Where to find and update your payment method
You can change the credit card Amazon charges by going to your account settings and updating your payment method in the "Your Account" menu. The process takes about two minutes and doesn't require you to delete the old card first — you straightforward add the new one and set it as your default.
Amazon stores multiple payment methods at once. When you add a new card, you can choose whether to use it for future purchases right away or keep your current card active. You can also keep both cards on file and switch between them at checkout.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Amazon account, go to "Your Account," then select "Your payments" to see all stored payment methods.
- Click "Add a payment method" to enter a new card, or click the three dots next to an existing card to make it your default.
- Amazon will ask you to verify a new card with a small temporary charge that appears within a few days, then disappears.
- You can remove old cards from your account at any time, but you must have at least one valid payment method on file.
- Changes take effect when ready for new purchases, but recurring charges like Prime membership will use the default card you set.
Step-by-step: Adding a new card as your default
Start by signing into your Amazon account on a computer or the mobile app. On a computer, hover over "Account & Lists" in the top right corner and click "Your Account." On the mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Your Account."
Look for a section called "Login & security" or "Payment options" — the exact label varies slightly by device. Click or tap "Your payments" or "Payment methods." You will see a list of all cards currently saved to your account, with one marked as your default.
To add a new card, click the button that says "Add a payment method" or "+ Add card." Enter the card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit code on the back), and the cardholder's name and billing address. Make sure the billing address matches what your bank has on file.
Click "Add your card" to save it. Amazon will place a small temporary charge on the card — usually between $0.01 and $1.00 — within one to three business days. This charge will disappear automatically after a few days; you do not need to contact Amazon or your bank about it.
Making a card your default payment method
Once your new card is added and verified, you can set it as your default. Go back to "Your payments" and find the card you just added. Click the three dots or menu icon next to it and select "Set as default payment method" or "Make this my default card."
Your default card is what Amazon will charge for all future purchases unless you choose a different card at checkout. It is also the card used for recurring charges like Prime membership renewals and Subscribe & Save orders.
If you want to keep your old card on file but use the new one going forward, you do not have to delete anything. straightforward set the new card as default and leave the old one in your account. You can switch back to it anytime at checkout.
Removing an old card from your account
To delete a card you no longer want to use, go to "Your payments" and find the card in your list. Click the three dots next to it and select "Delete" or "Remove payment method." Amazon will ask you to confirm the deletion.
You cannot delete a card if it is your only payment method on file. Amazon requires at least one valid card at all times. If you want to remove your current default card, you must first set a different card as your default, then delete the old one.
If a card is linked to an active subscription — such as Prime membership or a Subscribe & Save order — you may not be able to delete it until that subscription ends or you change the payment method for that subscription separately.
What happens if your card is declined at checkout
If Amazon tries to charge your default card and it is declined, you will see an error message at checkout. This usually means the card has expired, been reported lost or stolen, or the bank has blocked the charge for fraud protection.
When this happens, you can choose a different card from your saved payment methods right there at checkout, or add a new card on the spot. Your order will not go through until you provide a card that is accepted.
If you have no other cards on file and your default card is declined, you will need to add a new payment method before you can complete your purchase. This is why it is useful to keep at least two cards saved to your account.
Changing the card for a specific subscription or order
If you have a recurring charge — such as Prime membership, a Subscribe & Save order, or a pre-order — you can change the payment method for just that subscription without changing your default card for all purchases.
For Prime membership, go to "Your Account," select "Prime membership," and look for "Payment method" or "Billing." For Subscribe & Save orders, go to "Your Account," select "Your Subscribe & Save items," find the order, and click "Edit payment method."
This lets you use one card for everyday purchases and a different card for subscriptions, or move a subscription to a new card without affecting your other orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon charge my card when I add it to my account?
Yes, Amazon places a small temporary charge (usually under $1) to verify the card is real and active. This charge appears within a few days and disappears automatically — you do not need to do anything. It is not a fee; it is just a verification hold.
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. You enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV just like a credit card, and Amazon will verify it with a small temporary charge.
What if I want to use a different card for each purchase?
You can choose a different card at checkout every time. When you reach the payment step, click "Change" or "Select a different payment method" and pick whichever card you want to use for that order. Your default card will not be charged.
How long does it take for a new card to show up as an option at checkout?
A new card is usually available to use when ready after you add it, even before the verification charge appears. However, some banks may delay the charge for a day or two, and Amazon may not let you use the card for large purchases until it is fully verified.
Can I change my payment method after I have already placed an order?
If your order has not shipped yet, you can usually change the payment method through "Your Orders." Find the order, click "Edit," and select a different card. Once the order has shipped, you cannot change the payment method for that order.