Add a credit card to your Amazon account
To pay with a credit card on Amazon, you first add the card to your account, then select it at checkout. You can store multiple cards and switch between them for different purchases, or set one as your default payment method.
Go to amazon.com and sign in. In the top right, click the account menu (usually your name or "Account & Lists") and select Your Account. Look for Login & security or Payments depending on your device — on mobile, you may see Your payments instead.
Click Add a payment method or Add credit or debit card. Enter your card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit code on the back), and the cardholder's name and billing address. Amazon will ask you to confirm the address matches your card issuer's records. Click Add your card when done.
Key Takeaways
- You add a credit card through Your Account > Login & security > Add a payment method, and Amazon stores it for future purchases.
- At checkout, you can choose which card to use, or let Amazon charge your default card automatically.
- Amazon accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, but some cards may be declined if the billing address does not match your card issuer's records.
- If a card is declined at checkout, check that your billing address is correct and contact your card issuer to confirm the transaction was not blocked.
- You can delete a card from Your Account at any time, and Amazon will not charge a card you have removed.
Choose your card at checkout
When you place an order, Amazon shows you the payment methods you have saved. Click the card you want to use, or leave the default selected if you prefer. You can change your choice right up until you click Place your order.
If you have only one card saved, Amazon will use it automatically. If you add a new card during checkout, Amazon will ask whether to save it for future purchases. Saving it means you will see it as an option on your next order.
What to do if your card is declined
A declined card at Amazon checkout usually means one of three things: the billing address does not match what your card issuer has on file, the card has expired, or your card issuer blocked the transaction as a fraud precaution.
First, go back to Your Account > Your payments and check that the billing address you entered matches exactly what your card issuer has. Even a missing apartment number or a different spelling of a street name can cause a decline. If the address is wrong, edit it and try the order again.
If the address is correct, call the phone number on the back of your card and tell your issuer you are trying to make a purchase on Amazon. They can tell you whether they blocked it and can clear it on the spot. Then return to Amazon and place the order again.
Manage and remove saved cards
You can see all your saved cards in Your Account > Your payments. Next to each card, you will see options to edit the billing address, set it as your default, or delete it.
If you delete a card, Amazon will not charge it again. If that card was your default, Amazon will switch to your next most recent card. You can add a new default at any time by clicking the radio button next to a card and confirming.
If your card is lost, stolen, or compromised, delete it from Amazon right away. You do not have to wait for a replacement card to arrive — you can use a different card for orders in the meantime.
Credit cards Amazon accepts
Amazon accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. It also accepts some store cards and co-branded cards (like Amazon's own credit card), but the rules vary by card type and issuer.
Amazon does not accept prepaid cards in most cases, though some prepaid Visa and Mastercard products may work if they are registered with a billing address. If you are unsure whether your card will work, try adding it to Your Account first — Amazon will tell you when ready if there is a problem.
Some business credit cards and international cards may be declined even if they are Visa or Mastercard. If your card is declined and you believe it should be accepted, contact your card issuer to ask whether they have restrictions on online purchases or transactions with Amazon specifically.
Use a different payment method if needed
If you do not have a credit card or prefer not to use one, Amazon also accepts debit cards (which work the same way as credit cards at checkout), gift cards, and bank account transfers through Amazon Pay. Some accounts can also use other methods like PayPal or regional payment services depending on your location.
If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can also use the payment method linked to your Prime account, which may be different from your default Amazon payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card that is not in my name?
No. The cardholder name must match the name on your Amazon account. If someone else's card is linked to your account, Amazon may flag it as suspicious and decline the order. The card owner can add their own account and use their card there instead.
Does Amazon charge my card right away or when it ships?
Amazon charges most credit cards when you place the order, not when it ships. Some orders (like pre-orders or items sold by third-party sellers) may be charged later. You will see the charge on your card statement within one to three business days.
What if I want to use a different card for a one-time purchase?
At checkout, click the payment method dropdown and select a different card. You do not have to set it as your default — Amazon will use it only for that order. Your default card will be used for your next purchase unless you change it again.
Can I update my card information if the expiration date changes?
Yes. Go to Your Account > Your payments, click the card, and edit the expiration date and CVV. You do not need to delete and re-add the card. If your card issuer sends you a replacement card with a new number, you will need to add it as a new card and can delete the old one.
Is it safe to store my credit card on Amazon?
Amazon uses encryption and fraud detection to protect stored payment information. Your full card number is not shown in your account — Amazon displays only the last four digits. If you are uncomfortable storing a card, you can delete it after each purchase and add a new one when you order again, though this takes more time.