there's nowhere to charge. Your account and all your data stay intact; you just can't listen until you add a payment method back.
If you want to pause your subscription on purpose, removing your payment method is one way to do it, though Spotify also has a formal pause option in your Account settings. Pausing is cleaner because it's intentional and you can set an end date for the pause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a gift card to pay for Spotify?
Spotify doesn't accept gift cards directly as a payment method. You can use a gift card to load money onto a PayPal account or a virtual card service, then link that to Spotify. Some retailers also sell Spotify gift cards that work as prepaid subscriptions, but those are different from using a gift card at checkout.
Will changing my payment method affect my subscription?
No. Changing your payment method doesn't interrupt your subscription or reset your billing date. Your new method takes effect on your next scheduled billing date, which stays the same as before.
What if I want to use a different card for each payment?
Spotify only charges one payment method per subscription. You can add multiple cards to your account and switch between them, but each billing cycle will use whichever one you've set as your primary method.
Can I change my payment method on the Spotify desktop app?
The desktop app doesn't have a billing section. You have to use the web browser or the mobile app to change your payment method. Open Spotify.com in a browser, log in, and follow the web steps above.
How long does it take for a new payment method to start working?
A new payment method is active when ready after you save it, but Spotify won't charge it until your next billing date. If you need to be charged right away, you can manually trigger a payment through the Billing section.