Delete a card from Amazon in three steps
Log into your Amazon account, go to Account & Lists in the top right, then select Your Account. From there, click Login & security on the left side. Scroll down to the Login section and find Manage your payment methods — this is where all your saved cards live. Find the card you want to remove, click the three dots next to it, and select Delete. Amazon will ask you to confirm; click Delete again and it's gone.
The card disappears from your account when ready. If you had it set as your default payment method, Amazon will automatically switch to another card on file. If it was your only card, you'll need to add a new one before you can make a purchase.
You can also delete a card during checkout. When you're paying for an order, click Change payment method, find the card you want to remove, and select the delete option right there. The process is the same — Amazon asks for confirmation and removes it right away.
Key Takeaways
- You reach your saved payment methods through Account & Lists > Your Account > Login & security > Manage your payment methods.
- Deleting a card takes effect when ready and does not affect any past orders or refunds tied to that card.
- If the card you delete was set as your default, Amazon switches to another card on file automatically.
- You can delete a card from the payment methods page or during checkout on the order review screen.
Why you might need to remove a card
The most common reason is security. If your card number was compromised, lost, or stolen, removing it from Amazon stops anyone else from using it to make purchases on your account. Even if you've already reported the card to your bank and received a replacement, deleting the old card from Amazon is a quick extra step.
You might also delete a card straightforward because you're not using it anymore. If you've switched to a different card or payment method, there's no reason to keep old cards saved. Fewer saved cards means fewer targets if your account is ever breached.
Some people delete cards before sharing device access with family members or before selling or giving away a phone or computer. Removing payment methods reduces the risk that someone else could accidentally or intentionally make a purchase.
What happens to past orders when you delete a card
Deleting a card does not affect orders you've already placed. Amazon keeps a record of which card you used for each past purchase, so refunds, returns, and customer service inquiries all still work normally. The card itself is gone from your account, but the transaction history stays.
If you need to return an item or request a refund, the money goes back to the original payment method you used — even if you've since deleted that card from your account. Your bank handles the refund on their end, so Amazon doesn't need the card to still be saved.
Deleting a card versus deactivating it
Amazon does not have a "deactivate" or "pause" option for saved cards. You either keep a card on file or you delete it entirely. There's no middle ground where the card stays in your account but can't be used.
If you want to temporarily stop using a card but might need it again later, your best option is to delete it now and re-add it when you need it. Adding a card back takes about a minute — you just enter the number, expiration date, and CVV again. If you think you'll use the card again soon, you might skip deletion and just make sure it's not set as your default payment method.
How to add a new card if you delete your only one
If you delete your last remaining card, Amazon will prompt you to add a new payment method the next time you try to make a purchase. You can also add one ahead of time by going back to Manage your payment methods and clicking Add a payment method.
You'll need the card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit code on the back), and the billing address. Amazon verifies the card when ready and saves it to your account. You can set it as your default right away or leave that setting for later.
Removing cards linked to Amazon Pay
If you use Amazon Pay to shop at other websites, deleting a card from your Amazon account also removes it from Amazon Pay. Any store that uses Amazon Pay to process payments will no longer see that card as an option when you check out.
This is actually a safety feature — it means you only have to delete the card in one place, and it's gone from everywhere you use your Amazon login. If you want to keep using Amazon Pay at other stores but remove a specific card, you'll need to delete it from Amazon and then add a different card back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting a card from Amazon affect my credit score?
No. Deleting a saved card from Amazon is just removing it from your account — it has nothing to do with your credit report or credit score. Your bank and credit card company don't know or care whether the card is saved on Amazon or not.
Can I delete a card if I have an active subscription?
You can delete the card, but your subscription will fail the next time Amazon tries to charge it. If that card is set as your default payment method, Amazon will try to use another card on file. If there's no other card, your subscription will pause until you add a new payment method.
What if I accidentally delete the wrong card?
You'll need to add it back manually by entering the card number, expiration date, and CVV again. Amazon doesn't keep a recovery option for deleted cards. If you remember the card details, re-adding it takes about a minute.
Does Amazon keep a record of deleted cards?
Amazon keeps records of past transactions and which card was used for each one, but the card details themselves are deleted from your account. You can see your order history and which card paid for each order, but you can't view the full card number of a deleted card.
Can I delete a card if there's a pending refund?
Yes. Pending refunds will still go through to the original card even after you delete it from your account. Your bank processes the refund, not Amazon, so the card doesn't need to be saved in your Amazon account for the money to arrive.