Where to find your payment settings on Kindle

Your Kindle payment method lives in your Amazon account settings, not on the device itself. You change it through Amazon's website or the Amazon app on your phone — the Kindle device has no payment settings to adjust. Go to amazon.com, sign in, and look for "Account & Lists" in the top right corner, then select "Your Account."

From there, click "Login & security" on the left side. Scroll down until you see "Payment options" — this is where Amazon stores every card, bank account, or other method tied to your account. You can add a new payment method here, remove an old one, or set which one Amazon uses by default when you buy books, apps, or anything else through Kindle.

If you use the Amazon app on your phone instead, tap the three horizontal lines (menu) at the bottom right, then go to "Your Account," then "Login & security," then "Payment options." The steps are the same; the layout is just arranged for a smaller screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Payment methods are managed through your Amazon account at amazon.com under "Your Account" and "Payment options," not through the Kindle device or app.
  • You can add a new credit card, debit card, or bank account by clicking "Add a payment method" and entering the card or account details.
  • Set which payment method Amazon uses by default by clicking the radio button next to the method you want, then clicking "Set as default."
  • Removing a payment method takes effect when ready, but you must have at least one valid payment method on file to buy Kindle books or content.
  • Changes to your payment method explore to all Amazon purchases — books, apps, subscriptions, and physical items — not just Kindle content.

Adding a new payment method

Click "Add a payment method" on the Payment options page. Amazon will ask you to choose what type: credit card, debit card, or bank account. Most people use a credit or debit card because it is faster and requires fewer details.

If you choose a card, enter the card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit code on the back), and the billing address. Amazon checks that the address matches your card issuer's records — if it does not, the card will be rejected. Make sure the street address, city, state, and ZIP code are exactly as they appear on your statement.

If you choose a bank account instead, you will need your routing number and account number. Amazon will make two small deposits to that account (usually within one to two business days) and ask you to confirm the amounts. This process takes longer than a card but works if you prefer not to use a credit or debit card.

Setting a default payment method

Once you have added a new payment method, you can make it the one Amazon uses automatically. On the Payment options page, find the method you want to use and click the radio button next to it, then click "Set as default." Amazon will use this method for all future purchases unless you change it again.

You do not have to set a default. If you do not, Amazon will ask you to choose a payment method each time you buy something. Some people do this on purpose — it gives you a moment to confirm the purchase before the charge goes through.

Removing an old payment method

Find the payment method you want to remove on the Payment options page and click "Delete" next to it. The removal takes effect right away. You will not be able to use that card or account for any Amazon purchase, including Kindle books.

Amazon requires you to keep at least one valid payment method on file. If you try to delete your only method, Amazon will tell you to add a new one first. If a card expires or gets declined, Amazon will not automatically remove it — you have to delete it yourself or add a new default method.

What happens if your payment method fails

If Amazon tries to charge a card or account and it fails — because the card expired, the account closed, or the charge was declined — you will get an email from Amazon. The email will say which payment method failed and ask you to update it.

You have a grace period to fix it, but if you do not, Amazon may suspend your ability to buy new Kindle content. Existing books on your device will still work, but you cannot purchase anything new until you add a working payment method. If you have an active Kindle Unlimited subscription or other recurring charge, Amazon will keep trying to charge the failed method for a few days before stopping.

Payment methods and Kindle subscriptions

If you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription, a magazine subscription, or any other recurring charge tied to Kindle, that charge uses your default payment method. If you remove that method or it fails, your subscription will pause or cancel depending on how long it has been failing.

Before you delete a payment method, check whether any subscriptions are using it. You can see your subscriptions and their payment methods at amazon.com/mycd (the "Manage Your Content and Devices" page). If a subscription is using the card you want to delete, either set a different card as default first or cancel the subscription.

Security and payment method changes

Amazon encrypts your payment information and does not store full card numbers on its servers — it stores a token that represents your card instead. When you change your payment method, the old one is not shared with merchants or third parties unless you explicitly authorized it for something like a Kindle app subscription.

If you think someone else has access to your account, change your password when ready (also in "Login & security") and remove any payment methods you do not recognize. You can also set up two-factor authentication on the same page to make your account harder to break into.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different payment method for each Kindle book I buy?

Yes. You can set a default method, but at checkout Amazon will let you choose a different one for that purchase. Click "Change payment method" on the final checkout screen before you confirm the order.

What if I want to use a gift card instead of a card or bank account?

Add the gift card balance to your Amazon account balance first by going to "Your Account," then "Gift cards," then "Redeem a gift card." Once the balance is there, you can use it to buy Kindle books. It will show as a separate payment method called "Amazon.com balance."

Do I have to use the same payment method for Kindle books and physical Amazon purchases?

No. All payment methods are stored in one place, but you can choose a different one for each purchase. Your default method is used only if you do not pick something else at checkout.

How long does it take for a new payment method to work?

Credit and debit cards work when ready after you enter them. Bank accounts take one to two business days because Amazon makes two small test deposits first. You cannot use a bank account to buy anything until you confirm those deposits.

What happens to my Kindle books if I remove my payment method?

Your books stay on your device and in your library. Removing a payment method only stops you from buying new content — it does not erase what you already own.