Remove a card in three steps from your Amazon account settings

To delete a credit card from Amazon, go to Your Account in the top right corner, select Login & security, scroll to Manage your payment methods, and click the card you want to remove. Then select Delete and confirm. The card is gone from your account when ready, though Amazon may keep a record for billing history.

You can remove any card except the one currently set as your default payment method. If the card you want to delete is your default, you must first set a different card as default, then delete the old one. Amazon requires at least one valid payment method on file to make purchases.

Removing a card from Amazon does not affect your credit score or your relationship with your bank. It only stops Amazon from being able to charge that card in the future. If you have an active subscription or a pending order using that card, cancelling the card may cause that transaction to fail.

Key Takeaways

  • You can delete any card from your Amazon account except the one set as your default payment method.
  • The deletion takes effect when ready, but Amazon keeps a record of past charges for your account history.
  • If a card is set as default, you must choose a different default card before you can delete the original one.
  • Removing a card from Amazon does not affect your credit score or your bank account.
  • Active subscriptions or pending orders using that card may fail if you delete it before the transaction completes.

Why you might want to remove an old or compromised card

The most common reason to delete a card is that you no longer use it. If you got a new card from your bank due to expiration, fraud, or a switch to a different bank, you should remove the old card from Amazon so you do not accidentally try to charge it. Keeping unused cards on file also makes your account harder to manage if you have many payment methods saved.

If your card was compromised or you suspect fraudulent activity, removing it from Amazon is one step in protecting yourself. However, you should also contact your bank directly to report the fraud and request a new card. Your bank can reverse unauthorized charges and issue you a replacement card with a new number.

Some people remove cards before selling or giving away their Amazon account to someone else, or before closing their account entirely. Deleting payment methods reduces the risk that someone else could use your saved cards without permission.

What happens to past purchases after you delete a card

Deleting a card does not erase your order history or past charges. Amazon keeps a complete record of every purchase you made, including which card you used and when. You can still see these orders in Your Orders even after you delete the card from your account.

If you need a receipt or proof of a past purchase, that information remains available in your order history. The card itself is removed from your payment methods, but the transaction record stays in your account. This is useful if you need to return an item or dispute a charge with your bank.

How to set a different default payment method first

If the card you want to delete is currently your default, Amazon will not let you remove it until you choose a different card. To change your default, go to Your Account, select Login & security, and find Manage your payment methods. Click the card you want to make default and select Set as default payment method.

Once a new card is set as default, go back to the card you want to delete and select Delete. You can only have one default payment method at a time, so Amazon always has a backup card to charge if a purchase goes through.

What to do if you cannot delete a card

If you see an error when trying to delete a card, the most common cause is that the card is still set as your default. Check Manage your payment methods to see which card has a Default label next to it. If it is the one you are trying to delete, set a different card as default first.

Another reason deletion might fail is if you have a pending order or active subscription using that card. Wait for the order to ship or the subscription to renew, then try deleting again. If the problem continues, you can contact Amazon Customer Service through Your Account > Contact Us and describe the card you want removed.

Removing cards from Amazon devices and apps

If you use Amazon on a phone, tablet, or Alexa device, the payment methods you delete from your main account are automatically removed from those devices too. You do not need to delete the card separately from each app or device. The deletion syncs across all places where you are signed in with the same Amazon account.

If you are signed out of an app or device, it may still show the old card until you sign back in. Once you sign in again, the app refreshes and removes the deleted card from the list of payment methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete a card if I have a subscription running on it?

You can delete the card, but your subscription may fail to renew. Amazon will try to charge your new default payment method instead. If you want to keep the subscription active, set a different card as default first, then delete the old card after the next renewal goes through.

Does deleting a card from Amazon affect my credit?

No. Removing a card from your Amazon account does not change your credit score or report. Your bank and credit bureaus do not know or care which websites have your card saved. Only closing a credit card account or missing payments affects your credit.

What if I deleted a card by mistake?

You can add the card back to your account at any time. Go to Your Account > Login & security > Manage your payment methods and select Add a payment method. Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV again. There is no penalty for re-adding a card you previously deleted.

Can someone else see the cards saved on my Amazon account?

No. Only you can see your payment methods when you are signed into your account. If someone else signs in with your password, they can see and use your saved cards. Change your Amazon password when ready if you think someone has accessed your account without permission.

Do I need to delete a card before closing my Amazon account?

You do not have to, but it is a good idea. Deleting all payment methods before you close your account reduces the chance that someone could use your card if your account is ever compromised. You can delete all cards except one, then close your account.