You can delete a credit card from Amazon in your account settings in under a minute
Log into your Amazon account, go to Account & Lists in the top right, then select Your Account. From there, click Login & security on the left side. Scroll down to the Login section and find Manage your payment methods. You will see all cards linked to your account. Next to the card you want to remove, click the Delete button. Amazon will ask you to confirm — click Delete again, and the card is gone.
The card disappears from your account immediately. If that card was set as your default payment method, Amazon will automatically use your next most recently added card for future purchases. If you have no other payment methods on file, you will need to add a new one before you can place another order.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting a card takes about one minute and happens through Account & Lists > Your Account > Login & security > Manage your payment methods.
- The card is removed instantly and cannot be recovered through your account settings once deleted.
- If the deleted card was your default payment method, Amazon switches to your next most recent card automatically.
- You must have at least one payment method on file to complete a purchase, so add a replacement card if you are deleting your only one.
- Deleting a card from Amazon does not close the card itself or affect your credit — it only removes the card from your Amazon account.
What happens to pending orders when you delete a card
If you delete a card that is currently processing a payment for an order, Amazon will not cancel that charge. The transaction will go through as scheduled. Deletion only affects future purchases and pre-orders you have not yet paid for.
If you have a pending order that has not yet been charged, deleting the card linked to that order may cause the purchase to fail when Amazon tries to process it. Check your Orders page before deleting a card to see which payment method is attached to any active purchases. If an order is still in "processing" status, contact Amazon customer service before removing that card.
Deleting a card versus removing it from 1-Click checkout
Amazon has two separate settings for payment methods. Manage your payment methods controls which cards are linked to your entire account. 1-Click settings controls which single card is used for one-click purchases specifically.
If you only want to stop using a card for 1-Click orders but keep it on your account for other purchases, go to Account & Lists > Your Account > Login & security > 1-Click settings. You can change which card is your 1-Click default or turn off 1-Click entirely without deleting the card. Deleting the card from your payment methods removes it from both 1-Click and regular checkout.
If you accidentally deleted a card
Once you delete a card, it does not appear in your account history. You cannot recover it through your account settings. However, the card itself still exists — deleting it from Amazon simply removes the link between that card number and your account.
To use that card again on Amazon, you will need to add it back manually. Go to Account & Lists > Your Account > Login & security > Manage your payment methods and click Add a payment method. Enter the card details again. Amazon will treat it as a new card on your account, even though it is the same physical card.
Removing cards linked to Amazon Business or Prime accounts
If you have an Amazon Business account or a household member linked to your Prime account, payment methods may be shared or separate depending on how you set them up. Deleting a card from your personal account settings will not remove it from a linked business account or another household member's access.
Each account — personal, Business, and household member accounts — has its own payment method settings. You must log into each account separately and delete the card from each one individually if you want to remove it everywhere. If you share a card with a household member and want to remove their access, delete the card from their account, not yours.
Why Amazon might not let you delete a card
Amazon will not allow you to delete a card if it is your only payment method on file. You must add a replacement card first. This prevents you from getting stuck unable to complete a purchase.
In rare cases, if a card is tied to an active subscription (like Prime membership renewal or a Subscribe & Save order), Amazon may prevent deletion until that subscription ends or you change the payment method for that subscription. Check your Memberships & Subscriptions page to see which card is linked to any recurring charges, and update those subscriptions to use a different card before attempting to delete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting a card from Amazon affect my credit score?
No. Deleting a card from your Amazon account does not affect your credit score or credit report. It only removes the card from your Amazon account. The card itself remains active with your bank or credit card company unless you close it separately.
Can I delete a card if I have an unpaid Amazon balance?
Yes, you can delete a card even if you have an outstanding balance. However, Amazon will still need a valid payment method on file to collect that balance. If you delete your only card, add a replacement before deletion so Amazon can charge the balance to the new card.
Will deleting a card stop automatic renewals like Prime membership?
Deleting a card does not cancel subscriptions, but it may cause renewal attempts to fail if that was the only card on your account. Update your subscription payment method to a different card before deleting, or add a new card immediately after deletion so the renewal can go through.
Can someone else delete my cards from my Amazon account?
No. Only you can delete cards from your account if you are logged in with your own password. If you share your password with a household member or have given someone access to your account, they could delete cards. Change your password immediately if you suspect unauthorized access.