Where to find your payment methods on Amazon
Your payment methods live in your Amazon account settings, not in the checkout flow. Go to amazon.com, click the account icon (your name or "Account") in the top right, then select Your Account. From there, look for Login & security on the left side menu. Under that section, you'll see Manage your payment methods — that's where every card, bank account, and other payment option you've saved appears.
The page shows all your stored payment methods at once. Each one displays the last four digits, the card type or bank name, and the expiration date. Amazon also shows which one is set as your default — the one that fills in automatically at checkout unless you change it. You can edit, delete, or set a new default from this single page.
Key Takeaways
- Your payment methods are in Account > Your Account > Login & security > Manage your payment methods, not in checkout.
- You can edit the billing address, expiration date, or cardholder name on any saved card without deleting it.
- Deleting a payment method removes it permanently, but you can add a new one at any time during checkout or in your account settings.
- Setting a new default payment method takes effect when ready on your next purchase.
- If a card is declined at checkout, Amazon will ask you to update it or choose a different method before completing the order.
How to edit a card that's already saved
Click the Edit button next to the card you want to change. A form appears with the fields you can update: the cardholder name, billing address, and expiration date. You cannot change the card number itself — if the number is wrong, you'll need to delete this card and add a new one instead.
Update whatever needs to change, then click Update at the bottom of the form. The changes take effect when ready. If this card is set as your default and you changed the expiration date or address, Amazon will use the new information on your next purchase.
How to delete a payment method
Click the Delete button next to the card or account you want to remove. Amazon will ask you to confirm — this is permanent and cannot be undone. Once you confirm, that payment method is gone from your account.
If the card you're deleting is your default payment method, Amazon will automatically set another saved card as the new default. If it's your only payment method, you'll need to add a new one before you can place an order. You can add a new card during checkout or come back to this same page and click Add a payment method.
How to set a different default payment method
On the Manage your payment methods page, find the card you want to use by default. Click the radio button or checkbox next to it — the exact label depends on your device, but it's always the small circle or square to the left of the card details. Once selected, that card becomes your default when ready.
The default is the card Amazon will pre-fill at checkout on your next purchase. You can still choose a different payment method during checkout if you want — selecting a default doesn't lock you in. It just saves you a step.
How to add a new payment method
On the Manage your payment methods page, click Add a payment method at the top or bottom of your list. You'll see options for credit card, debit card, or bank account. Select the type you want to add.
Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back), or your bank account and routing number if you're adding a bank account. Fill in the cardholder name and billing address. Click Add your card or Add your bank account. Amazon will verify the information and add it to your account. You can then set it as your default or use it on your next purchase.
What happens if a card is declined at checkout
If Amazon tries to charge a card and it's declined, you'll see an error message before your order goes through. Amazon will ask you to either update the card information (expiration date, billing address, or CVV) or choose a different payment method. You cannot complete the purchase until you do one of these things.
If the card is expired or the bank rejected the charge for another reason, updating the expiration date or trying a different card usually solves it. If the same card keeps being declined, contact your bank to find out why — it could be a fraud hold, insufficient funds, or an address mismatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a payment method that isn't saved to my account?
Yes. During checkout, you can enter a new card or bank account without saving it to your account. Amazon will ask if you want to save it for future purchases — you can say no, and it will only be used for that one order. If you want to use it again later, you'll need to enter it again or save it to your account first.
What if I don't have a default payment method set?
Amazon requires at least one payment method on file to place an order. If you delete all your saved cards, you'll need to add a new one before checkout. During checkout, you can enter a new card temporarily, but it's faster to add one to your account first so it's ready when you need it.
Does editing my billing address on a card affect my shipping address?
No. Your billing address (where the card is registered) and your shipping address (where the order goes) are separate. Changing the billing address on a payment method doesn't change where your packages are delivered. You set your shipping address during checkout, and it can be different from your billing address.
Can I use someone else's card on my Amazon account?
You can add another person's card to your account, but Amazon's terms require that you have permission from the cardholder. The card will be registered to your account, and you'll be responsible for any charges. If you're sharing an account with someone else, it's clearer to add both of your cards and let each person choose which one to use at checkout.
What should I do if my card was compromised?
Delete the card from your Amazon account when ready, then contact your bank or card issuer. They can cancel the card, investigate any fraudulent charges, and issue you a new one. Once you have the new card, add it to your Amazon account. If you see charges on your Amazon account that you didn't make, contact Amazon's customer service to report them.