Delete a card from Amazon in three steps
To remove a credit card from your Amazon account, go to Account & Lists in the top right, select Your Account, then choose Login & security. Scroll to the Login section and select Edit next to "Passwords". From there, navigate to Payment options in the left menu, find the card you want to remove, and select Delete. Amazon will ask you to confirm — select Delete card again, and it's gone.
The process takes about two minutes. You cannot delete a card if it's your only payment method on file, so you'll need to add a replacement card first if that's the case. Amazon keeps a record that the card existed on your account, but the card details themselves are permanently removed.
If you're using a mobile app instead of a browser, the steps are similar but the menu names differ slightly. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), go to Your Account, then Login & security, then Payment options. Find the card and tap Delete.
Key Takeaways
- You reach payment options through Account & Lists > Your Account > Login & security > Payment options, not through a shopping cart or checkout screen.
- Amazon will not let you delete your only payment method, so add a new card or choose an existing one as your default before removing the old one.
- Deleting a card from Amazon does not close the card itself or affect your bank account — it only removes it from your Amazon profile.
- The card details are removed when ready, but Amazon's records show the card was once linked to your account for fraud prevention and dispute purposes.
Why you might need to delete a card
People remove cards from Amazon for several reasons. You may have gotten a new card with a different number and want to clean up old entries. You might be closing an account or switching banks. Or you could be concerned about security after a card was compromised — though deleting it from Amazon doesn't stop the card issuer from canceling the physical card.
If a card was stolen or fraudulent charges appeared, contact your bank first. Your bank can cancel the card and dispute the charges. Removing it from Amazon is a second step, not a replacement for calling your bank.
What happens when you delete a card
When you delete a card, Amazon removes the card number, expiration date, and billing address from your account. You will no longer see that card as an option at checkout. If you had set it as your default payment method, Amazon will automatically switch to your next most recent card.
The card itself — the physical or digital card from your bank — is not affected. Your bank account is not affected. Deleting the card from Amazon is purely about removing it from your saved payment methods on that website.
Amazon keeps encrypted records that a card was once linked to your account. This helps Amazon detect fraud patterns and helps you dispute charges if needed later. You cannot see these records yourself, but they exist in Amazon's system.
If you only have one card on file
Amazon requires at least one valid payment method on your account at all times. If the card you want to delete is your only one, you'll see a message saying you need to add another payment method first.
Add a new card, debit card, or choose a different payment method like a gift card balance or store credit. Once you've confirmed the new method works, you can go back and delete the old card. The new card doesn't have to be your default — you just need it to exist on your account.
Deleting a card versus deactivating it
Amazon doesn't have a "deactivate" option for cards. You either delete it (remove it completely) or leave it saved. There's no middle ground where the card stays on file but can't be used.
If you want to keep a card on file but prevent Amazon from using it, your only option is to remove it. If you think you might need it again later, write down the last four digits and expiration date before you delete it, so you can re-add it if necessary.
Adding a new card before deleting the old one
The safest order is to add your new card first, test it with a small purchase if you want to, and then delete the old one. This way you're never without a payment method.
To add a card, go to Your Account > Login & security > Payment options and select Add a payment method. Enter the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address. Amazon will verify the card — this usually takes a few seconds, though sometimes it takes a day or two. Once it's verified, you can delete your old card.
What to do if you can't find the payment options menu
The menu location changed in recent years, so if you're looking in an old location, you won't find it. The current path is Account & Lists (top right) > Your Account > Login & security > Payment options. If that doesn't work, try searching "payment methods" in the Account & Lists menu — Amazon's search will take you there directly.
On mobile, make sure you're in the Amazon app, not a mobile browser. The app's menu structure is different from the website. If you're still stuck, try the website version on a computer — the steps are clearer there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting a card from Amazon affect my credit score?
No. Deleting a card from Amazon is a change to your Amazon account only. Your credit card company and credit bureaus have no record of it. Your credit score is not affected.
Can I delete a card if I have an active Amazon subscription or Prime membership?
Yes, as long as you have another payment method on file. Amazon will use your default card to charge subscriptions and memberships. If you delete your default card, Amazon will switch to your next most recent card automatically. Make sure that card is current and valid.
What if I deleted a card by mistake?
You can add it back anytime by going to Payment options and selecting Add a payment method. Enter the card details again. Amazon will verify it, and it will be back on your account. There's no penalty for re-adding a card you've deleted before.
Does Amazon tell my bank when I delete a card?
No. Your bank has no notification that you removed the card from Amazon. The card itself remains active at your bank unless you cancel it there. Deleting it from Amazon is a one-way action that only affects your Amazon account.
Can I delete a card that has pending charges?
Yes, but be careful. If a charge is still processing, deleting the card won't stop it. The charge will go through to the card at your bank. Delete the card only after you're sure all charges have completed or been refunded.