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 information securely so you do not have to enter it every time you shop. You can add multiple cards and choose which one to use for each purchase.
Go to your Amazon account by clicking the account icon in the top right corner of the Amazon homepage. Select "Your Account," then find "Manage Your Payments" or "Payment Options" — the exact name depends on whether you are on a desktop or mobile device. Click "Add a Payment Method" and choose "Credit or Debit Card."
Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). Add your billing address — the address where your credit card statement is sent, not necessarily where you want the package delivered. Amazon will verify the card, which usually takes a few seconds.
Key Takeaways
- You add your credit card to your Amazon account under "Manage Your Payments" before you check out, not during checkout.
- Amazon stores your card securely and lets you save multiple cards, so you can choose which one to use for each order.
- Your billing address must match what your credit card company has on file, or the card may be declined.
- If Amazon declines your card, check that the expiration date and CVV are correct, then contact your credit card company to confirm the charge was not blocked.
Selecting your credit card at checkout
When you are ready to buy, add items to your cart and click "Proceed to Checkout." On the payment page, you will see all the credit cards you have saved. Click the one you want to use for this order. If you want to use a different card than the one marked as your default, just select it — Amazon remembers your choice for future orders if you want.
If you have not saved a card yet, you can add one during checkout by clicking "Add a New Payment Method." This takes you through the same steps as adding a card to your account: card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address. The card is then saved for future purchases.
What happens if your card is declined
If Amazon declines your credit card, the most common reasons are a mismatched billing address, an expired card, or an incorrect CVV. Check that all three match exactly what your credit card company has on file. If the address has changed recently, update it in your card details before trying again.
If the information is correct, your credit card company may have blocked the charge as a fraud prevention measure. Call the number on the back of your card and tell them you are trying to make a purchase on Amazon. They can unblock the transaction and let it go through. Once unblocked, try the purchase again.
If the card is expired, you will need to update the expiration date in your Amazon account. Go to "Manage Your Payments," find the card, and click "Edit" to change the date. You cannot use an expired card to complete a purchase, even if the card company would otherwise approve it.
Using a credit card with a different billing address
Your billing address on Amazon must match the address your credit card company has on file. This is a security check — the card company verifies that the person making the purchase has the card. If you have moved or your card is registered to a different address, update it in your Amazon account before checking out.
To change the billing address for a card, go to "Manage Your Payments," click "Edit" next to the card, and enter the correct address. Make sure it matches exactly — including apartment numbers, street abbreviations, and ZIP codes — or the card may still be declined. If you are unsure what address the card company has, check your most recent credit card statement.
Saving multiple credit cards and choosing your default
You can save as many credit cards as you want in your Amazon account. Each card is listed under "Manage Your Payments" with the last four digits and the cardholder name. At checkout, you can pick any card you have saved, or add a new one if you want to use a card that is not on file yet.
To set a default card — the one Amazon selects automatically at checkout — go to "Manage Your Payments" and look for an option to set a primary payment method. This is the card Amazon will use unless you choose a different one. You can change your default card anytime, and you can still use a different card for any individual purchase.
Removing a credit card from your account
If you no longer want to use a credit card on Amazon, you can remove it from your account. Go to "Manage Your Payments," find the card you want to delete, and click "Delete" or the trash icon next to it. Amazon will ask you to confirm. Once deleted, the card is no longer saved, though you can add it back anytime.
You cannot delete your only payment method on file — Amazon requires at least one way to pay. If you want to remove a card and have no other cards saved, add a different payment method first, then delete the old card.
Using Amazon Pay with your credit card
Some websites and apps outside of Amazon let you pay using your Amazon account. This is called Amazon Pay. When you choose this option, the website directs you to Amazon to confirm the purchase, and Amazon charges the credit card you have set as your default. You do not enter your card number on the outside website — Amazon handles the payment securely.
To use Amazon Pay, you need to be signed into your Amazon account and have at least one credit card saved. The outside website will show an "Amazon Pay" button or option. Click it, review the amount and your default card, and confirm. The charge appears on your credit card statement as an Amazon charge, even though you made the purchase elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a debit card on Amazon the same way as a credit card?
Yes. Debit cards work the same way as credit cards on Amazon — you add them under "Manage Your Payments" and select them at checkout. The process is identical. Make sure your debit card has a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logo, as Amazon does not accept all debit cards.
Does Amazon charge a fee to use a credit card?
No. Amazon does not charge a fee for paying with a credit card. You pay only the price of the items and any applicable taxes or shipping. Your credit card company may offer rewards or cash back, depending on your card.
Is it safe to save my credit card on Amazon?
Amazon uses encryption to protect your card information, meaning the data is scrambled so only Amazon can read it. Your full card number is not stored in a way that is visible to you or to Amazon employees. You can remove the card anytime if you no longer want it saved.
What if I want to use a different billing address than my shipping address?
Your billing address must match your credit card company's records, but your shipping address can be anywhere. At checkout, enter your billing address for the payment, then enter a different shipping address if you want the package sent elsewhere. Amazon handles both separately.
Can I pay with a credit card from another country?
It depends on which Amazon site you are using and which country issued your card. Amazon.com accepts most major credit cards issued in the United States. If you are using Amazon in another country or have a card issued abroad, check the payment methods listed on that Amazon site, or contact Amazon Customer Service to confirm your card will work.