Many users update their payment method expecting all future charges to move to the new card. However, it is not uncommon to see charges continue on an old card even after a successful update.
This usually happens because payment method changes do not always apply to every active subscription or billing agreement.
If the old card remains linked to an active subscription, charges can continue without warning.
Common Reasons Old Cards Still Get Charged
- The payment method was updated for only one subscription, not all active ones
- Some services store payment methods separately for each subscription
- The old card was saved as a backup or default payment option
- A pending renewal was already authorized before the card was changed
- Multiple accounts are linked to the same service with different payment methods
How to Check Which Card Is Actually Being Used
- Review each active subscription individually, not just the main account settings
- Check billing history to see which payment method was charged
- Look for pending or scheduled renewals that may still reference the old card
- Confirm whether the old card is set as a backup payment option
What to Do to Prevent Future Charges
- Remove the old card completely from all account and subscription settings
- Confirm the new payment method is assigned to every active subscription
- Monitor the next billing cycle to ensure the correct card is used
Updating a payment method does not always override existing billing agreements. Verifying each subscription individually is the safest way to avoid unexpected charges.