What Amazon's split payment option does
Amazon lets you pay for a single order using two different payment methods at the same time. You choose how much to charge to each method — for example, $30 to a credit card and $20 to an Amazon gift card balance. This works on Amazon.com and the Amazon mobile app, though the steps differ slightly between them.
Split payment is available for most orders, but not all. Amazon does not allow it for certain items like digital content (Kindle books, apps, music), subscriptions, or pre-orders. Some third-party sellers also do not support the feature. You will see whether split payment is an option when you reach the payment screen during checkout.
The feature does not change your order total or add fees. Amazon processes both payments at the same time, and you receive a single order confirmation. If one payment method declines, the entire order fails — Amazon does not charge the second method as a backup.
Key Takeaways
- Split payment divides a single order between two payment methods, and you decide how much goes to each one.
- The feature works on Amazon.com and the mobile app, but the checkout steps are different on each platform.
- Digital items, subscriptions, and pre-orders cannot be split, and some third-party sellers do not support the option.
- Both payments process at the same time, so if either one declines, your entire order fails.
- You can split between a credit or debit card and an Amazon gift card, or between two gift cards, depending on your account setup.
How to split a payment on Amazon.com
Start by adding items to your cart and proceeding to checkout as usual. On the review page, look for a link or button labeled "Add a payment method" or "Split payment" — the exact wording varies. Click it to see your available payment methods.
Amazon will show you how much of the order total remains to be paid. Enter the amount you want to charge to the first method, then select the second method and enter its amount. The two amounts must add up to your total. Once both are entered, review the payment breakdown and proceed to place your order.
If you do not see a split payment option during checkout, the order may contain items that cannot be split. Remove those items, complete the split payment for the rest, and place a separate order for the unsupported items.
How to split a payment on the Amazon mobile app
The process on the app is similar but the layout is different. Add items to your cart, go to checkout, and review your order. Tap the payment method section to open your payment options.
Look for an option to add or change your payment method. Select your first payment method and enter the amount you want to charge to it. Then tap to add a second method and enter the remaining amount. Confirm both amounts match your total before you submit the order.
Some users report that the split payment option is harder to find on the app than on the website. If you cannot locate it, try completing the order on Amazon.com instead, or contact Amazon customer service for help with your specific order.
Which payment methods can be split
You can split between a credit card or debit card and an Amazon gift card balance. You can also split between two separate Amazon gift cards if you have multiple balances on your account. You cannot split between two credit cards or two debit cards.
If you have an Amazon Store Card or Amazon Visa Card, those count as credit cards for split payment purposes. Business accounts and Amazon Prime Store Cards have different rules — check your account settings or contact Amazon to confirm what methods are available to you.
The payment methods must be registered to the same Amazon account. You cannot use a payment method from someone else's account, even if you are placing an order for them.
What happens if a payment method declines
If either of your two payment methods is declined during checkout, Amazon cancels the entire order. The system does not charge the second method as a backup or ask you to choose a different payment method on the spot.
If this happens, return to your cart and try again with different payment methods or amounts. Check that your card has not expired, that you have sufficient funds or credit available, and that your billing address matches what your bank has on file. If the problem persists, contact your bank or card issuer to ask why the charge was declined.
Amazon may also decline a split payment if it detects unusual activity on your account. In that case, you will see a message during checkout. Verify your account information and try again, or contact Amazon customer service if the issue continues.
Split payment and Amazon gift card balances
If you have an Amazon gift card balance, you can use it as one of your two payment methods. Amazon will show your current balance during checkout. You can split the order so that your gift card covers part of it and another payment method covers the rest.
If your gift card balance is larger than your order total, Amazon will charge only what you owe and leave the remaining balance in your account. If your gift card balance is smaller than your order total, you must use a second payment method for the difference — you cannot split between a gift card and nothing.
Gift card balances do not expire, so you can use them whenever you place an order. If you receive a new gift card code, it adds to your existing balance automatically.
Orders that cannot use split payment
Amazon does not allow split payment for Kindle books, audiobooks, apps, music, or other digital content. Subscriptions — including Amazon Prime renewals and Subscribe & Save orders — also cannot be split. Pre-orders and items sold by certain third-party sellers may not support the feature either.
If your order contains a mix of may be able to access and ineligible items, you have two choices: remove the unsupported items and split the payment for the rest, or pay for the entire order with a single method. There is no way to split payment for just part of an order that contains both types of items.
Some sellers set their own payment rules. If a third-party seller does not support split payment, you will not see the option for their items. Check the seller's storefront or contact them directly if you want to know why.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I split a payment between two different people's payment methods?
No. Both payment methods must be registered to the same Amazon account. You cannot use someone else's credit card or gift card balance to pay for part of your order, even if they give you permission.
What if I want to split a payment three ways instead of two?
Amazon only supports splitting between two payment methods per order. If you need to use three methods, place multiple orders instead — one for part of your purchase and another for the rest.
Does split payment work with Amazon Prime benefits like free shipping?
Yes. Your Prime benefits explore to the entire order regardless of how you split the payment. Shipping costs, if any, are included in the total you are splitting between your two methods.
Can I split a payment if I am using a promotional code or coupon?
Yes. Amazon applies the discount to your order total first, then you split the reduced amount between your two payment methods. The coupon or code does not affect which payment methods you can use.
What if I change my mind about the split after I place the order?
You cannot change the payment split after checkout is complete. If you want to use different amounts or methods, you must cancel the order and place a new one. Contact Amazon customer service if you need to cancel an order you just placed.