How to Change the Default Card on Apple Pay in 3 Steps, with Photos

Key Points

• To change your default Apple Pay card on an iPhone, open the Wallet app, long-press the card you want to make the default, and drag it to the top.
• If the drag-and-drop method doesn’t work, you can also change the default card in the iPhone settings by tapping on Wallet and Apple Pay, selecting Default Card, and choosing the desired card.
• To change the default Apple Pay card on an Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Wallet and Apple Pay, and select the desired card.
• Setting a default card on Apple Pay makes transactions simpler, but it’s important to set a new default each time a card is removed and to ensure the security of your device and iCloud account.

There’s nothing like making a purchase only to realize you just paid with the wrong card. Unfortunately, if you use Apple Pay without changing the default card, you’ll find yourself in this situation often.

However, it doesn’t have to be a point of contention when you learn how to change your default Apple Pay card. If you’re like your dear author, we have way too much going on and way too little time to keep track of every expense or spend ample time removing and adding cards to Apple Pay.

To avoid future hiccups, follow the steps in this article to set your default card on Apple Pay. Then, anytime you make a purchase, you don’t have to worry about using the wrong card!

How to Change Default Card on Apple Pay: iPhone

Apple makes it simple to change the default card on your iPhone. You won’t even need to tap the screen or follow any prompts. Making a card your default Apple Pay card is simply a matter of dragging it and dropping it at the top.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Open the Wallet App

Launch the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad by tapping on it from the home screen. Of course, you can also quickly find the app in the App Library if you can’t find it on the home screen.

Step 2: Long-Press the Card

Now, hold the card you want to make the default.

Step 3: Drag the Card to the Top

Without releasing the card, slide your finger up so the card moves to the top (by on top, we mean you can see the entire card). Release the card and a pop-up will appear confirming that it is the new default card.

Note: Verify that the correct card is now the default in the pop-up window before backing out. The drag-and-drop method can be a bit confusing. We’ve also included a different method in the next section if you run into trouble.

How to Change Default Card on Apple Pay: iPhone Settings

If, for any reason, the method above doesn’t work for you, you can also change the default card in your iPhone’s Settings app. Some of our readers may find this option more helpful, although this method does take a few extra taps.

To change your default Apple Pay card in the iPhone settings, follow these steps:

Step 1: Tap Wallet and Apple Pay

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Then, tap the Wallet and Apple Pay icon.

Helpful hint: The Wallet and Apple Pay icon is about halfway down the Settings menu. You can also use the search bar at the top to locate it quickly.

Step 2: Tap Default Card

Scroll to the Transaction Defaults section and tap Default Card.

Step 3: Tap the Card

Finally, tap the card you want to make the default. Ensure a blue checkmark appears next to the card before backing out of the Settings app.

How to Change Default Card on Apple Pay – Mac or iPad

OSX and iOS for iPad users must follow a different path to update their default card for Apple Pay. Fortunately, the process is also simple. All you need to do is this:

Note: We’re using a Mac, but the iPad instructions are the same.

Step 1: Go to the Settings

Click the Apple icon and System Settings (System Preferences on older OSX versions) if you’re using a Mac. Launch the Settings app if you are on an iPad.

Step 2: Go to the Wallet

Now, scroll through the settings menu and tap or click on Wallet.

Helpful hint: If you want to get to the Wallet settings faster, type Wallet in the search bar at the top of Settings.

Step 3: Set the Default Card

If you look at the options in the menu you’ll see a Default Card option. Tap it. Then, select the card you want to make the default.

Your iPad and Mac will let you know that the change was successful.

How to Change Default Apple Pay Card on Apple Watch

Unfortunately, we aren’t done changing default cards just yet. If you have an Apple Watch, you’ll want to add your default card there too. However, the steps are really simple and you can do it all from your iPhone.

Here’s how to change the default Apple pay card on an Apple Watch:

Step 1: Open the Watch App

First, launch the Watch app on your iPhone.

Note: Ensure the Watch and iPhone are using the same iCloud account and paired correctly.

Step 2: Navigate to Wallet and Apple Pay

Now, go down the page and tap Wallet and Apple Pay. Or, tap the search bar at the top of the screen and type Wallet to navigate to the setting quickly.

Step 3: Set the Default Card

Finally, tap Default Card and select the card you’d like to add as the default. Whenever you make a purchase using your Apple Watch, this card will appear first.

Things to Know About Apple Pay Default Cards

Setting your default Apple Pay card makes sending money to other people and making purchases much simpler. However, you may run into trouble if you don’t know a few things about setting default cards.

Before reaching out to Apple Support for more help, browse through the following sections for more help.

Using the Default Card

You can have many cards connected to Apple Pay, but when you set a default card, it always appears first. If you don’t set a default card, the first one added will always be your main card. If you remove a default card, another one will take its place. Ensure you set a new default each time you remove a card.

Anytime you initiate Apple Pay, you will see your default card appear first. If you’d like to choose a different card for a one-time transaction, you will have the option to tap a different card for the purchase. However, your default card will remain the same.

Default Card Security

Some of our readers may be concerned about setting their go-to debit card as their default card on Apple Pay. Fortunately, the feature is pretty secure, but there are a few simple things you can do to give you added peace of mind.

First, you can’t use any Apple Pay features without first adding a passcode to your phone. Ensure it’s a good passcode that no one knows. Do you remember your middle school lunch number? If so, that’s a great choice.

Next, ensure you can access your iCloud account and erase your entire phone if it’s lost or stolen. The best way to do this is by signing in on a home computer, passing your 2FA verification, and ensuring the computer is a recognized device for future use. Of course, only do this if you’re certain no one else can access your computer.

How to Change the Default Card on Apple Pay Wrap Up

Changing your default card on Apple Pay is as easy as 1… 2… 3… (literally). As long as you have a verified card and an Apple device, you can quickly complete the steps above. Taking one or two minutes to complete the process is the best way to ensure you don’t accidentally spend money from the wrong account.

Summary Table

The image featured at the top of this post is ©LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com.