• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

AppleToolBox

Tools and Fixes for Mac, iPad, iPhone & iWatch

Search posts

  • About
  • Contact

CONNECT WITH US

CATEGORIES

  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • iPod
  • Apple Watch
  • Mac/MacBook
  • AirPods
  • Apple TV
  • News
  • Apple Services
  • HomePod
  • Reviews

SITE

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Advertise

Search posts

You are here: Home / Apple Services / Want to change your iCloud payment method? Here’s how to do It

Want to change your iCloud payment method? Here’s how to do It

By Dan Helyer 20 comments Last updated January 26, 2020

There are lots of reasons you might need to change the payment method for your iCloud storage plan. Maybe you want to simplify your finances, avoid interest and overdraft fees, or update expired card details.

Whatever your reason, it’s easy to change your iCloud payment method from any device. The only catch is that doing so changes the payment method for all your other Apple purchases as well.

Related:

  • Fix When Your Payment Method Is Declined in iTunes or the App Store
  • How to Change or Remove Payment Information From App Store
  • How to Cancel Apple Music and Auto-Renewing Subscriptions
  • Share Apple Subscriptions With Family Members on iOS

You use the same Payment Method for everything

Many of us pay for several services and products from Apple: iCloud storage, Apple Music, and individual apps or iTunes media. Unfortunately, you can’t save different payment methods for each of these services.

iPhone X showing Apple ID payment methods
Apple always uses the top payment method on your account. Image Credit: Apple

The credit or debit card you use to pay for one Apple service is automatically used to pay for all the others as well. That’s just the way it is, sadly.

Everything you buy from Apple comes through your Apple ID account (unless you’re buying physical goods from the Apple Store). You can attach multiple payment methods to this account, but Apple always tries to use the same one.

If you came to this article hoping to change the payment method for your iCloud storage plan without changing the method for App Store or iTunes purchases, I’m afraid it just isn’t possible.

What Payment Methods Can I Use for iCloud?

Apple offers a range of payment options for iCloud, which you can add to your Apple ID account. The exact payment methods available to you vary based on your region, but most countries can choose from the following:

  • Apple ID Account Balance
  • Major credit or debit cards
  • Apple Cash
  • PayPal
Apple ID payment methods2
Your device shows all the payment methods available in your region.

You can use iTunes Gift Cards to pay for your iCloud purchases, but you need to add that gift card as a balance to your Apple ID account first. To do this, open the App Store and go to your account, then select Redeem Gift Card or Code.

Unfortunately, you can’t use Apple Store Gift Cards in the same way. You can only use these gift cards to buy physical goods from the Apple Store or Apple Online Store. Although you might be able to use them to buy an iTunes Gift Card instead.

How to change your iCloud Storage payment method

To change your iCloud storage payment method, you need to update the details on your Apple ID account. If there are multiple payment methods on your account, make sure the one you want to use is at the top of the list.

As we already mentioned, this changes the payment method for all your other Apple purchases as well. That includes anything you buy from these services:

  • App Store
  • Apple Music
  • iTunes
  • and more
Apple Services logos
The same payment method is used for all Apple services.

Follow the instructions below to change the iCloud payment method on your Apple ID account from any device.

On an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

  1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping.
    1. On iOS 12 or earlier: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & App Store. Then tap your account and select View Apple ID > Manage Payment.
  2. If prompted, enter your Apple ID details to sign in.
  3. Tap Add Payment Method and fill in the necessary details to add a new payment method to your account.
  4. Tap an existing payment method to update the details for it. You may need to re-enter the full details when you do this.
  5. Finally, tap Edit to remove or reorder your payment methods. Remember to move your preferred iCloud payment method to the top of the list. (It’s not possible to move payment methods above your Apple ID Balance.)
iPhone Settings highlighting [Your Name] Apple ID settings
Tap [Your Name].
Apple ID information page on iPhone with Payment & Shipping higlighted
Select Payment & Shipping.
Apple ID Add New Payment and Shipping information on iPhone
Add a new payment method.

On a Mac:

  1. Open the App Store and go to Store > View My Account from the menu bar.
  2. Click View Information and enter your Apple ID details to sign in.
  3. Then click Manage Payments.
  4. Click Add Payment and fill in the necessary details to add a new payment method to your account.
  5. Click Edit next to an existing payment method to update the details for it or Remove it. You may need to re-enter the full details when you do this.
  6. Finally, use the arrows next to your payment methods to change their order. Remember to move your preferred iCloud payment method to the top of the list. (It’s not possible to move payment methods above your Apple ID Balance.)
Mac App Store payment methods page
View your Account Information in the App Store to change payment methods.

On a Windows Computer:

  1. Open iTunes and select Account > View My Account. Download iTunes from the Apple website if you don’t already have it on your computer.
  2. Then click Manage Payments.
  3. Click Add Payment and fill in the necessary details to add a new payment method to your account.
  4. Click Edit next to an existing payment method to update the details for it or Remove it. You may need to re-enter the full details when you do this.
  5. Finally, use the arrows next to your payment methods to reorder them. Remember to move your preferred iCloud payment method to the top of the list. (It’s not possible to move payment methods above your Apple ID Balance.)
iTunes manage payments page
Use iTunes to edit your iCloud payment method on Windows.

