Where to find your saved payment methods on Amazon
Your saved credit cards live in the same place whether you're on a computer or phone: your Amazon account settings. On a desktop, go to amazon.com, click the account icon in the top right corner, and select "Your Account" from the dropdown menu. Then look for "Login & security" in the left sidebar — this is where Amazon keeps all your payment information.
On a phone or tablet, tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the bottom right of the Amazon app, then tap "Your Account." Scroll down until you see "Login & security." The path is the same whether you use iPhone, Android, or a web browser on mobile.
Key Takeaways
- Your saved credit cards are stored in "Login & security" under Your Account, not in a separate payments section.
- You can add a new card, delete an old one, or change which card is your default — all from the same screen.
- Amazon does not charge you to change cards, and the change takes effect when ready for new orders.
- If a card is declined at checkout, you can swap to a different saved card right there without leaving the order screen.
How to add a new credit card to your account
Once you're in "Login & security," scroll down until you see "Your payments" or "Payment options." Click or tap "Add a payment method." Amazon will ask for the card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit code on the back), and the cardholder's name and billing address. Fill in each field exactly as it appears on your card and statement.
After you submit the information, Amazon may place a small temporary charge on the card — usually $1 — to verify it's real and active. This charge drops off within a few days. You don't need to do anything; Amazon removes it automatically. Once the card is verified, it appears in your saved payment methods and you can use it when ready.
Setting a different card as your default payment method
Your default card is the one Amazon charges first when you place an order. To change which card is default, go back to "Your payments" in "Login & security." You'll see all your saved cards listed. Next to each card, there's a radio button or checkbox — click the one next to the card you want to use going forward.
The change happens right away. The next time you order, Amazon will pre-fill that card at checkout. You can still choose a different card during checkout if you want — the default is just what shows up first, not what you're locked into.
Removing an old or unused credit card
If you want to delete a card you no longer use, go to "Your payments" in "Login & security" and find the card in the list. Look for a "Delete" or "Remove" button next to it — the exact wording depends on whether you're on desktop or mobile, but it's always visible on that same line.
Amazon will ask you to confirm the deletion. Once you confirm, the card is gone from your account and cannot be used for future orders. If that card was your default, Amazon automatically switches your default to another saved card. You cannot delete a card if an order is currently pending on it, so wait for the order to ship first.
What to do if a card is declined at checkout
If Amazon tries to charge your default card and it's declined, you'll see an error message before the order goes through. You have two options right there on the checkout screen: use a different saved card, or add a new card. Click "Change payment method" and you'll see all your saved cards. Pick a different one and try again.
If you don't have another card saved, you can add one without leaving checkout. Enter the new card details and Amazon will verify it the same way it does when you add a card to your account. Once it's verified, the order will process. This whole process takes a few minutes and your order doesn't go through until you've chosen a working card.
Why Amazon might ask you to update your card information
Sometimes Amazon sends you a message saying your card information needs to be updated. This usually happens because your card expired, your bank flagged the card as potentially fraudulent, or your bank changed something about the account. The message will tell you which card needs updating.
Go to "Your payments" in "Login & security," find that card in the list, and look for an "Update" button. You'll be asked to re-enter the expiration date, CVV, or billing address — whichever piece of information changed. Once you update it, the card works again for future orders. If you can't update it (for example, if the card is expired and you don't have it anymore), delete it and add a new one instead.
Changing your card for a specific order or subscription
If you have an Amazon subscription like Prime, Subscribe & Save, or a recurring delivery, you can change the card used for those orders separately from your default card. Go to "Your Account," then find "Your Subscriptions" or "Manage Your Subscriptions." Click on the subscription you want to change, then look for "Payment method" or "Edit payment method." You can pick a different saved card or add a new one just for that subscription.
For a one-time order you've already placed but hasn't shipped yet, you can change the card by going to "Your Orders," finding the order, and clicking "Edit payment method." This only works if the order hasn't left the warehouse yet. Once it ships, the payment is locked in and you can't change the card for that specific order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon charge me to change my credit card?
No. Changing, adding, or removing a card costs nothing. Amazon may place a temporary $1 charge to verify a new card is real, but that charge disappears within a few days.
Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card on Amazon?
Yes. Debit cards work the same way as credit cards on Amazon. Add it to "Your payments" in "Login & security" just like you would a credit card, and use it for checkout.
What if I forget which card is which?
Amazon shows the last four digits of each card and the card type (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) next to each saved payment method. If you still can't tell them apart, delete the ones you don't use and keep only the cards you actually want to charge.
Will changing my card affect orders I've already placed?
No. Orders that have already shipped are paid for and won't be affected by any changes to your payment methods. Only future orders or orders that haven't shipped yet can be changed.
What happens if I delete my default card?
Amazon automatically picks another saved card as your new default. If you have no other cards saved, you'll be asked to add one before you can place your next order.