Delete a payment method in three steps
Open the Lyft app and tap the account icon in the bottom right corner. Select "Payment" from the menu. Find the card or payment method you want to remove, tap the three dots next to it, and choose "Remove." The payment method disappears from your account immediately.
You can remove any payment method except the one Lyft currently has set as your default. If you want to delete your default method, you must first add a different payment method and set it as default, then go back and remove the old one.
On the web version, log into your Lyft account, go to "Account Settings," select "Payment Methods," and click the trash icon next to the card you want to delete. The process is the same — you cannot remove your default payment method without replacing it first.
Key Takeaways
- You can delete any payment method from your Lyft account except the one currently set as your default payment option.
- To remove your default payment method, add a new card first, set it as default, then delete the old one.
- Deletion happens immediately in the app or on the web, and Lyft will not charge the removed card for future rides.
- If you delete all payment methods, you will need to add one before you can request another ride.
Why you might want to remove a payment method
You may want to delete a card because it expired, you closed the account, or you simply no longer use it. Removing old payment methods reduces clutter in your account and lowers the risk if that card number is ever compromised — Lyft cannot charge a card that is no longer on file.
If you lost a physical card or suspect fraud, removing it from Lyft is one step, but you should also contact your bank or credit card company directly. They can cancel the card and issue a replacement. Lyft deletion only stops Lyft from using that card; it does not protect you from charges elsewhere.
What happens when you delete a payment method
Once you remove a payment method, Lyft cannot use it for any future rides. If you had a ride scheduled and that was your only payment method, the ride will be cancelled. You will see a notification asking you to add a new payment method before you can request another ride.
Deletion does not affect past charges. If Lyft already charged the card for a previous ride, that charge stays on your bank or credit card statement. You would need to contact your bank to dispute or reverse a past charge, not Lyft.
If you delete a card by mistake, you can add it back to your account at any time. Simply go to "Payment," tap "Add Payment Method," and enter the card details again. Lyft will not remember that you removed it before.
Adding a new default payment method before deletion
If you want to delete your current default card, start by adding a new one. In the Lyft app, go to "Payment" and tap "Add Payment Method." Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV. Tap "Add Card" to save it.
Once the new card is added, tap the three dots next to it and select "Set as Default." Lyft will now use this card for all future rides. After you confirm the change, go back to the payment list and remove the old card using the same three-dot menu.
Removing a payment method on the Lyft website
Log into your Lyft account at lyft.com. Click your profile icon in the top right, then select "Account Settings." Click "Payment Methods" in the left menu. You will see all cards on file with the default marked clearly.
To delete a non-default card, click the trash icon next to it. A confirmation window will appear asking if you are sure. Click "Remove" to confirm. The card is deleted immediately and will not appear in your payment list.
If you want to delete your default card on the website, click "Set as Default" on a different card first, then return to delete the old one. The web version works the same way as the app — you cannot remove your default without replacing it.
What to do if you cannot delete a payment method
If the delete option does not appear or is greyed out, the card is likely your default payment method. Add a new card, set it as default, and try again. If the option still does not work, try logging out of the app completely and logging back in, or try deleting from the website instead of the app.
If you see an error message or the delete button does not respond, your app may need an update. Go to your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store), search for Lyft, and tap "Update" if available. After updating, try deleting the payment method again.
If you still cannot remove a card after updating and trying both the app and website, contact Lyft support through the app. Tap your profile icon, scroll down to "Help," and select "Account & Payment." Choose "Payment Methods" and describe the problem. Lyft support can remove the card manually if there is a technical issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a payment method if I have a pending ride?
If the pending ride is scheduled to use that card, Lyft will cancel the ride when you delete the payment method. You will need to add a new payment method and request the ride again. If you have a ride scheduled for later, it is safer to add a new default card first, then delete the old one after the ride completes.
Will deleting a card stop Lyft from charging it?
Yes. Once you remove a card from your account, Lyft cannot charge it for any future rides. However, charges that already went through will remain on your bank statement. Only your bank can reverse or dispute past charges.
What if I delete my only payment method by mistake?
Add a new payment method immediately. Go to "Payment" in the app or website, tap "Add Payment Method," and enter a different card. You will not be able to request a ride until at least one payment method is on file.
Do I need to tell Lyft if I delete a card because it was stolen?
Deleting the card from Lyft stops Lyft from using it, but you should contact your bank or credit card company directly to report fraud and request a replacement card. Lyft deletion alone does not protect you from charges on other services that still have the card number.
Can I delete a payment method from the Lyft website and app at the same time?
No. If you delete a card in the app, it may take a few minutes to disappear from the website version, or vice versa. Wait a few minutes after deletion before checking the other platform. If it still appears, try logging out and logging back in.