You use this API when a card expires, is reported lost, or a customer wants to switch cards. It’s also helpful when Stripe notifies you about an upcoming card expiration. By updating the card, you can keep billing on time and avoid service interruptions.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You Need to Update Card Details
Updating card details is important to keep payments running without problems. Cards can expire, get lost, or be replaced by the bank. When this happens, the saved card on file becomes invalid. If you don’t update it, upcoming payments may fail.
Failed payments can lead to service interruptions. Subscriptions might stop, accounts can get paused, and the customer may not even realize why. This creates frustration and more work for you and your support team. It also risks losing users who don’t want to deal with payment issues.
By updating card details early, you avoid all this. You keep billing on schedule and your services active. It shows users that you take care of their experience. You also reduce the chance of losing money due to missed payments.
How the Update Card API Works
The Update Card API in Stripe works by replacing a customer’s existing card with a new one. This is done through Stripe’s PaymentMethod system. You don’t directly edit a card. Instead, you create a new PaymentMethod and attach it to the customer. Then, you remove the old card if it’s no longer needed.
The process starts when the user enters new card details. These details are securely sent to Stripe using tools like Stripe Elements or the Setup Intent. Once Stripe confirms the card is valid, it gives you a new PaymentMethod ID.
Next, you link this new PaymentMethod to the customer object in your Stripe account. This tells Stripe to use the new card for future payments. If the old card should no longer be used, you detach or delete it from the customer.
Customer and Payment Method Role
Stripe Customer Object
The customer object in Stripe acts as a digital profile. It stores key information like name, email, and billing history. Each time someone pays or subscribes, their actions are tied to this profile. This helps you manage repeat users easily, track their purchases, and offer a better experience.
PaymentMethod Explained
A PaymentMethod holds the actual payment details like credit card numbers, expiry dates, and security codes. Stripe keeps this data secure and separate from your servers. You can store multiple PaymentMethods under one customer, giving users flexibility in how they pay. The default method is used automatically during charges or subscriptions.
How They Work Together
Customers and PaymentMethods are linked to support recurring payments and easy updates. Instead of changing an old card, you simply create a new PaymentMethod and connect it to the customer. Then you remove the old one if needed. This flow keeps billing reliable, reduces errors, and protects user data.
Steps to Update Credit Card Information
Collect the New Card Details
Start by asking the customer to provide their new card information. Use Stripe Elements or Stripe Checkout to safely collect the details like card number, expiry date, and CVC. These tools handle the sensitive data on Stripe’s side, which helps you stay PCI-compliant and avoid security risks.
Create a New PaymentMethod
After the customer submits the new card, Stripe creates a new PaymentMethod object. This object stores the card securely and gives you an ID to work with. You don’t store the card info yourself, you just use this ID to manage the payment.
Attach the New PaymentMethod to the Customer
Now link this new PaymentMethod to the customer’s Stripe profile using the Stripe API. This step connects the updated card to the correct person, so Stripe knows which card to charge during future transactions or subscriptions.
Set as Default and Remove the Old Card
Once the new card is attached, set it as the default PaymentMethod for that customer. This ensures it’s used for all future payments. Then, if the old card is expired or no longer needed, detach or delete it from the profile. This keeps everything clean, accurate, and easy to manage.
Using Setup Intents for Secure Updates
Setup Intents in Stripe are used to safely save a customer’s card without charging it right away. They allow Stripe to verify the card and prepare it for future payments. This is useful when a customer wants to update their card for subscriptions or other recurring charges. It confirms the card is working and ready to use.
When you use Setup Intents, Stripe handles any extra authentication like 3D Secure. This helps prevent errors later during actual charges. It also keeps your payment process compliant with rules like SCA in places like Europe. Using Setup Intents makes the update process more secure and smooth.
To use a Setup Intent, you first create it with the Stripe API. Then you collect the new card details using Stripe Elements or Checkout. Stripe verifies the card, creates a new PaymentMethod, and you attach it to the customer profile. Finally, you make it the default card if needed.
Common Errors and Fixes
- Invalid or Expired Card Details: One common error is entering an invalid or expired card. This happens when the card number, expiry date, or CVC is wrong. Stripe will reject the update. The fix is simple: ask the customer to double-check the card information before trying again.
- Authentication Failures: Some cards require 3D Secure or other extra steps. If the customer doesn’t complete the authentication, the update won’t go through. To fix this, use Setup Intents with Stripe Elements or Checkout. These tools guide the customer through any needed steps automatically.
- Linking to the Wrong Customer: If you connect the new card to the wrong customer ID, future payments can fail. Always make sure you’re attaching the PaymentMethod to the correct customer. Also, delete the old card if it’s no longer needed to avoid confusion.
- API or Integration Errors: Using an outdated Stripe API version or incorrect code setup can cause problems. Make sure your integration follows the latest Stripe documentation. Check the Stripe Dashboard for error logs to find and fix issues quickly. Keeping your setup updated helps avoid most technical errors.
Conclusion
Updating credit card details using Stripe’s API is simple and safe. It helps you keep customer payments running without problems. You just collect the new card, create a new PaymentMethod, and link it to the right customer. Using Setup Intents makes the process even more secure.
When done right, it prevents failed charges and keeps services active. Stripe gives you all the tools to handle updates smoothly. Always check for errors and follow best practices. A clean and updated billing system helps you and your customers stay on track without stress.
