Amazon lets you store multiple payment methods and choose which one to use at checkout
You can add a credit card, debit card, prepaid card, or gift card to your Amazon account and switch between them whenever you order. Amazon doesn't charge you for storing these methods — they sit in your account until you pick one at checkout. You can also add a bank account for certain types of purchases, though this is less common for regular shopping.
The main reason to use multiple payment methods is practical: you might want to use a rewards card for most purchases, a debit card when you're watching your balance, or a gift card when you have one. Some people also keep a backup card on file in case their primary card is declined or temporarily frozen.
Key Takeaways
- You can store up to 20 payment methods on a single Amazon account, though you'll typically use only two or three.
- Adding a payment method takes less than two minutes and requires the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back).
- At checkout, you can switch to a different payment method in one click before you complete your order.
- Amazon stores your payment information encrypted on their servers, but you can delete any method at any time if you no longer want it there.
- If a payment method fails during checkout, Amazon will prompt you to choose a different one rather than automatically trying the next card.
How to add a payment method to your Amazon account
Go to your Amazon account settings by clicking the account icon in the top right corner of the Amazon homepage, then select "Your Account." Look for "Login & security" or "Payment options" depending on your device. Click "Add a payment method" or "Add card."
Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Amazon will ask for the cardholder's name and billing address. If the address matches what your bank has on file, the card will usually be verified when ready. If Amazon needs to confirm the card, they may place a small temporary charge (usually under $1) to your account and ask you to report the amount — this typically takes one to three business days.
Once verified, the card appears in your payment methods list with the last four digits visible. You can label it (like "Work Card" or "Backup") to keep track of which card is which if you have several stored.
Choosing which payment method to use at checkout
When you reach the payment step during checkout, Amazon shows your stored payment methods in a list. The one you used most recently appears first, but you can click any other method to switch. A radio button or checkmark shows which one is currently selected.
You can also add a new payment method right at checkout without leaving the page — click "Add a new payment method" and enter the card details. This is useful if you want to use a card you haven't stored yet, though you'll need to go back to your account settings later if you want to keep it saved for future orders.
After you select your payment method, review the total and click "Place your order." Amazon charges the card you selected, not any other card on your account.
What happens if a payment fails
If the card you selected is declined, Amazon stops the checkout and shows an error message. You'll see a prompt to choose a different payment method from your saved list or add a new one. Amazon does not automatically charge your backup card — you have to manually select it.
Common reasons for a decline include insufficient funds, the card being temporarily frozen by your bank for security, or the billing address not matching what the bank has on file. If you're not sure why a card was declined, contact your bank directly rather than trying multiple times, since repeated attempts can trigger additional security holds.
Managing and deleting payment methods
You can see all your stored payment methods in your account settings under "Payment options" or "Your payments." Each one shows the card type (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), the last four digits, and the expiration date. You can edit the billing address or cardholder name if it changes.
To remove a payment method, click the delete or remove button next to it. Amazon will ask you to confirm. Once deleted, you can't use that card for future orders unless you add it again. Deleting a card does not affect past orders or refunds — those are tied to the transaction record, not the card itself.
If a card is expiring soon, Amazon will send you a reminder email. You can update the expiration date and CVV in your account settings without having to delete and re-add the card.
Security considerations when storing multiple cards
Amazon encrypts your payment information, which means the card numbers are scrambled and stored on Amazon's servers, not visible in plain text. When you view your payment methods, you see only the last four digits and the card type. Your full card number is never shown again after you add it.
However, storing multiple cards does mean multiple cards are on Amazon's system. If you're concerned about this, you can store fewer cards and add a new one at checkout when needed — this takes about 30 seconds. You can also delete a card when ready after an order ships if you don't plan to use it again.
If your Amazon account is compromised, someone could potentially use any stored payment method to make purchases. This is why it's important to use a strong, unique password for Amazon and enable two-factor authentication (a security code sent to your phone or email when you log in from a new device). You can turn this on in your account settings under "Login & security."
Using gift cards alongside other payment methods
Amazon gift cards work differently from credit or debit cards. When you redeem a gift card code, the balance is added to your Amazon account as "Amazon balance" or "Amazon store credit." This balance is always used first at checkout, before any credit or debit card is charged.
If your Amazon balance doesn't cover the full order, Amazon automatically charges the payment method you selected for the remaining amount. For example, if you have a $25 gift card balance and your order is $60, Amazon uses the $25 and charges your selected card $35. You can't choose to use only your gift card balance and skip the card charge — if the balance is insufficient, a card payment is required to complete the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set a default payment method so Amazon always uses the same card?
Amazon doesn't have a true "default" setting, but it does remember which card you used last and shows it first at checkout. You can click a different card in one second, so most people don't bother changing this setting. If you want to be extra careful, you can delete your other cards and keep only one on file.
What if I want to use a different payment method for each order?
You can add a new payment method at checkout without storing it. Click "Add a new payment method," enter the card details, and complete your purchase. The card won't be saved to your account unless you check a box to save it. This is useful if you're using someone else's card or a temporary card number.
Do I need to update my payment method if my card number changes but it's the same account?
Yes. If your bank reissues your card with a new number (even if it's the same account), you need to delete the old card from Amazon and add the new one. The expiration date and CVV will also be different. Your bank will tell you the new details when they send the replacement card.
Can I use a payment method from someone else's card on my Amazon account?
Technically yes, but the billing address must match the cardholder's address, and Amazon may ask for additional verification. For regular shared purchases, it's cleaner to have the cardholder add their own card to their own account, or to use an Amazon gift card that anyone can redeem.
What happens to my stored payment methods if I close my Amazon account?
When you close your account, all stored payment methods are deleted from Amazon's system. If you reopen an account later with the same email address, you'll need to add your cards again. Closing your account does not affect past orders or refunds.