A streaming service that rarely gives free trials now, Netflix, requires users to provide card details for payment. Both facts are unsurprising, especially with the decline in subscribers they suffered in 2022 and the dangers that competing services present. Users have also complained about a price increase over the years, though minor, mind you. Irrespective of all these problems, the service needs to charge users for all they provide. Unfortunately, even when they’re willing to shell out cash, sometimes they wonder why Netflix is not accepting a card. We have the answers to that question and a breakdown of solutions. Let’s delve into it.
1. Your card has fewer funds than Netflix demands
We know this makes sense, but you’d be surprised by the number of users that have their cards run out of funds. They withdraw too much from their credit card or forget to charge the debit one. Moreover, in today’s world of data selling, plenty of users prefer to use temporary cards or gift cards, especially Netflix ones, purchased online or at Target, Best Buy, Amazon, or Kroger.
These are limited in funds or need approval or a top-up for every payment. Thus, access your credit card via the ATM (automated teller machine), website, or mobile app, or visit the store, and check whether there are sufficient funds. As a reminder, at the time of writing, Netflix US has three plans:
- Basic — $9.99 per month for 480p video quality, 1 device
- Standard — $15.49 monthly for 1080p quality, 2 devices
- Premium — $19.99 per month for up to 4K and HDR quality, 4 devices
2. Card was declined by the issuer or Netflix
The second cause of Netflix not accepting a card problem involves its rejection by either of two sides—Netflix or the card issuer. The reasons vary, from requiring approval from the owner due to suspicious activity to problems with the automatic monthly payments.
That often happens when you switch payment methods frequently, use those payment details for multiple accounts, or the card is too new or has racked up warnings on other services. Many card issuers require users to pay a nominal sum to activate a credit card, too. Some cards need to be unlocked for international payments manually as well. Thus, look into the status of the card you’re using to pay for the subscription.
3. Card you used for Netflix has expired
The expiration date is another common reason Netflix doesn’t accept a card. For security purposes, cards have limited availability and need to be replaced, say, yearly. Thus, double-check the expiration date of the card you used to pay for Netflix. That is a frequent problem with temporary digital (also known as virtual) cards for shielding users’ identities. Users unknowingly make it deactivate after the first payment or don’t configure it to last further than the initial period they subscribe to.
4. You used cards Netflix doesn’t support
That is rarely a problem with old users unless a payment method stops working after they sign up for the service. However, new and returning users trying to register a new payment method may try to use an unsupported card, hence Netflix is not accepting it. To clarify, Netflix supports these types of cards:
- Credit or debit cards — American Express, Visa, Mastercard
- Virtual and prepaid cards — Services compatible with credit and debit cards
- PayPal — Direct payment or buying gift cards
- Gift cards — These are specific to Netflix and sold:
- Online — Amazon, Target, Kroger, Newegg, Best Buy, and e-mail delivery
- Offline — Stores such as Kroger, Target, Best Buy, CVS Pharmacy, Dollar General, Speedway, Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Safeway
If you’re an old user, visit the Netflix Account page, then go to Change billing day. Click on Billing details, then choose Change plan under “Plan Details”. Unsurprisingly, you cannot switch during the active period, only upcoming ones.
5. Netflix’s payment system has problems
Though they’re a billion-dollar company with an intricate system for payments, Netflix is not flawless. Therefore, there’s a chance their system refuses to accept a card even if you did your part. Moreover, temporary restrictions on some payment methods or types of cards may be the source of the problem. The easiest way to get a clear answer is to reach out to Netflix (we’ll use the United States as the example) like this:
- Live chat — Visit Netflix’s Start Live Chat page.
- Calling — Dial 1-844-505-2993 and wait for the representative to pick up. Alternatively, open the Netflix application for Android or iOS and call them for free via the Internet by:
- Tapping more (three-line menu) or your profile icon.
- Going to Help.
- Selecting Chat or Call.