The steps to delete a card from Amazon
Log into your Amazon account and go to Account & Lists in the top right corner. Select Your Account, then find Login & security in the left menu. Scroll down to the section labeled Devices and permissions — but that is not where your payment methods live. Instead, go back and select Your payments from the Account menu. This takes you to Manage payment methods, where you will see every card you have saved.
Find the card you want to remove and look for the three dots or menu icon next to it. Click that icon and select Delete. Amazon will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the card is gone from your account when ready — you cannot undo this from the same screen, so make sure you are deleting the right one.
If you cannot find the card in your payment methods list, it may already be deleted, or it may be saved under a different account if you have more than one Amazon login. Check that you are signed into the correct account before you search.
Key Takeaways
- You delete a card by going to Account & Lists, then Your Account, then Your payments, then Manage payment methods.
- Click the menu icon next to the card you want to remove and select Delete, then confirm.
- The deletion is when ready and cannot be undone from the confirmation screen.
- If you have multiple Amazon accounts, make sure you are signed into the right one before you look for the card.
- You must have at least one payment method on file to make purchases, so add a replacement card before deleting your only one.
Why you might want to delete a card
You may delete a card because it expired, was compromised, or you straightforward do not want to use it anymore. Removing an old card from your account reduces the risk that it could be charged by mistake if someone gains access to your account. It also keeps your payment method list clean so you do not accidentally select the wrong card during checkout.
If the card was stolen or you suspect fraud, deleting it from Amazon is one step, but you should also contact your bank or card issuer directly. They can cancel the physical card, monitor it for unauthorized charges, and issue you a replacement. Amazon deletion only removes it from your Amazon account — it does not cancel the card itself.
What happens to orders placed with that card
Deleting a card does not affect orders you already placed with it. Past charges stay on your bank statement, and Amazon keeps a record of those transactions in your order history. You can still see those orders in your account and request refunds if needed.
If you delete a card and then try to return an item, the refund will go back to the original card if it is still active at your bank. If the card has been closed by your bank, the refund may take longer or require you to contact your bank to redirect it. For this reason, it is often safer to wait a few months after a purchase before deleting the card you used to buy it.
When you need to keep a card on file
Amazon requires at least one valid payment method on your account to make purchases. If you are deleting your only card, add a new one first — a different credit card, debit card, or Amazon gift card balance. You can add a card by going to the same Manage payment methods page and selecting Add a payment method.
If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you do not need to keep a specific card on file, but you do need some way to pay for orders. If your account has no payment methods at all, you will not be able to complete a purchase until you add one.
If you cannot find the delete option
Sometimes the delete button does not appear next to a card. This usually happens because the card is linked to an active subscription, Prime membership, or a recent order that is still being processed. Amazon prevents you from deleting a card that is currently in use to protect against accidental loss of payment during checkout or delivery.
If a card is tied to a subscription or membership, cancel or change that subscription first, then try to delete the card again. If an order is still processing, wait until it ships or is delivered, then try again. If you still cannot delete it after a few days, contact Amazon Customer Service — they can sometimes remove a card manually if there is a technical issue.
Deleting a card versus deactivating it
Amazon does not have a "deactivate" option for cards — you either delete it or keep it. Once you delete it, it is completely removed from your account. There is no way to temporarily hide a card or mark it as inactive.
If you want to stop using a card but are not ready to delete it permanently, you can straightforward not select it during checkout. Leave it on file and choose a different payment method when you order. This keeps the card in your account in case you need it later, but ensures you will not accidentally use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a card if I have an active Prime membership on it?
You cannot delete a card while it is actively being charged for Prime. First, change your Prime payment method to a different card or update your payment information. Then you can delete the old card. Go to Manage Your Prime Membership and select Payment method to switch.
What if I deleted a card by mistake?
You cannot restore a deleted card from your account. You will need to add it again manually by going to Manage payment methods and selecting Add a payment method. Have your card number, expiration date, and billing address ready.
Does deleting a card from Amazon affect my credit score?
No. Deleting a card from Amazon is just removing it from your account — it does not close the card itself or change anything with your bank or credit report. Your credit score is not affected.
Can I delete someone else's card from a shared Amazon account?
If you share an Amazon account with another person, anyone with the login can delete any payment method. If you want to prevent this, use separate Amazon accounts instead. Each person can have their own account and payment methods.
Will Amazon charge my card after I delete it?
No. Once a card is deleted, Amazon cannot charge it. If you have an active subscription or Prime membership, you must change the payment method before deleting the card, or the subscription will fail to renew.