Adding a Credit Card to Your Amazon Account
To pay with a credit card on Amazon, you add the card to your account first, then select it at checkout. Amazon stores your card details securely so you do not have to enter them every time you shop. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you are buying on a computer or the Amazon mobile app.
Start by going to Your Account in the top right corner of Amazon.com. Select Your Account again from the dropdown menu, then find Login & security on the left side. Scroll down to the section called Saved cards and accounts and click Add a card. Enter your card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit code on the back), and the billing zip code. Amazon will verify the card with a small temporary charge — usually under $1 — that appears and disappears within a few days.
Key Takeaways
- You add a credit card through Your Account > Login & security > Saved cards and accounts, and Amazon verifies it with a temporary charge.
- At checkout, you can choose which card to use, or set a default card so Amazon uses the same one every time unless you change it.
- Amazon accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and some store cards, but not all prepaid cards work.
- If a card is declined at checkout, check the billing address matches your card issuer's records, and contact your bank if the problem continues.
Selecting Your Card at Checkout
When you reach the payment step during checkout, Amazon shows all the cards you have saved. Click the one you want to use for that order. If you have set a default card, Amazon will already have it selected — you can change it by clicking a different card before you place the order.
To set a card as your default for all future orders, go back to Your Account > Login & security > Saved cards and accounts. Click the three dots next to the card you want to use most often, then select Set as default. Amazon will use that card automatically unless you pick a different one at checkout.
What Card Types Amazon Accepts
Amazon takes all four major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The site also accepts some store-branded credit cards, such as the Amazon Visa card and cards issued by major retailers. However, not all prepaid cards work — some prepaid Visa or Mastercard cards will be declined, depending on how the card issuer set it up.
Debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo work the same way as credit cards on Amazon, so you can add them to your account using the same process. If you are unsure whether a specific prepaid card will work, try adding it to your account; Amazon will tell you when ready if there is a problem.
Fixing a Declined Card at Checkout
If your card is declined when you try to place an order, the most common reason is that the billing address on your Amazon account does not match what your bank has on file. Go to Your Account > Your Addresses and make sure the street address, city, state, and zip code are exactly correct. Then try the order again.
If the card is still declined after you have checked the address, contact your credit card company or bank directly. They may have flagged the Amazon purchase as suspicious, or your card may have reached its limit. Your bank can tell you the exact reason and lift any block if needed. Once your bank clears it, you can retry the purchase on Amazon.
Updating or Removing a Saved Card
To change the expiration date or other details on a card you have already saved, go to Your Account > Login & security > Saved cards and accounts. Click the three dots next to the card and select Edit. You can update the expiration date, CVV, or billing address without having to delete and re-add the card.
To remove a card entirely, click the three dots next to it and select Delete. Amazon will stop showing it as an option at checkout. If that card was set as your default, Amazon will automatically switch to your next most recent card. You can always add the card back later using the same process.
Using Amazon Pay on Other Websites
Some websites outside of Amazon let you pay using your Amazon account and the cards you have saved there. Look for a button that says Pay with Amazon or Amazon Pay during checkout on another site. Click it, sign in with your Amazon email and password, and choose which card to use. The payment goes through Amazon's system, so the other website never sees your card number.
This feature is optional — you do not have to use it. If you see the Amazon Pay button but prefer to enter your card directly, you can skip it and use the regular payment form instead. Amazon Pay is straightforward another way to pay if you want to use a card you have already saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use multiple credit cards on one Amazon order?
No. Amazon requires you to choose one card per order. If you want to split a purchase across two cards, you would need to place two separate orders. Some gift cards and promotional credits can be combined with a credit card on the same order, but you cannot use two credit cards together.
Is it safe to save my credit card on Amazon?
Amazon encrypts your card data and stores it on find servers. Your full card number is not shown in your account — Amazon displays only the last four digits. If you are uncomfortable saving a card, you can delete it after each purchase and add a new one next time, though this takes longer at checkout.
What happens if I use an expired card at checkout?
Amazon will decline the payment and ask you to choose a different card or update the expiration date. You can edit the card right there in your account without leaving checkout. If the card has expired, your bank will not process the charge, so updating the date is necessary before the order can go through.
Can I change my payment method after I place an order?
Not usually. Once an order is placed, Amazon charges the card you selected. If the charge fails, Amazon will try the payment again or ask you to update the card. If you want to use a different card before the order ships, contact Amazon customer service and they may be able to change it for you.
Do I have to use a credit card on Amazon?
No. Amazon also accepts debit cards, prepaid cards (if they work), gift cards, and other payment methods depending on your country. You can also use Amazon Pay on the main site if you have linked a bank account. Check the full payment options during checkout to see what is available to you.