To change your Apple Card number, you will be requesting a new virtual card number through the Wallet app on your iPhone. This allows you to generate a new card number for online and in-app purchases without affecting your physical Apple Card.
Understanding Your Apple Card Numbers
Before proceeding, it's helpful to understand the different numbers associated with your Apple Card:
- Virtual Card Number: This is a distinct 16-digit number generated for secure online and in-app transactions where Apple Pay is not an option. You can refresh this number whenever you need to.
- Physical Card Number: This number is associated with your physical titanium Apple Card and is accessible within the Wallet app under your card details. It's used for traditional card transactions where a physical card is needed.
- Apple Pay Device Account Number: When you use Apple Pay, a unique, encrypted device-specific number (token) is used for each transaction, not your actual card number.
The process described below specifically generates a new virtual card number.
Steps to Change Your Virtual Apple Card Number
Follow these easy steps on your iPhone to request a new virtual Apple Card number:
- Open the Wallet App: Tap the
Walletapp icon on your iPhone's home screen. - Select Apple Card: Within the Wallet app, tap on your
Apple Cardto view its details. - Authenticate Your Identity: For security purposes, you'll need to verify your identity. This can be done using
Face ID,Touch ID, or by entering your devicepasscode. - Request New Card Number: Once authenticated, tap the option labeled
Request New Card Number. Confirm your choice if prompted.
Why You Might Need a New Virtual Card Number
- Security Breach: If you suspect your virtual card number was exposed in an online data breach.
- Fraud Prevention: As a proactive measure to prevent potential unauthorized charges.
- Ending Subscriptions: To stop recurring charges from a specific merchant that you're having trouble canceling directly.
What Happens After Changing Your Virtual Card Number?
- New Details: A completely new 16-digit virtual card number and a new security code (CVV) will be instantly generated.
- Merchant Updates: You must manually update any online subscriptions, saved payment methods, or recurring bills that previously used your old virtual card number. If you don't update them, transactions will be declined.
- Physical Card: Your physical titanium Apple Card number remains unchanged and fully functional.
- Apple Pay: Your Apple Pay settings and device account number for your Apple Card are unaffected.
Key Differences Between Apple Card Numbers
To clarify which number changes and which does not, refer to the table below:
| Apple Card Component | Description | How It Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Card Number | Used for online, in-app, and over-the-phone purchases. | You can request a new one anytime through the Wallet app. This is the primary way to "change your Apple Card number." |
| Physical Card Number | Associated with your titanium Apple Card; used for traditional card transactions. | Generally does not change unless you report your physical card lost, stolen, or damaged and request a replacement. A new physical card typically comes with a new physical card number. |
| Apple Pay Token | A unique, encrypted device-specific number for secure Apple Pay transactions. | Remains unchanged when you request a new virtual card number. It is tied to your specific device for Apple Pay and provides an additional layer of security by not exposing your actual card number to merchants during Apple Pay transactions. |
For more information and detailed support regarding your Apple Card, you can visit Apple Card Support.
