Add a checking account through Your Account settings
To add a checking account to Amazon, go to Your Account in the top right corner, then select Login & security. Scroll down to find Wallet or Payment options (the exact name varies by account type). Click Add a bank account and enter your routing number and account number from a check or your bank's website.
Amazon will deposit two small amounts—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each—into your checking account within one to two business days. You'll see these deposits in your bank statement with a code. Return to Amazon, enter those two amounts, and your account is confirmed. This verification step prevents fraud and ensures the account actually belongs to you.
Once verified, your checking account appears in your payment methods. You can use it to pay for orders, add funds to your Amazon balance, or receive refunds directly to that account instead of waiting for a credit card reversal.
Key Takeaways
- You add a checking account through Your Account > Login & security > Wallet or Payment options, then enter your routing and account numbers.
- Amazon deposits two small test amounts into your checking account to verify you own it, which takes one to two business days.
- You must return to Amazon and enter those two deposit amounts to complete verification before you can use the account.
- Once verified, you can pay for orders, load Amazon balance, or receive refunds directly to that checking account.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check you have. The routing number is the first nine digits, and your account number follows it. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app—most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section, often labeled Account Information or Routing Information.
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account number or card ready when you call. Write both numbers down before you start the Amazon process so you don't have to switch between windows.
What happens during the verification step
After you enter your routing and account numbers, Amazon sends two micro-deposits to your checking account. These are real money—typically $0.01 to $0.99 each—and they'll show up in your bank statement within one to two business days. The deposits include a code in the description or memo line.
Check your bank statement online or through your mobile app once the deposits arrive. Write down both amounts. Return to Amazon, go back to the same payment settings page, and select the option to verify your bank account. Enter the two amounts you saw, and Amazon confirms the account belongs to you. If you enter the amounts incorrectly, you can try again, but you have a limited number of attempts before Amazon closes the verification.
Using your checking account for refunds
Once your checking account is verified, you can choose it as your refund destination when you return an item. During the return process, Amazon asks how you want the refund sent. If you select your checking account, the refund goes directly to that bank instead of reversing to your original payment method.
Refunds sent to a checking account typically arrive within three to five business days after Amazon processes the return. This is often faster than waiting for a credit card reversal, which can take up to ten business days. If you're returning an item that you paid for with a credit card, choosing your checking account can get your money back sooner.
Removing a checking account from Amazon
To remove a checking account, go to Your Account > Login & security > Wallet or Payment options. Find the checking account in your list of payment methods and click the delete or remove option next to it. Amazon will ask you to confirm the removal.
You cannot remove a checking account if it's set as your default payment method. If you want to delete it, first set a different payment method as your default, then return and delete the checking account. Removing the account does not affect past refunds or transactions—those remain in your order history.
Troubleshooting verification problems
If the two micro-deposits don't arrive within two business days, check that you entered your routing and account numbers correctly. Log into your bank and search your recent transactions for deposits from Amazon or "AMZN"—sometimes the deposits appear under a different name. If you still don't see them after three business days, contact your bank to confirm the account is active and can receive deposits.
If you entered the deposit amounts incorrectly too many times, Amazon may lock you out of verification temporarily. Wait 24 hours and try again, or contact Amazon Customer Service to request a manual verification. Have your bank statement showing the two deposits ready when you contact them.
Security and privacy when adding a bank account
Amazon uses encryption to protect your routing and account numbers. Your checking account information is stored separately from your order history and is not shared with merchants or third parties. Amazon only uses it to process payments and refunds you authorize.
Never share your routing or account number with anyone claiming to represent Amazon. Amazon will never ask for this information by email, phone, or text. If someone contacts you asking for these details, it is a scam—report it to Amazon and your bank immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. Amazon accepts both checking and savings accounts. The process is identical—you enter the routing number and account number, verify with the two micro-deposits, and use it the same way. Some savings accounts take slightly longer to receive deposits, so verification may take an extra day.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
If you enter incorrect numbers, the micro-deposits will go to the wrong account or fail to process. You'll see an error message or the deposits won't arrive. Start over, double-check your numbers against your check or bank website, and try again. Amazon will not charge you for failed attempts.
Can I use the same checking account on multiple Amazon accounts?
Yes, but each Amazon account must verify the same checking account separately. You'll need to go through the micro-deposit verification process for each account. Once verified on both accounts, you can use that checking account to pay or receive refunds on either one.
How long does it take to add a checking account?
The entire process takes three to five business days. Entering your information takes minutes, but the two micro-deposits take one to two business days to arrive, and verification takes a few minutes once you see them. You can use other payment methods while you wait for verification to complete.
Will adding a checking account affect my credit score?
No. Amazon does not run a credit check when you add a checking account. Adding a bank account has no impact on your credit score or credit report. It is purely a verification step to confirm you own the account.