Change your card in Account Settings
To change the credit card Amazon charges, go to your Account page, select Login & security, then scroll down to Login, security and payments and choose Payment options. You will see a list of all cards on file. Click the card you want to replace, then select Edit or Delete depending on whether you want to update the details or remove it entirely.
If you are editing an existing card — for example, because your card number changed but the account stayed the same — enter the new card number, expiration date, and CVV. Amazon will save the changes when ready. If you are deleting a card, Amazon will ask you to confirm; once deleted, you cannot use that card for purchases until you add it back.
After you change or delete a card, check your Default payment method setting. If the card you removed was set as default, Amazon will automatically switch to your next most recent card. You can manually set a different card as default by clicking on it and selecting Set as default payment method.
Add a new card if you do not want to edit the old one
If you prefer to keep your old card on file and add a new one instead, go to Payment options and select Add a payment method. Enter the card number, expiration date, CVV, and cardholder name exactly as they appear on the card. Amazon will verify the card with a small test charge (usually under $1) that appears on your statement within a few days.
Once the card is verified, you can use it for purchases right away. Set it as your default payment method if you want Amazon to charge it automatically for future orders. You can keep as many cards on file as you need; Amazon does not limit the number.
Key Takeaways
- You can edit or delete any card from your Payment options page in Account Settings without calling Amazon.
- If you delete the card set as your default payment method, Amazon automatically switches to your next most recent card.
- Adding a new card requires a small verification charge that will appear on your statement within a few days.
- You can keep multiple cards on file and choose which one to charge for each order at checkout.
- Changes to your payment method take effect when ready for new purchases but do not affect orders already placed.
Change the card for a specific order at checkout
You do not have to change your default card if you only want to use a different one for a single purchase. At checkout, under Payment method, click Change and select a different card from your saved payment methods. That order will charge to the card you choose, and your default method stays unchanged for future orders.
This is useful if you have multiple cards for different purposes — for example, a rewards card for personal purchases and a business card for work-related items — and you want to keep both on file without switching your default.
What happens to recurring charges when you change your card
If you have a subscription or recurring delivery set up on Amazon (such as Subscribe & Save or a Prime membership renewal), changing your default card will affect those charges going forward. Amazon will attempt to charge the new default card on the next billing date.
If the new card is declined, Amazon will try the other cards on file in order of how recently you used them. If all cards fail, your subscription or membership may be paused or cancelled depending on the service. To avoid interruption, make sure your new card is active and has sufficient funds before the next billing date.
Remove a card safely without losing access to your account
You must have at least one valid payment method on file to make purchases on Amazon, but you can delete old or unused cards without any problem. Before you delete a card, confirm that you have another card saved that you can use instead.
If you delete all your cards by mistake, go back to Payment options and select Add a payment method to add one. You will not lose your account, order history, or any other information — you just will not be able to check out until a valid card is on file again.
Troubleshooting: Card changes that do not take effect
If you changed your card but Amazon is still trying to charge the old one, clear your browser cache and cookies, then log out and log back in. Sometimes your browser holds onto old payment information. After you log back in, go to Payment options again and confirm your default card is set correctly.
If a card you added is not showing up in your payment methods, check that you entered the number, expiration date, and CVV exactly as they appear on the physical card. Spaces, dashes, or typos will cause Amazon to reject the entry. If the card is still not appearing after you re-enter it, contact your card issuer to confirm the card is active and has not been flagged for fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my card on Amazon without logging into my account on a computer?
Yes. Open the Amazon app on your phone, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), go to Account, then Login & security, then Payment options. The steps are the same as on a computer. You can edit, delete, or add cards from the app just as easily.
What if my card is declined when I try to add it to Amazon?
Contact your card issuer first — they may have flagged the transaction as suspicious. Once your issuer approves it, try adding the card again. Make sure you are entering the number, expiration date, and CVV exactly as they appear on the card, with no extra spaces or characters. If it is still declined, try a different card or contact Amazon customer service.
Do I lose my order history if I delete a card?
No. Deleting a card from your payment methods does not affect your account, order history, or any other information. You can delete cards freely without any impact on your account. You just will not be able to use that card for new purchases.
How long does it take for a new card to be verified on Amazon?
Amazon verifies new cards with a small test charge that usually appears on your statement within one to three business days. You can use the card for purchases when ready after you add it, but the verification charge may take a few days to show up. Once it does, the card is fully active.
If I change my default card, will my Prime membership renewal charge to the new card?
Yes. Your Prime membership and any other recurring charges will attempt to charge your new default card on the next billing date. If the new card is declined, Amazon will try other cards on file. Make sure your new default card is active and has funds available before your next renewal date.