Change your payment method in Account Settings

Go to amazon.com, sign in to your account, and select Account & Lists in the top right corner. Click Your Account, then find and click Manage payment methods under the "Login & security" section. From there you can add a new card, delete an old one, or set which card Amazon uses by default for new purchases.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Amazon stores your payment methods encrypted, and you can change them anytime without affecting orders you've already placed. If you're switching cards because one is expiring, update it before the expiration date so subscriptions and auto-replenish orders don't fail.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your payment methods through Account & Lists > Your Account > Manage payment methods, where you can add, remove, or reorder cards.
  • You can set a default payment method, but you can still choose a different card at checkout for any single purchase.
  • Removing a card from your account does not cancel subscriptions or recurring orders tied to that card — you must update those separately.
  • Amazon accepts credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards, but not all payment methods work for every type of purchase (like digital content or certain sellers).
  • If a payment fails at checkout, Amazon will prompt you to choose a different card before completing the order.

Add a new card to your account

Click the Add a payment method button on the Manage payment methods page. Enter the card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit code on the back), and the cardholder's name and billing address. Amazon will verify the card with a small temporary charge that appears and disappears within a few days — you don't need to do anything about it.

Once the card is verified, it appears in your payment method list and you can use it immediately. If you want this new card to be your default, click the radio button next to it or select Set as default payment method. Amazon will use the default card for all future purchases unless you pick a different one at checkout.

Remove or update an existing card

Find the card you want to change in your payment methods list. To remove it entirely, click Delete next to the card name. To update the expiration date or billing address, click Edit instead. Amazon will not let you delete your only payment method, so you must add a new card first if you're replacing your last one.

Deleting a card from your account does not stop subscriptions or recurring charges that use that card. If you're removing a card because it's expiring or compromised, you must also update the payment method for any active subscriptions, Prime membership, or auto-replenish orders separately. Go to Your Account > Memberships and subscriptions or Manage Your Content and Devices to find and update those.

Choose a different card at checkout

Even if you have set a default payment method, you can use a different card for any single purchase. At checkout, look for the payment method section and click Change or Edit next to the card shown. A list of all your saved cards appears — select the one you want to use for that order.

This is useful if you want to use a rewards card for certain purchases, pay from a business account for work orders, or avoid charges on a card you're about to close. The card you choose for one order does not change your default — the next purchase will use your default card again unless you change it again at checkout.

Troubleshoot a declined or failed payment

If a card is declined at checkout, Amazon will show an error message and ask you to choose a different payment method. Common reasons include an expired card, incorrect billing address, insufficient funds, or a fraud block from your bank. Try a different card first — if you only have one, add another before checking out.

If all your cards are being declined, contact your bank to ask whether they've blocked Amazon charges or flagged your account for fraud review. Some banks require you to call and confirm large purchases or purchases from new merchants. Once your bank clears it, return to Amazon and try the same card again. If the problem persists, contact Amazon Customer Service through the Contact Us link at the bottom of any Amazon page.

Payment methods Amazon accepts and does not accept

Amazon accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards, as well as prepaid cards issued by those networks. You can also link a bank account for certain purchases, though this option is not available in all regions. Amazon does not accept PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or other digital wallets for most purchases, though some third-party sellers may offer those options.

Some types of purchases have payment restrictions. Digital content like Kindle books, apps, and music may only work with credit or debit cards, not prepaid cards. Certain sellers and international purchases may require a specific card type. If a payment method is not available for your purchase, Amazon will tell you at checkout and you'll need to use a different card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my payment method affect orders I've already placed?

No. Orders that have already been placed use the payment method you selected at the time of purchase. Changing your default payment method or removing a card only affects new orders going forward. If you need to change the payment method on an order that hasn't shipped yet, contact Amazon Customer Service.

What happens to my subscriptions if I delete the card they're using?

Your subscription will fail to renew when the payment is due. Amazon will send you an email warning that the payment method is no longer valid and ask you to update it. Go to Your Account > Memberships and subscriptions, find the subscription, and click Update payment method to add a new card before the next billing date.

Can I use someone else's card to make a purchase?

You can add another person's card to your account if you have their permission and their billing address. However, the card must be registered to the cardholder's name and address in your account settings. Using someone else's card without permission is fraud and violates Amazon's terms of service.

Why is Amazon asking me to verify my card with a small charge?

Amazon uses a small temporary charge (usually $1 or less) to confirm the card is real and active. The charge appears on your statement for a few days and then disappears — you don't need to do anything. This protects your account from fraudulent cards and helps Amazon confirm you have access to the card you're adding.

Can I save a card without making it my default?

Yes. When you add a card, it's saved to your account but does not automatically become your default. You can choose which card to use at checkout for each purchase. To set a different default later, go to Manage payment methods and click the radio button next to the card you want to use most often.