Can I Use Different Payment Methods for Different Apple Services?

There’s no way to save different payment methods to use with different Apple services. For instance, you can’t use one payment method for your iCloud storage and another for your iTunes purchases. It’s all or nothing instead.

How to change the Payment Method for family sharing

Lots of us take advantage of Apple’s Family Sharing service to share our Apple purchases, subscriptions, and iCloud storage. With Purchase Sharing turned on, the entire family also shares a single payment method.

Family Sharing logo
Family Sharing lets you connect Apple ID accounts in a variety of ways.

This is the first payment method on the family organizer’s Apple ID account.

To change your Family Sharing payment method, the family organizer needs to change their own payment methods. Follow the instructions above to change your Apple ID payment details.

Family Sharing Payment Method Exceptions

Usually, if Apple can’t take a payment from the first method on your account, it moves to the next method and tries again. This doesn’t happen when family members with Purchase Sharing try to buy something.

In this scenario, Apple doesn’t try any other methods if the first one doesn’t work. That way, the family organizer can rest easy knowing that only their first payment method can be used for family purchases.

Family Organizer in Family Sharing group
The family organizer can use all their payment methods as normal.

The only exception is if a family member has an Apple ID Balance. Apple uses this balance for App Store and iTunes purchases before any other payment methods. When the balance is gone, Apple reverts to the family organizer’s payment method.

When paying for iCloud storage subscriptions in a family group, Apple always uses the family organizer’s payment method even if individual family members have an Apple ID balance.

What Is Purchase Sharing in Family Sharing?

If you don’t want to share a payment method with your Family Sharing group, you need to turn off Purchase Sharing. With Purchase Sharing turned off, Apple uses the individual payment methods on each family member’s Apple ID account.

Share Purchases information from iPhone settings
Purchase Sharing lets you enjoy more content for free.

It’s not possible to turn Purchase Sharing on or off for individual members of your Family Sharing group. The feature is either turned on for everyone or not available at all.

The downside to turning off Purchase Sharing is that you can no longer share App Store or iTunes purchases across your Family Sharing group. That said, family members keep individual purchases after leaving the group, even if the family organizer originally paid for them.

Sometimes Apple declines your iCloud Payment Method

It’s all well and good knowing how to change the payment method for your iCloud subscription or Apple ID purchases, but sometimes the new payment method doesn’t work anyway.

iTunes error message, billing problem
You might receive an error message like this when your payment method is declined.

There are lots of reasons Apple might decline your credit card, debit card, or other payment methods. Find out what to do if your Apple ID payment method is declined so you don’t get caught without the iCloud storage you need.

Dan Helyer
Dan Helyer

Dan writes tutorials and troubleshooting guides to help people make the most of their technology. Before becoming a writer, he earned a BSc in Sound Technology, supervised repairs at an Apple Store, and even taught English in China.

Related Posts:

  • iOS 13 and iPadOS problems and fixes
    iOS 13 or iPadOS problems and how to fix them -…
  • Photo of someone using Apple Music on their smartphone
    How to Fix Apple Music Not Working on iPhone / iPad
  • Apple Card Review: Let's Compare It To The Competition
    Apple Card Review: Let's Compare It To The Competition
  • Should I sign up for Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program?
    Should I sign up for Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program?
  • AirPods Pro The Complete Guide Hero
    AirPods Pro---The Complete Guide
  • Apple Watch Tips and Tricks for 2023
    Apple Watch Tips and Tricks for 2023
  • sidecar on iPadOS and macOS
    Sidecar not working in iPadOS and macOS? How to fix Sidecar…
  • Update Apple ID settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac after changing your password
    Getting a message to Update Apple ID Settings on iPhone,…
  • Mac Tips For New Users In 2023
    Mac Tips For New Users In 2023

Reader Interactions

Write a Comment Cancel reply

Show 20 Comments

  1. Helen Bronander Peterson says

    March 21, 2023 at 6:22 AM

    Help! I’m trying to change my payment plan

    Reply
  2. Cathleen Dymon says

    February 14, 2023 at 4:09 PM

    I need to update my icloud I was bank fraud on face book for anti wrinkle cream 8 months ago I cant have my debit ot credit cards on apple i am too paranoid. How can i directly pay for my storage or what card can i buy to use for extra storage. it’s frustrating. ty

    Reply
  3. barbie huber says

    November 15, 2022 at 7:10 PM

    I want to change my icloud account and can not figure out how? I also want to cancel my upcoming excel rewnal. Thank you, Barbi e

    Reply
  4. Cathy Carol says

    July 2, 2022 at 11:23 AM

    Having problem updating card information to pay for iCloud storage. I’m positive I made changes correctly. Do you have a customer service phone number? Thank you.

