Updating your credit card information with companies you do business with is an important part of maintaining your finances and protecting your identity. When your credit card number changes, whether because it expired, was lost/stolen, or you received a new card, you need to notify all merchants and subscription services that bill recurring charges to that card. Here are some quick answers about how to update your credit card details:
Why do I need to update my credit card info?
There are a few key reasons why it’s important to update your credit card information with merchants and services when your card details change:
- To avoid declined payments or interrupted service – If a merchant tries to charge your old card number and it’s declined or no longer valid, you may experience an interruption in service.
- To prevent identity theft – Keeping your current card details updated everywhere reduces the number of companies that still have your old card information. This helps minimize the potential points of exposure if your old card data is compromised.
- To maintain accurate records – Updating your info ensures companies have your most current card number, expiration date, and billing address on file.
How can I find out who is charging my credit card?
There are a few ways to see a list of companies and merchants currently charging your credit card on a recurring basis:
- Check your credit card statements – Look for any repeating charges, subscriptions, or monthly/annual fees.
- Review your online accounts – Log into online accounts for services like software subscriptions, memberships, etc. and look under billing/payment info.
- Check your payment history in budget apps – If you use a budgeting or money management app, check your spending history for recurring transactions.
- Contact your credit card company – Your card issuer can provide a list of merchants authorized for recurring billing.
Watching for repeat charges month-to-month is key to identifying who needs your updated details.
How can I update my credit card information with each company?
The steps to update your credit card details will vary a bit depending on the type of company. Here are some tips for common scenarios:
Online accounts
For any services you pay for through an online account, log into your account and look for a “Billing” or “Payments” section in your profile or account settings. You should be able to edit your payment method here.
In-person/physical locations
For local businesses you frequent like restaurants, shops, etc., you’ll need to provide your new card details in-person at the register on your next purchase. You can also call and speak to a manager or staff member to update your card on file for future visits.
Automatic/recurring bills
For any bills paid automatically like utility bills, insurance, gym memberships, etc., first check your statements or online account dashboard for the merchant contact information. Then call their customer service line and ask to update your credit card information for recurring billing. Be sure to confirm the changes.
Subscription services
For any digital subscriptions like streaming services, newsletters, software, etc., log into your account and navigate to the billing section. Edit your payment details here. Can’t find the billing section? Use the site search bar to find “update payment method” or “edit credit card.”
How can I remember all the accounts to update?
Keeping track of everywhere that needs your new card number can be tricky. Here are some strategies to remember:
- Make a list – Write down all the companies you find during your search through statements, account histories, etc. Or make a list as you go when updating each one.
- Check statements over 2-3 months – Watch for repeat charges across a few billing cycles to capture everything.
- Update as you get declined – Make a note to update any companies where your card is declined due to outdated information.
- Contact major billers directly – For services like utilities, insurance, phone bills, etc., call them directly to check.
Prioritize updating any critical accounts like utilities, rent/mortgage, insurance, or accounts with upcoming renewals. For services you can live without temporarily, focus on those next.
What information do I need to update my credit card?
When providing new card details to companies, you’ll need:
- Card number
- Expiration date
- Security code (CVV on back)
- Cardholder name
- Billing address
Double check that the cardholder name and billing address match what the merchant already has on file for your account.
How long will it take for the update to process?
Most online accounts and billers will be able to update your credit card information right away as soon as you provide the new details. However, it depends on each company’s specific process. Here are some general guidelines for how long it may take:
- Online accounts – Instantly updated
- In-person locations – Same day
- Automatic/recurring bills – Within 1 billing cycle
- Subscription services – Next scheduled payment date
If you are concerned about any pending payments or expiration dates, contact the company directly after updating your information to confirm when the changes will take effect.
What if I have automatic payments set up?
For any bills, subscriptions, or memberships set up on autopay with your credit card, the autopay arrangements will carry over after updating your card details. The payments will simply begin processing on the new card. However, check with each company to ensure they have the updated card information and that payments will continue as scheduled.
Do I need to update my card for one-time payments?
For any services, retailers, or merchants where you only make one-time, on-demand payments with your credit card, you likely do not need to proactively update your card details. Since these are one-off payments each time, you will just provide the new card when making your next purchase.
The exception is any sites or apps where you have an account with saved payment information. For these, log in and update your card on file so it’s correct for future transactions.
Should I notify my bank about my new card number?
Typically there is no need to proactively inform your bank or credit card issuer that you received a new credit card number. They will have automatically issued you the replacement card and have all the details on file. However, there are a couple situations where you may want to contact them:
- If you need to extend your expiration date – Let the issuer know if your replacement card has an earlier expiration than your old card.
- For fraud protection – Confirm with them that your old card was cancelled/deactivated when the new one was issued.
Your bank may also appreciate knowing which merchants you’ve notified about your new card number, in case any suspicious charges appear.
What’s the best way to keep track of all my card updates?
The easiest way to stay organized when updating your credit card information is to keep a list of every account you update. Here are some tips for tracking:
- Use a spreadsheet – Record the company name, date updated, and any confirmation numbers.
- Use notes on your phone – Write down each company as you update them.
- Print and save confirmations – File any emailed receipts showing your info was updated.
- Create calendar reminders – Schedule follow-ups to re-check accounts updated right before expiration.
Having a running list ensures you don’t miss any billers and lets you follow up if an old payment still goes through.
Should I update my card number everywhere?
When you receive a new credit card, you generally want to update that card number with every merchant, service, and subscription that bills recurring payments to your card. However, there are exceptions where updating your card details is optional or recommended only in certain situations:
- One-time payments – No need to update for retailers/merchants where you shop periodically.
- Inactive memberships – Only update expired/cancelled subscriptions if you may re-activate.
- Account credit – Update to keep credit balances from expiring.
- Old recurring charges – Contact companies if you see outdated cards being billed.
Use your discretion to decide which accounts are worth the time to update versus letting them fail the next payment attempt. Focus on the essential, active accounts first.
What’s the easiest way to update my card everywhere?
While updating card details one-by-one with each company is required, you can streamline parts of the process:
- Use account dashboards – Login to view/edit payment info from one place.
- Leverage autopay – Any autopaid bills will continue with new card.
- Automate reminders – Schedule follow-ups to confirm changes per company.
- Contact billing departments – Call to update all accounts under one provider.
- Pay an assistant – Hire someone to handle the legwork of updating accounts.
Prioritizing the essential active payments for immediate update and spacing out the rest over a month makes the process more manageable.
Should I notify each company before or after I activate my new card?
The ideal workflow is to update your card information with companies after activating the new card, but before the old card expires. This ensures no gap in active payment credentials on your accounts:
- Receive replacement card in mail
- Activate new card
- Update details everywhere
- Old card expires
Some best practices include:
- Activating new card 24-48 hrs before updates
- Leaving old card active during update period
- Destroying old card after updates complete
This keeps both cards functional simultaneously during the transition window.
What’s the downside if I don’t update my card everywhere?
Failing to update your new credit card number with merchants and service providers that bill recurring payments can lead to:
- Declined payments and interrupted services
- Late fees if a payment doesn’t go through
- Lapsed subscriptions or memberships
- Negative impacts to your credit score
- Fraudulent charges if your old card data is stolen
Even if you miss a few periodic bills here and there, it’s worth the effort to do a thorough sweep updating all your accounts everywhere to avoid headaches down the road.
Is it safe to update my card online?
It’s generally quite safe to update your credit card information through a company’s online account portal or website. When entering your new card number online, be sure the site is secured – look for “https” in the URL and a lock icon. Some other tips for safe online card updates:
- Only enter details on the company’s official site, not third parties.
- Never share card info via email – legit companies won’t ask for that.
- Enter the info directly rather than saving images of your card.
- Use unique usernames and strong passwords for all accounts.
- Monitor your statements closely for unauthorized charges.
As an extra precaution, you can always verify changes by phone. But updating online is typically secure when done properly on legitimate sites.
What risks are there to updating my card details?
The risks involved with updating your credit card information are minimal if proper precautions are taken. Potential risks include:
- Entering details on unsecured sites – Stick to official company URLs.
- Card data being intercepted – Use HTTPS websites.
- Company data breaches – Monitor statements closely.
- Unrecognized charges – Ask providers to read back changes.
- Expired updates – Double check changes before old card expires.
You can minimize risks by only updating via trusted company websites, verifying changes processed properly, and reporting any suspicious charges right away.
Should I delete my card information from old accounts?
When you have a credit card about to expire or replaced with a new number, it’s a smart idea to remove your old card data from any inactive accounts you no longer use. Here are some tips for removing outdated payment methods:
- Cancel unused subscriptions – Gym, streaming, software, etc.
- Remove old card from unused retailer accounts – Online stores you haven’t shopped at in awhile.
- Delete old card from ecommerce sites – Amazon, eBay, etc. if no pending orders.
- Sign out of inactive mobile apps – Remove stored payment data.
Doing so limits your points of exposure and prevents fraudulent charges if your old card number is compromised. Leave outdated card details only on active accounts you’ll update with new info.
Conclusion
Updating your credit card information everywhere it’s stored is an essential step whenever you receive a new card number. By taking the time to update all your accounts, subscriptions, automatic payments, and more, you avoid unwanted interruptions, maintain seamless access to services, and protect your data from potential fraud. Keep an organized list, tackle the most important accounts first, leverage online account management tools, and monitor your payments and statements closely throughout the transition. With a bit of diligence, you can ensure a smooth switchover to your new card.