Where to find your payment settings on Prime Video
Your Prime Video payment method lives in your Amazon account, not in the Prime Video app itself. Go to amazon.com, sign in, and look for your account menu in the top right corner — it usually shows your name or "Account & Lists". Click it, then select "Your Account".
From there, find "Login & security" on the left side menu. Scroll down until you see "Manage payment methods" or "Your payments". This is where Amazon keeps all the cards, bank accounts, and other payment options tied to your account. Prime Video pulls from this same list, so any change you make here affects what Prime Video can charge.
If you're on a phone or tablet, the steps are the same — tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the Amazon app, then go to "Account" and look for payment settings. The exact wording shifts slightly between devices, but the location is always in your account settings, never inside the Prime Video app itself.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Video payment methods are managed through your main Amazon account, not through the Prime Video app or website.
- You can add a new card or bank account before removing an old one, so your subscription never loses a valid payment option.
- If a payment fails, Amazon will try the card you've marked as default, then attempt other methods on file in the order you set.
- Removing a payment method takes effect when ready, so make sure a working backup is set as default first.
Adding a new payment method before removing the old one
The safest way to switch payment methods is to add the new one first, test it, and only then remove the old one. This prevents your Prime Video subscription from being interrupted if something goes wrong during the switch.
In your "Manage payment methods" section, look for a button that says "Add a payment method" or "+ Add". Enter your new card number, expiration date, and CVV, or connect a bank account by providing your routing and account numbers. Amazon will verify the card with a small temporary charge (usually under a dollar) that appears within a few days — keep an eye out for it so you can confirm the card works.
Once the new method is added and verified, you can set it as your default by clicking the radio button or toggle next to it. Amazon will use the default method first if a charge fails, then try other methods on file in the order you've arranged them. After you've confirmed the new card is working and set as default, you can delete the old one by clicking "Delete" next to it.
What happens if a payment fails
If Amazon can't charge your default payment method, it automatically tries the next method on your list. Prime Video doesn't pause your subscription while this happens — it keeps trying for several days. You'll receive an email each time a charge attempt fails, so check your inbox (including spam folders) for these notices.
If all payment methods fail, Amazon will eventually suspend your Prime Video access until you add a working payment method or update an existing one. You won't lose your watchlist or settings — they stay saved — but you won't be able to watch anything until payment goes through. The suspension usually happens after three to five failed attempts over a week or two, giving you time to fix the problem.
To resolve a failed payment, go back to "Manage payment methods" and either update the card that failed (if it's still valid but the information changed) or add a new one. Once a charge succeeds, your access returns within a few hours.
Removing a payment method safely
Before you delete any card or bank account, make sure you have at least one other working method on file. Amazon requires every account to have at least one valid payment option, and Prime Video needs one to keep your subscription active.
To remove a method, go to "Manage payment methods", find the card or account you want to delete, and click "Delete" next to it. The removal takes effect when ready — you can't undo it from this screen. If you deleted the wrong method by accident, you'll need to add it again from scratch, including re-verifying it with a test charge if it's a new card.
If you're removing a card because it's expired or compromised, don't wait. Delete it right away, even if you haven't added a replacement yet — as long as you have another valid method on file, your Prime Video subscription stays active. Then add the new card at your own pace.
Using a different payment method for Prime Video only
Amazon doesn't let you pick a separate payment method just for Prime Video — it uses whatever default method you've set in your main account. However, you can control which card gets charged by changing your default payment method in "Manage payment methods".
If you want to use a specific card for Prime Video and a different one for other Amazon purchases, set the Prime Video card as your default. All charges from your account will use it until you change the default again. This is the closest you can get to a Prime Video-specific payment method without using a separate Amazon account.
Some people use this approach with a dedicated card or a prepaid card loaded with only the amount they need for their subscription. It works, but remember that changing your default affects all Amazon charges, not just Prime Video.
Updating a card that's still valid but has new information
If your card number stayed the same but the expiration date or CVV changed (or your name on the card changed), you can update it without deleting and re-adding. In "Manage payment methods", click "Edit" next to the card you want to update, change the information that's different, and save.
Amazon usually doesn't re-verify an updated card with a test charge if only the expiration date or CVV changed. However, if you changed your name or address, Amazon may ask you to verify the card again. The verification process is the same as adding a new card — a small charge appears on your statement within a few days.
Updating is faster than deleting and re-adding because your card stays in the same position in your payment method list, and you don't lose any history tied to that card in your Amazon account.
Troubleshooting payment method problems
If you added a new card but it won't save, check that you entered the number, expiration date, and CVV exactly as they appear on the card. Even a single wrong digit will cause the save to fail. Also make sure the billing address matches what your bank has on file — mismatches are a common reason for rejection.
If a card keeps failing even though you know it's valid, contact your bank. They may have flagged the charge as suspicious, or they might require you to approve online purchases before Amazon can use the card. Some banks also have daily spending limits that can block a charge. Your bank can whitelist Amazon or raise your limit.
If you see a charge on your statement that you didn't authorize, or if your account was hacked, change your Amazon password when ready and then remove the compromised payment method. You can also contact Amazon's customer service through your account to report fraud — they can reverse unauthorized charges and help find your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different payment method for each family member on a shared Prime Video account?
No. A shared Prime Video account uses one payment method set at the account level. All family members watch through the same account and the same billing method. If you want separate billing, each person needs their own Amazon account and their own Prime Video subscription.
What payment methods does Prime Video accept?
Prime Video accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and bank accounts linked through Amazon. It also accepts gift cards and promotional credits applied to your account. Some regions may accept additional methods like digital wallets, but the core options are cards and bank accounts.
If I cancel Prime Video, do I need to remove my payment method?
No. Canceling Prime Video doesn't delete your payment method from your Amazon account. The card or bank account stays on file for other Amazon purchases. You only need to remove a payment method if you want it completely off your account — for example, if the card is expired or compromised.
How long does it take for a new payment method to start working?
A new card or bank account is usually ready to use within minutes of you entering it. However, if Amazon needs to verify it with a test charge, that charge takes three to five business days to appear on your statement. You can use the method for Prime Video when ready, but Amazon may decline charges until the verification charge clears.
Can I set up automatic payments for Prime Video separately from my Amazon account?
No. Prime Video charges are part of your Amazon account billing. You can't create a separate automatic payment just for Prime Video. Your subscription renews on a set date each year using whatever default payment method you have on file in your Amazon account.