    Cathy Caro

    Reply
  5. Shelly says

    June 29, 2022 at 2:20 PM

    Completely useless. Had to change to a payment method in a different country, but as the location did not update as I set it up the payment method is still the old US one even though the only active payment method is now the German one. Very very stupid. Getting a new Android phone ASAP so I don’t have to deal with this complicated shit anymore -.-

    Reply
  6. Lynn Baker says

    May 28, 2022 at 11:53 AM

    I have a new card and need to change my info

    Reply
  7. Jan Mcnair says

    April 13, 2022 at 8:17 PM

    I just talked with my husband about my phone and iCloud update and he said he would call at about me a safer new phone tomorrow. That way I can use my iCloud and know it will be safe. You can look at the last pics in my iCloud pics and u can see pics of what my problem is. I took some pics of the messages I recieved and text and Apple Pay stuff that they whoever it is put on my phone. Thank you! Jan

    Reply
  8. Jan Mcnair says

    April 13, 2022 at 8:03 PM

    This still isn’t helping me because I am afraid to put my card in my phone. Maybe I need to go to ATT and see about getting a new phone then I can update my iCloud. I will try to do that tomorrow. I hate not being able to use it!!! Thank you for your help!

    Reply
  9. Jacqueline says

    April 5, 2022 at 9:54 AM

    I’m trying to renew my card information as it is out of date please help

    Reply
  10. Uttam Basu says

    March 1, 2022 at 1:10 AM

    I need to change payment method for iCloud storage upgrade subscription.
    The standing instruction to my bank to pay subscription every month does not work any more because of certain government regulation.
    Therefore I need to pay subscription using my credit card every month separately.
    Kindly assist me to change to this method of payment so that I can clear subscription from time to time.
    Thank you
    Uttam Basu

    Reply
  11. D Hustwitt says

    February 14, 2022 at 5:08 PM

    I no longer have an iPhone. But still paying for storage. How can I cancel it. Using a Windows PC.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  12. mariamtotladze says

    January 27, 2022 at 9:47 AM

    please help me and remove my payment method ❤️ thank you

    Reply
  13. Renee Ramirez says

    March 21, 2021 at 9:31 AM

    I entered all info for mycreditcard but I can’t enter ? The save button is gray ?

    Reply
  14. Marilyn L. Brooks says

    March 1, 2021 at 11:35 AM

    I would like to change the credit card that I use for my ICloud charges from one credit card to another.

    Reply
    • Craig says

      June 16, 2021 at 3:43 PM

      I’ve tried multiple times to change payment source; iPhone, PC A N D iPad;
      not opening, even with ID

      Reply
  15. Eleda Lowe says

    October 23, 2020 at 9:36 AM

    I am attempting to change my credit card as I have a new one for my iCloud storage , etc… i am unable to do so.. can you please help me.. thank you

    Reply
    • Doris Joyce Accounting says

      February 25, 2022 at 7:51 PM

      I need to update my credit card information to update my I cloud

      Reply
  16. Indiana Hamilton says

    August 14, 2020 at 3:52 AM

    Got same exact notification as previous iCloud user to update my iCloud billing payment. Followed instructions but unable to download ‘Manage Payment ‘ . Please advise urgently as I am due payment on 15 August. My laptop is not ‘Apple’ brand. Thanks

    Reply
  17. Norma Kelleher says

    April 29, 2020 at 10:28 AM

    i got a notification to ‘update your iCloud billing information to keep your storage upgrade’ on 17/03/2020 at 14:37.
    I had to get a new visa debit card hence the issue …
    i failed after numerous attempts to update the new card details on my ipad … but eventually i succeeded in changing the card details on my laptop
    my question now is … is my subscription for 50GB icloud storage plan still valid? will it attempt to take out the money from updated card?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      April 29, 2020 at 12:21 PM

      Hi Norma,

      If you updated your payment method for the same your Apple ID account using your laptop that you use for your iPad, then your payment should process to that new and updated card.

      Review those details on your iPad via:

        Open the Settings app
        Apple ID > iTunes & App Store
        Tap your Apple ID > View Apple ID
        Tap Manage Payments
        Review listed payment method to ensure they are correct
      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • How to Use Widgets on Apple Watch
  • How to Use Double Tap on Apple Watch
  • How to Fix Personal Hotspot Issues After iOS 17 Update
  • iPhone Ringer Volume Too Low? Check These Settings to Fix It!
  • Seeing “This Accessory Is Not Supported by This Device” on your iPad or iPhone?
  • How to Use Siri Health Queries

Connect with us

Footer

ABOUT

  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Use

GUIDES

  • iOS 13 & iPadOS
  • Apple ID
  • iCloud
  • App Store
  • iTunes
  • FaceTime
  • iMessage
  • Siri
  • Books and iBooks
  • Game Center
  • AirPlay

CONNECT

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • FeedBurner
  • YouTube

© Copyright 2010-2023 Guiding Tech Media · All Rights Reserved

This site and its content are in no way affiliated or endorsed by Apple, Inc. · Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited