What payment methods Amazon accepts

Amazon takes credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, and gift cards. You can also pay through your bank account using Amazon Pay, or use a stored payment method from a previous purchase. Some accounts can pay with monthly invoices if they're registered as a business. The payment method you choose depends on what you have available and what you're comfortable sharing with the site.

When you check out, Amazon shows you all the payment options linked to your account. You can add a new card or bank account during checkout, or set one up ahead of time in your account settings. If a payment fails, Amazon will try it again before canceling your order — usually within a few days.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, and gift cards all work on Amazon, and you can store multiple payment methods in your account.
  • Amazon Pay lets you pay using your bank account directly instead of entering a card number.
  • You can set a default payment method so Amazon uses the same card or account for most purchases unless you change it at checkout.
  • If a payment fails, Amazon retries it automatically before canceling the order, so check your account settings if you think there's a problem.
  • Business accounts can set up monthly invoicing instead of paying per order.

Credit and debit cards

Credit cards and debit cards work the same way on Amazon. You enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back), and Amazon charges the card when you place the order. You can store the card in your account so you don't have to type it in every time.

Amazon accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If your card is declined, check with your bank — they may have blocked the charge because it looked unusual, or your account may not have enough funds. Some banks also require you to verify large purchases through a text message or app before the charge goes through.

Prepaid cards work like debit cards as long as they're registered with a name and address. If your prepaid card keeps getting declined, the card issuer may not allow online purchases, or the card may have expired.

Amazon gift cards and store credit

Amazon gift cards are the easiest payment method if someone has sent you one. You redeem the card by entering the code on the back into your account, and the balance sits there until you spend it. You can use gift card balance to pay for anything on Amazon — products, subscriptions, or digital content.

If your gift card balance doesn't cover the full order, Amazon will charge your default payment method for the rest. You can check your gift card balance anytime in your account settings under "Gift cards".

Amazon Pay and bank account payments

Amazon Pay is a service that lets you pay using your bank account instead of a card. You link your checking or savings account to Amazon once, and then you can use it to pay on Amazon or on other websites that accept Amazon Pay. Your bank account number stays private — Amazon handles the payment without showing the merchant your banking details.

To set up Amazon Pay, go to your account settings, select "Login & security", and look for the Amazon Pay section. You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number. The first time you use it, Amazon may make two small test deposits to your account to confirm it's real — you'll see these in your bank statement and need to verify the amounts in your Amazon account.

Bank account payments take longer to process than card payments because they go through the banking system. Amazon may hold your order for a few days while the payment clears.

Setting a default payment method

Your default payment method is what Amazon charges unless you pick something different at checkout. To set or change it, go to your account, select "Your account", then "Login & security", and find "Payment options". Click on the card or account you want to use as your default, and Amazon will use it for future orders.

You can still change your payment method on any individual order before you complete the purchase. This is useful if you want to use a gift card for one order but your regular card for the next one.

What to do if a payment fails

If your payment is declined, Amazon sends you an email and holds your order. You have a few days to fix the problem before Amazon cancels it. The most common reasons for decline are insufficient funds, an expired card, or your bank blocking the charge as fraud.

To fix it, go to your orders, find the order that failed, and select "Update payment method". You can use a different card, add a new one, or try the same card again if you've resolved the issue with your bank. Once you update it, Amazon processes the payment right away.

If you think your bank blocked the charge, call them and ask them to allow Amazon charges. Some banks have a fraud filter that stops online purchases until you confirm them by phone or app.

Business accounts and invoicing

If you have an Amazon Business account, you can set up monthly invoicing instead of paying for each order separately. This means Amazon sends you an invoice at the end of the month for all your purchases, and you pay once instead of many times.

To turn on invoicing, go to your Amazon Business account settings and look for "Payment options". You'll need to provide business tax information and agree to Amazon's business payment terms. Not all business accounts are approved for invoicing — Amazon reviews your account first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple payment methods on one order?

Yes. If you have a gift card balance, Amazon will use that first, then charge your default payment method for anything left over. You can't split a single order between two cards, but you can place two separate orders and pay each one differently.

Is it safe to store my card on Amazon?

Amazon encrypts your card information and doesn't store the full card number on their servers. Your card is as safe stored on Amazon as it is on any other major retailer. You can remove any card from your account anytime in your payment settings.

What if I don't have a credit card?

You can use a debit card, prepaid card, or bank account through Amazon Pay. If someone sends you a gift card, you can use that too. Prepaid cards from retailers like Target or Walmart work on Amazon as long as they're registered with your name and address.

How long does it take for a payment to go through?

Card payments usually process instantly. Bank account payments through Amazon Pay take two to three business days because they go through the banking system. Amazon may hold your order during this time, but it will ship once the payment clears.

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

Only if the order hasn't shipped yet. Go to your orders, find the order, and select "Update payment method". Once the order ships, the payment has already been processed and you can't change it.