Where to find and update your payment methods

To change your payment method on Amazon, go to your account settings and select Your Account from the dropdown menu in the top right corner. From there, click Login & security, then scroll down to find Manage your payment methods. This section shows every card, bank account, and digital wallet you have saved to your Amazon account.

You can add a new payment method, remove an old one, or set a different card as your default. The default method is what Amazon charges first when you place an order, though you can change it at checkout before you complete the purchase. If you're updating payment information because a card expired or was declined, this is where you'll make that change stick across all future orders.

Key Takeaways

  • Your payment methods live in Your Account > Login & security > Manage your payment methods, not in a separate payments section.
  • You can set one card as your default, but you can override it at checkout on any single order.
  • Removing a payment method does not cancel subscriptions or recurring charges tied to that card — you must update those separately.
  • Amazon accepts major credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay depending on your country.
  • If a card is declined during checkout, Amazon will prompt you to add a new payment method before completing the order.

Adding a new card or bank account

Click Add a payment method in the Manage your payment methods section. You'll enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back), or your bank account and routing number if you're linking a checking or savings account. Amazon will ask for the billing address associated with that card or account.

After you save the new method, Amazon may place a small temporary charge (usually under $1) to verify the card is real and active. This charge will drop off within a few business days. If you're adding a bank account instead of a card, the verification process takes longer — Amazon deposits two small amounts and asks you to confirm them, which can take up to a week.

Changing your default payment method

Once you have more than one payment method saved, you can choose which one Amazon uses by default. In the Manage your payment methods section, look for the card or account marked as Default. Click the radio button or toggle next to a different card to make it your new default.

This change takes effect immediately for new orders. If you have a subscription (like Prime membership or a Subscribe & Save order), changing your default does not automatically update the payment method for that subscription — you must change those separately in the subscription settings. At checkout, you can always pick a different card for that single order, even if you don't change your default.

Removing a payment method you no longer use

If you want to delete a card or bank account, find it in your Manage your payment methods section and click Delete or the trash icon next to it. Amazon will ask you to confirm. You cannot delete your only payment method — you must add a new one first if you want to remove the old one.

Deleting a payment method from your account does not cancel any subscriptions or recurring charges using that card. If you're removing a card because it expired or you closed the account, you must go to each subscription separately and update the payment method there. Otherwise, the charge will fail and your subscription may pause or cancel depending on Amazon's retry policy.

What to do if a payment method is declined

When Amazon tries to charge a card and it's declined, you'll see a message at checkout or in your account notifications. The most common reasons are an expired card, insufficient funds, or the card issuer blocking the charge. Go back to Manage your payment methods and either update the card information (if it expired) or add a new payment method.

If the decline happened on a subscription order, Amazon will retry the charge a few times over several days before pausing your subscription. Check your email for decline notices — they usually include a link to update your payment method directly. Updating it quickly prevents service interruptions on Prime, Subscribe & Save orders, or other recurring charges.

Payment methods Amazon accepts

Amazon takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards in the United States. You can also link a debit card, prepaid card, or bank account directly. In some countries, Amazon accepts additional digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and regional payment methods — check your country's Amazon site to see what's available.

Business accounts and some international orders may have different payment options. If you're trying to use a payment method that isn't showing up as an option, it may not be supported in your region or for your account type. Contact Amazon's customer service if you're unsure whether a specific card or wallet will work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different payment method for a single order without changing my default?

Yes. At checkout, before you place the order, you'll see your default payment method listed. Click Change or the dropdown next to it to pick a different card or account for that order only. Your default stays the same for future orders.

What happens to my subscriptions if I delete a payment method?

Deleting a card from your account does not automatically update your subscriptions. If that card was being charged for Prime, Subscribe & Save, or another recurring service, the charge will eventually fail. Go to your subscription settings and update the payment method there before deleting the card.

Why is Amazon charging a small amount to verify my new card?

Amazon places a temporary charge (usually under $1) to confirm the card is real and active. This charge reverses within a few business days and does not count as a purchase. It's a security step to prevent fraud and ensure the card works before you use it for a real order.

Can I save multiple cards and switch between them?

Yes. You can save as many cards and bank accounts as you want. Set one as your default, and at checkout you can pick any other saved method for that order. You can also manage which cards are saved by going to Manage your payment methods anytime.

What should I do if my card keeps getting declined?

Contact your card issuer first — they may be blocking Amazon charges for security reasons. If the issuer says the card is fine, try adding it again to your Amazon account or use a different card. If problems continue, reach out to Amazon customer service with your order number or subscription details.