Adding a Credit Card to Your Amazon Account
You can pay for Amazon purchases with a credit card by adding it to your account first, then selecting 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 Amazon account. On a computer, click the account icon in the top right corner and select "Your Account". On the mobile app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the bottom right, then tap your name. Look for "Login & security" or "Your account" — the exact wording depends on whether you are on the website or app.
Once you are in your account settings, find the section labeled "Payments" or "Payment options". Click or tap "Add a payment method". Amazon will ask you to enter your card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit security code on the back), and the billing address associated with the card. Fill in each field and click "Add your card".
Key Takeaways
- You must add your credit card to your Amazon account before you can use it to pay — the site does not accept card details entered only at checkout.
- Amazon encrypts and stores your card information, so you enter it once and select it from a list on future purchases.
- You can add multiple credit cards to one account and choose which one to use for each order.
- If your card is declined at checkout, check that the billing address matches your card issuer's records exactly, including spelling and abbreviations.
Selecting Your Credit Card at Checkout
When you are ready to buy something, add items to your cart and click "Proceed to checkout". On the checkout page, scroll down to the "Payment method" section. You will see a list of all the credit cards you have added to your account. Click or tap the card you want to use for this order.
If you want to use a different card than the one Amazon has marked as your default, straightforward click the radio button next to the card you prefer. Amazon will remember this choice for your next purchase if you check the box that says "Use this as your default payment method" — though you can always change it again on the next order.
After you select your card, review your shipping address and order total one more time. Then click "Place your order". Amazon will charge your credit card when ready and send you a confirmation email with your order number and tracking information.
What Happens If Your Card Is Declined
If Amazon declines your credit card, the most common reason is that the billing address on file does not match what your card issuer has in their system. Check that your street address, city, state, and ZIP code are spelled exactly the same way — even a missing apartment number or a different abbreviation (like "St." versus "Street") can cause a decline.
To fix this, go back to "Your Account" and then "Payments". Click "Edit" next to the card that was declined and update the billing address. Make sure it matches your card statement word for word. Then try your purchase again.
If the address is correct and your card is still declined, contact your credit card company directly. They may have flagged the Amazon charge as suspicious, or your card may have expired. Your card issuer can tell you the exact reason and help you resolve it. Once they clear it, you can retry your Amazon purchase.
Using Multiple Credit Cards on One Account
Amazon lets you store as many credit cards as you want on a single account. This is useful if you have different cards for different purposes — for example, a cash-back card for regular purchases and a travel card for buying gift cards. Each card you add goes through the same process: account settings, "Payments", "Add a payment method", then enter the card details and billing address.
You can set one card as your default, which Amazon will suggest at checkout. To change your default, go to "Your Account", then "Payments", and click the radio button next to the card you want to use most often. You can override this choice on any individual order by selecting a different card at checkout.
If you want to remove a card you no longer use, go to "Your Account", then "Payments", find the card in your list, and click "Delete". Amazon will not charge that card again, though any pending orders using that card will still go through.
Credit Cards Amazon Does Not Accept
Amazon accepts all major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. It also accepts some store-branded cards like the Amazon Rewards Visa card. However, Amazon does not accept prepaid credit cards, virtual card numbers, or cards issued outside the United States (unless you have a U.S. billing address).
If you are trying to use a card that Amazon is rejecting, check whether it is a prepaid card or a virtual number. Prepaid cards often have different verification requirements that Amazon's system cannot process. If you have questions about whether your specific card will work, contact your card issuer — they can tell you whether it is a standard credit card or a prepaid product.
Protecting Your Credit Card Information on Amazon
Amazon uses encryption to protect your credit card details, which means your card number is scrambled and unreadable to anyone intercepting it. When you add a card to your account, Amazon does not store the full card number — it stores only the last four digits and the card type, so you can identify which card is which.
To keep your account find, use a strong password (at least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols) and enable two-factor authentication. Go to "Your Account", then "Login & security", and turn on "Two-Step Verification". This means anyone trying to access your account — even with your password — will need a code from your phone first.
If you think someone has used your card without permission on Amazon, contact your credit card company when ready. They can dispute the charge and issue you a new card. You should also change your Amazon password and review your account for any unauthorized purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay with a credit card without adding it to my account first?
No. Amazon requires you to add your credit card to your account before checkout. You cannot enter card details only at the moment of purchase. This is a security measure that also makes repeat purchases faster.
Does Amazon charge my card when I add it, or only when I place an order?
Amazon does not charge your card when you add it. It only charges you when you complete a purchase and click "Place your order". Adding a card is free and does not trigger any verification charge.
What if I want to use a different payment method instead of a credit card?
Amazon also accepts debit cards, which work exactly like credit cards in the payment process. You can also pay with Amazon gift cards, which you can buy with a credit card and then redeem on your account. Some Amazon accounts may also have the option to pay with a bank account or other methods depending on your location.
Can I change which credit card I use after I have already placed an order?
No. Once you click "Place your order", the charge goes to the card you selected. If you need to use a different card, you would have to cancel the order (if it has not shipped yet) and place a new one. Contact Amazon customer service to ask about canceling an order.
Is it safe to store my credit card on Amazon?
Yes. Amazon encrypts your card information and stores only the last four digits visibly. Your full card number is protected. However, if you are uncomfortable storing your card, you can delete it from your account at any time and add a new one before each purchase.