What you need to open an Amazon account
You need three things to create an Amazon account: a valid email address, a password you choose, and a payment method. Amazon accepts credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards. You do not need to add a payment method when ready — you can set up your account first and add it later when you make your first purchase.
The account itself is free. Amazon does not charge you to create one or to browse products. You only pay when you buy something or use a paid service like Prime membership.
The entire setup takes about five minutes. You can do it on a computer, phone, or tablet using any web browser or the Amazon app.
Key Takeaways
- You need an email address and a password to create an account; payment information can be added later.
- Go to amazon.com, click "Account & Lists" in the top right, and select "Start here" under "New customer."
- Amazon will send a verification code to your email — check your inbox and spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes.
- After you verify your email, add a shipping address and then a payment method before you can complete a purchase.
- Use a strong password with uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to protect your account and payment information.
Step-by-step account creation
Start by going to amazon.com in your web browser. In the top right corner, you will see "Account & Lists" — click on it. A menu will drop down. Look for the section labeled "New customer" and click "Start here."
Amazon will take you to a page that asks for your name and email address. Type in the name you want associated with the account and the email address you use regularly. Make sure the email is spelled correctly — you will need to access it to verify your account.
Next, create a password. Amazon requires at least six characters, but a stronger password uses uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols like ! or #. Write it down somewhere safe or use a password manager if you have one. You will need this password every time you sign in.
Click "Create your Amazon account." Amazon will send a verification code to the email address you provided. Check your inbox — the email usually arrives within a minute or two. If you do not see it, check your spam or junk folder. Open the email and copy the code, then paste it into the box on Amazon's verification page.
Adding your shipping address
After you verify your email, Amazon asks for a shipping address. This is where packages will be delivered. Enter your street address, city, state, and ZIP code exactly as you want it to appear on shipping labels.
You can add multiple addresses later — for example, a home address and a work address — but you need at least one to complete your account setup. Make sure the address is correct before you move forward, because shipping errors often happen when the address on file does not match what the delivery driver expects.
Setting up your payment method
Amazon now asks for a payment method. You can add a credit card, debit card, or Amazon gift card. Enter the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. If you are using a debit card, the process is identical.
Amazon will verify the card by charging a small temporary amount — usually $1 — to make sure the card is real and active. This charge will be reversed within a few days. You do not need to do anything; it happens automatically.
If you do not want to add a payment method right now, you can skip this step and add one later. However, you will need a payment method before you can place your first order.
Protecting your account with security settings
Once your account is set up, take a few minutes to add security features. Click "Account & Lists" again, then select "Your Account." Look for "Login & security" in the left menu.
From here, you can add a phone number for account recovery, enable two-factor authentication (which sends a code to your phone when someone tries to sign in), and review recent login activity. Two-factor authentication is optional but recommended, especially if you store payment information on your account.
You can also set up a security key — a physical device like a USB drive that only you have — if you want the strongest protection available. This is not necessary for most people, but it is an option if you are concerned about account security.
What to do after your account is active
Your account is now ready to use. You can browse products, read reviews, and add items to your cart. When you are ready to buy, go to your cart and click "Proceed to checkout." Amazon will confirm your shipping address and payment method, and you can place your order.
You can also customize your account by adding a profile picture, setting up your preferences for recommendations, and managing notification settings. These are optional — your account works fine without them.
If you plan to order frequently, consider Amazon Prime membership, which offers free two-day shipping on may be able to access items and access to other services. Prime is not required to use Amazon, but many people find it worth the cost if they shop there regularly.
Troubleshooting common setup problems
If you do not receive the verification email, wait a few minutes and check your spam folder — it sometimes ends up there by mistake. If it still does not arrive, go back to the account creation page and ask Amazon to send the code again. You can also use a different email address if the first one is not working.
If your payment card is rejected, the card may be expired, have insufficient funds, or be flagged by your bank as a suspicious transaction. Contact your bank to ask if they blocked the charge, or try a different card. Some banks require you to call and approve online purchases before they will go through.
If you forget your password, click "Forgot password?" on the Amazon sign-in page. Amazon will send a reset link to your email. Click the link, create a new password, and you can sign in again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a fake name or nickname for my Amazon account?
Amazon allows you to use any name you want when you create your account, but the name on your payment card must match the name on your account when you make a purchase. If they do not match, the transaction may be declined. For this reason, most people use their real name.
What if I do not have a credit card?
You can use a debit card instead — the process is the same. You can also use an Amazon gift card, which you can buy at many grocery stores and pharmacies. Some people use gift cards exclusively and never add a credit card to their account.
Is it safe to store my payment information on Amazon?
Amazon uses encryption to protect your payment information, which means it is scrambled so that only Amazon's servers can read it. Your card number is not stored in plain text. However, if you are uncomfortable storing payment information online, you can delete your saved cards and add a new one each time you shop.
Can I have more than one Amazon account?
Yes, you can create multiple accounts using different email addresses. However, Amazon's terms of service ask that you use only one account per person. If you need a separate account for business purposes, contact Amazon support to ask about a business account instead.
Do I have to use my real address?
Yes. Amazon requires a real, deliverable address because that is where your packages will be sent. If you use a fake address, your order will not arrive. You can add a different address later if you want packages sent somewhere else.