How to update a subscription payment method

Updating a subscriber's payment method keeps orders coming without interruption. Only the customer can enter new card details: Shopify does not let merchants type in or edit card details, even if you have the card number. Customers can update the card from the customer portal, and merchants can switch the subscription to another saved card or send the customer a secure link from the subscription page.


Table of contents



Customers: update in the customer portal


  1. Open the customer subscriptions portal through your account page, email link, or store navigation. If you're unsure which link to use, see A Beginner's Guide to the Customer Subscriptions Portal to determine the correct link for your legacy or accounts portal.
  2. Open the subscription you wish to update.
  3. Locate the Payment details card and click the Edit button.
  4. Confirm to send a secure email and follow the link provided to enter new payment information.
  5. Once completed, future subscription charges will use the new payment method.


This option only shows when Update payment method is turned on in Settings > Customer portal (under Delivery and payment).


Changing the card in the store account page or the Shop Pay wallet does not update a subscription. The card has to be updated through the subscription, as above, or through the link a merchant sends.


Merchants: update from the subscription page


  1. In Shopify admin go to Supr Bundles & Subscriptions > Subscriptions and open the customer's subscription.
  2. Click the icon on the Payment method card (a ⋯ menu when the customer has more than one saved card, otherwise a pencil). If the renewal failed, you can also click Update payment method on the billing error banner at the top of the page.
  3. Choose Change payment method to switch to another card the customer has already saved, pick it under Payment method, then click Save. Or choose Send payment update email, then Send email, to email the customer a secure link to add a new payment method. They are not charged for this.
  4. The email is sent by Shopify. If the customer cannot find it, ask them to check their spam folder.
  5. If a renewal already failed, charge it again once the customer has updated: click Renew immediately on an active subscription, or Activate subscription on a paused or failed one.


Many customers at once


To request an update from many customers at once, tick their subscriptions on the Subscriptions list and use the Update payment method bulk action, then click Send emails. Each customer receives the same secure Shopify link, and once they update, all their subscriptions use the new card. Filter the list by Payment method status (expires soon, expired, revoked, inactive) to find who needs it.


Common questions


Can I copy the payment update link and send it myself?
No. Shopify creates the link and emails it directly to the customer, and it never passes through the app, so there is nothing to copy. Ask the customer to check their spam folder, or send it again.


The customer says they updated their card, but the renewal still used the old one. Why?
They probably changed it in their store account or Shop Pay wallet, which doesn't reach subscriptions. Send them a payment update email from the subscription page, or ask them to update it on the subscription in the portal.


Can I enter the new card details for the customer over the phone?
No. Shopify doesn't allow anyone but the customer to enter card details for a subscription. Send the payment update email instead.


Does the app store my customers' card or bank details?
No. Payment methods are saved by Shopify and your payment provider on the Shopify customer record, not by the app. The app asks Shopify to charge the saved payment method. For other security or data questions, contact support.


Does updating the card charge the customer?
No. The customer is only charged at the next renewal, or when you click Renew immediately or Activate subscription after a failed renewal.



Updated on: 09/24/2026

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