What you need to know before you start

Facebook lets you add a payment method to your account so you can buy things like ads, in-game items, or digital gifts without entering your card details each time. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you're on a computer or phone — you go to your settings, find the payments section, and add a card or other payment method.

Facebook accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Once you add a payment method, it stays saved in your account until you remove it. You can add multiple cards if you want, and you can choose which one to use each time you make a purchase. Facebook stores your payment information securely, but you should still check your statements regularly to catch any charges you don't recognize.

Key Takeaways

  • You add a payment method through Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then find the Payments section in your account settings.
  • Facebook accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards, plus PayPal as an alternative.
  • You can save multiple payment methods and choose which one to use when you make a purchase.
  • Removing a payment method takes one click, and you should do this if you lose a card or stop using it.
  • Check your Facebook purchase history regularly to spot any charges you didn't make.

How to add a payment method on a computer

Open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Select Settings & Privacy, then click Settings. On the left side of the screen, scroll down and click Payments. You'll see a section called "Payment Methods" with a button that says Add Payment Method — click that.

A window will pop up asking what type of payment you want to add. Choose Credit or Debit Card if you're using a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. Type in your card number, the expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. Facebook will ask for your billing zip code. Once you fill all this in, click Save Card.

If you want to use PayPal instead, go back to the Payment Methods section and click Add Payment Method again. This time select PayPal. Facebook will redirect you to PayPal's website, where you'll sign in to your PayPal account and confirm that you want to let Facebook use it. Once you confirm, you'll be sent back to Facebook and PayPal will be saved as a payment method.

How to add a payment method on your phone

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner (on iPhone) or the three horizontal lines in the top right corner (on Android). Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down until you see Payments and tap it.

Tap Payment Methods, then tap the plus sign or Add Payment Method. Choose whether you're adding a card or PayPal. If you're adding a card, type in your card number, expiration date, and security code, then tap Save. If you're adding PayPal, you'll be taken to the PayPal app or website to sign in and confirm.

What happens after you add a payment method

Once your payment method is saved, Facebook will remember it the next time you try to buy something — like boosting a post, buying in-game currency, or sending a gift. When you're ready to pay, you'll see your saved card or PayPal account listed as an option. You can choose to use it or add a different payment method instead.

Facebook will send you a receipt by email for every purchase you make. The receipt shows what you bought, how much it cost, and which payment method was charged. Keep these emails so you can track your spending and spot anything you didn't authorize.

How to remove or change a payment method

If you want to stop using a card or PayPal account, go back to Settings > Payments > Payment Methods. Find the card or account you want to remove and click or tap the three dots next to it. Select Remove. The payment method will be deleted immediately, and you won't be able to use it for future purchases.

If you want to change which card is your default (the one that gets used first when you make a purchase), go to the same section and look for an option that says Make Primary or a similar label. Click or tap it next to the card you want to use most often. You can still choose a different payment method when you're actually making a purchase — the default is just what shows up first.

Checking your purchase history and spotting fraud

Facebook keeps a record of everything you've bought using your account. To see this history, go to Settings > Payments > Purchase History. You'll see a list of every charge, the date, the amount, and what you bought. Review this list regularly — at least once a month — to make sure you recognize every charge.

If you see a charge you didn't make, click or tap it to see more details. Facebook will show you what was purchased and when. If it's something you didn't authorize, you can report it to Facebook by clicking the three dots next to the charge and selecting Report. Facebook will investigate and may refund you if the charge was fraudulent. You should also contact your bank or credit card company to report the unauthorized charge on your end.

Keeping your payment information safe

Facebook uses encryption to protect your payment details, which means your card number and other sensitive information are scrambled so hackers can't read them. However, you should still take steps to protect your account. Use a strong password that's different from passwords you use on other websites, and turn on two-factor authentication so that even if someone gets your password, they can't get into your account without a code from your phone.

Never share your Facebook password with anyone, and be careful about clicking links in messages or emails that claim to be from Facebook. Scammers sometimes send fake messages asking you to "confirm your payment information" or "update your billing details" — Facebook will never ask you to do this in a message. If you're unsure whether a message is real, go directly to Facebook.com and check your settings yourself instead of clicking a link.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a prepaid card on Facebook?

Yes, most prepaid cards work on Facebook as long as they have a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logo. You'll enter the card number, expiration date, and security code just like you would for a regular debit or credit card. Make sure your prepaid card has enough money on it before you try to make a purchase.

What if my payment gets declined?

A declined payment usually means your card doesn't have enough money, the card has expired, or the billing address you entered doesn't match what your bank has on file. Check that your card has funds and that the expiration date is correct. If the problem continues, contact your bank to make sure they're not blocking Facebook purchases.

Can I use someone else's payment method on my Facebook account?

You can add someone else's card to your account, but they should know about it and trust you. Facebook will charge that card when you make purchases, and the cardholder will see the charges on their statement. It's better to use your own payment method to avoid confusion or disputes later.

How do I know if my payment information is secure?

Facebook encrypts your payment data, meaning it's scrambled so it can't be read by outsiders. You should still protect your account by using a strong, unique password and turning on two-factor authentication. Check your purchase history regularly and report any charges you don't recognize to Facebook and your bank.

Can I change my payment method after I've already made a purchase?

Changing your payment method won't affect purchases you've already made — those charges stay on the card you used at the time. Your new payment method will only be used for future purchases. If you need to dispute a charge, contact your bank or credit card company directly.