How to change your payment method on Amazon

You can change your payment method on Amazon in your account settings at any time. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you're paying for a single order or updating your default card for future purchases. Amazon stores multiple payment methods, so you can add a new one without removing the old one, or you can delete cards you no longer use.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're changing the payment method for an order you haven't completed yet, or updating your saved payment methods for future orders. Both routes start in the same place: your Amazon account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add, remove, or change your default payment method through Your Account > Payment Options on any Amazon device or browser.
  • If you're in the middle of checkout, you can select a different saved card or add a new one before you complete the purchase.
  • Amazon accepts credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, and gift cards, plus regional payment methods like Amazon Pay.
  • If a payment fails at checkout, Amazon will ask you to update your payment method before the order can go through.
  • Removing a payment method does not cancel existing orders or subscriptions that use that card — you'll need to update those separately.

Changing your payment method during checkout

If you're in the middle of placing an order and want to use a different card, you don't have to start over. On the payment page, look for the card that's currently selected and click or tap the option to change it.

You'll see a list of all the payment methods you've saved to your Amazon account. Select the one you want to use. If the card you want isn't there, you can add a new one right from that screen by entering the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address. Once you've selected or added a card, continue with checkout as normal.

Updating your saved payment methods in account settings

To manage all your payment methods in one place, go to Your Account (the menu icon or your name, depending on your device), then select Payment Options. This page shows every card and payment method you've saved.

From here you can add a new card by clicking Add a Payment Method and entering the card details. You can also set which card is your default — the one Amazon will suggest first at checkout. To remove a card you no longer want, find it in the list and select Delete. Amazon will ask you to confirm before it removes the card.

If you have an active subscription or a recurring payment tied to a card you're deleting, Amazon will warn you before you remove it. You'll need to update those subscriptions separately to use a different card, or they may fail at the next billing date.

What payment methods Amazon accepts

Amazon takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. You can also use prepaid cards, as long as they're issued by one of those networks and have a billing address attached.

Amazon also accepts Amazon Gift Cards, which you can add to your account balance and use for any purchase. In some countries, Amazon Pay (a service that lets you check out using your Amazon account information) is available as a payment option on third-party websites, though that's different from changing your payment method on Amazon itself.

If your payment method is declined at checkout

When a card is declined, Amazon will stop the checkout and ask you to provide a different payment method. This usually happens because the card has expired, the billing address doesn't match what your bank has on file, or there aren't enough funds.

You can either select a different saved card or add a new one. If you want to keep using the same card, contact your bank to find out why it was declined — they can tell you whether the card is active, whether the address is correct, or whether there's a fraud hold. Once your bank clears it up, you can try the same card again.

Changing payment methods for subscriptions and recurring charges

If you have an Amazon subscription (like Prime, Kindle Unlimited, or a Subscribe & Save order), changing your default payment method in Your Account does not automatically update those subscriptions. You need to change the payment method for each subscription separately.

To do this, go to Your Account > Your Subscriptions, find the subscription you want to update, and select Manage Subscription or Edit. Look for the payment method option and select a different card. Save your changes. The new card will be used for the next billing date.

Removing a payment method safely

Before you delete a card, make sure it's not the only payment method tied to an active subscription or recurring charge. If it is, update that subscription first, or add a backup card to your account.

Deleting a card from Your Account does not cancel any orders you've already placed — those charges have already gone through. It also does not affect past transactions or refunds. It only prevents Amazon from using that card for future purchases. If you're deleting a card because it was compromised or stolen, contact Amazon Customer Service to report it, and they can flag it on your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's card to pay for my Amazon order?

Yes, as long as you have the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address. The billing address doesn't have to match your shipping address. However, if the cardholder disputes the charge later, Amazon and your bank will investigate, so only use a card with the cardholder's permission.

What happens if I delete a card that's linked to my Prime membership?

Your Prime membership won't cancel, but Amazon won't be able to charge that card for your next renewal. Before the renewal date, you'll need to update your payment method in Your Account > Your Subscriptions > Manage Your Prime Membership, or Prime will fail to renew and you'll lose benefits.

Why does Amazon ask for my billing address when I add a new card?

Your bank uses the billing address to verify that you're the cardholder. If the address you enter doesn't match what your bank has on file, the card may be declined at checkout. Make sure the address matches your bank records exactly, including spelling and abbreviations.

Can I change my payment method after I've placed an order?

No, once an order is placed and payment has been processed, you can't change the card that was charged. If you need to dispute the charge or request a refund, contact Amazon Customer Service. For future orders, you can change your payment method anytime before you complete checkout.

What should I do if my card keeps getting declined?

Contact your bank first — they can tell you if the card is active, if there's a fraud hold, or if the billing address is wrong. Once your bank confirms the card is working, try adding it to Amazon again. If it's still declined, try a different card, or contact Amazon Customer Service for help.