Where to find and update your payment methods
You can change your payment method on Amazon in two places: when you're checking out on a specific order, or in your account settings where all your saved cards and payment options live. The account settings route is faster if you want to change your default payment method or remove a card you no longer use. The checkout route works if you only want to use a different payment method for that one purchase.
To change your payment method in account settings, sign into your Amazon account, go to Account in the top right corner, and select Your Account. From there, click Manage payment methods under the "Login & security" section. This page shows every card, bank account, and other payment method you've saved to your account.
If you're already at checkout and want to use a different card just for that order, look for the payment method section on the review page. You'll see your default payment method listed, and there's usually a link or button to Change or Add a payment method. Click that, and you can pick from your saved methods or add a new one without leaving checkout.
Key Takeaways
- Go to Account > Your Account > Manage payment methods to see all your saved cards and change which one is your default.
- You can add a new card or bank account on the same page without leaving your account settings.
- During checkout, you can choose a different payment method for just that order by clicking Change next to your default payment method.
- Amazon stores your payment information securely, and you can remove old cards anytime from the Manage payment methods page.
- If a payment fails during checkout, Amazon will prompt you to update the card or pick a different payment method before you can complete the order.
Adding a new card or bank account
When you're on the Manage payment methods page, you'll see a button or link that says Add a payment method or Add a credit or debit card. Click it, and you'll be asked to enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). For a debit card, the process is the same—Amazon treats debit and credit cards the same way.
If you want to pay with a bank account instead of a card, look for an option like Add bank account on the same page. You'll need your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website. Amazon will verify the account by making two small deposits, usually within one to two business days. You'll then confirm those amounts in your Amazon account to complete the setup.
After you add a new payment method, Amazon asks if you want to make it your default. If you don't choose it as default, it stays in your saved methods and you can pick it during checkout whenever you want.
Setting a default payment method
Your default payment method is the one Amazon uses automatically when you check out, unless you change it during the order. To set a different card or bank account as your default, go to Manage payment methods, find the card you want to use most often, and look for an option like Set as default or a radio button next to it. Click that, and it becomes your primary payment method for all future orders.
You can change your default payment method as many times as you want. There's no limit to how often you switch, and changing it doesn't affect any orders you've already placed. If you have multiple cards saved, Amazon will always show your current default at checkout, but you can still pick a different one if you need to.
Removing a card or payment method you no longer use
On the Manage payment methods page, each saved card or bank account has a Delete button or trash icon next to it. Click that to remove the payment method from your account. Amazon will ask you to confirm the deletion—this is to prevent accidental removal. Once you confirm, the card is gone and you won't see it as an option at checkout anymore.
If you delete your default payment method, Amazon will automatically switch your default to another saved card or bank account. If you have no other payment methods saved, you'll be asked to add one before you can place your next order. Removing a card doesn't cancel any subscriptions or recurring charges tied to that card—those will attempt to charge your new default payment method instead, so make sure you have a valid card saved if you have active subscriptions.
What to do if a payment fails or is declined
If Amazon tries to charge a card and it's declined, you'll usually see an error message during checkout or in an email afterward. The most common reasons are an expired card, insufficient funds, or the card issuer blocking the transaction for security reasons. To fix it, go back to Manage payment methods and update the card information—you might need to enter a new expiration date if the card was recently renewed.
If the card keeps getting declined, try using a different payment method. You can add a new card right there in checkout without leaving the page. If you think the decline is a mistake, contact your bank or card issuer directly—they can tell you why the transaction was blocked and whether you need to do anything on their end to unblock Amazon purchases.
For recurring charges like Prime membership or subscriptions, a failed payment will usually trigger a retry a few days later. If you don't update your payment method, the charge will eventually fail permanently and your service may be interrupted. That's why it's important to keep at least one valid payment method saved to your account at all times.
Payment methods Amazon accepts
Amazon takes all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and bank accounts. Some regions also support digital wallets like Amazon Pay, Google Pay, or Apple Pay, though this varies by country and device. You can also use Amazon gift cards and store credit, though these are usually applied automatically if you have a balance rather than saved as a "payment method."
If you're trying to add a payment method and it's not working, the card might be expired, the billing address might not match what your bank has on file, or Amazon might not support that card type in your region. Check that the card number, expiration date, and CVV are entered correctly, and make sure the billing address matches exactly what your bank has. If it still doesn't work, try a different card or contact Amazon customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use multiple payment methods on a single order?
No, Amazon requires you to pay with one payment method per order. If you have store credit or a gift card balance, that will be used first, and the remaining balance will charge to your selected card or bank account. You cannot split a single order between two different cards.
What happens to my saved payment methods if I close my Amazon account?
All saved payment methods are deleted when you close your account. If you reopen an account later with the same email, you'll need to add your payment methods again from scratch. Amazon does not store or restore deleted payment information.
Is it safe to save my card information on Amazon?
Amazon uses encryption and security measures to protect your payment information. Your full card number is not displayed on the website after you save it—you'll only see the last four digits. If you're uncomfortable saving cards, you can add a new payment method each time you check out instead of saving it.
Why does Amazon ask for a billing address when I add a card?
The billing address is used to verify that you own the card and to prevent fraud. It must match the address your bank has on file. If your address has changed recently, update it with your bank first, then add the card to Amazon.
Can I change my payment method after I've placed an order?
It depends on the order status. If the order hasn't shipped yet, you may be able to change the payment method through your order details. Once the order has shipped, the payment has already been processed and you cannot change it. For future orders, you can always pick a different payment method at checkout.