Adding a Checking Account to Amazon
You can link a checking account to Amazon through your payment methods in Account Settings. Amazon uses this account for purchases, refunds, and other transactions. The process takes about five minutes and requires your routing number and account number from your bank.
Amazon accepts checking accounts from most U.S. banks and credit unions. Once linked, you can set it as your default payment method or use it for specific purchases. You can remove it at any time from the same settings page.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your checking account number to add an account; find these on a check or by calling your bank.
- The account appears in your payment methods within 24 hours, though Amazon may verify it with two small deposits that take 1–3 business days.
- You can set a checking account as your default payment method or choose it for individual purchases.
- Removing a checking account is immediate and does not affect pending refunds or transactions already processed.
Where to Find Your Bank Details
Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. The first set of numbers is the routing number (usually nine digits), and the second is your account number (typically 10–12 digits). Do not use the check number itself.
If you do not have a check, call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal. Most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section. Credit unions use the same system and provide the same information.
Steps to Add a Checking Account
Go to your Amazon account and select Account & Lists in the top right corner. Choose Your Account, then Login & security. Scroll down and select Manage payment methods or Add a payment method depending on whether you already have other payment methods saved.
Select Checking account from the payment type options. Enter your account holder name (the name on the account), routing number, and account number. Double-check both numbers before submitting—a mistake will cause the verification to fail.
Amazon will ask for a billing address and may ask you to confirm your identity. After you submit, the account appears in your payment methods immediately, but Amazon may send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to verify ownership. This verification takes 1–3 business days.
What Happens During Verification
When Amazon verifies your account, it deposits two small amounts into your checking account. You do not need to do anything—the deposits happen automatically. Check your bank statement 1–3 business days after you add the account to see the deposit amounts.
Some accounts verify instantly without deposits. If yours does, you can use it right away. If deposits appear, Amazon may ask you to confirm the amounts in your Account Settings to complete verification. Once verified, the account is fully active.
If verification fails—usually because the routing or account number was entered incorrectly—Amazon will notify you. You can delete the account and add it again with the correct information.
Using Your Checking Account for Purchases and Refunds
Once your checking account is linked and verified, you can choose it as your payment method at checkout. You can also set it as your default payment method so Amazon uses it automatically for future purchases unless you select something else.
Refunds from Amazon purchases go back to the payment method you used to buy the item. If you used your checking account, the refund deposits there within 3–5 business days after Amazon processes it. Refunds for returns or cancellations follow the same timeline.
You can use the same checking account across multiple Amazon accounts if you own them, but each account must verify the account separately.
Removing a Checking Account
Go to Account & Lists, select Your Account, then Login & security. Find Manage payment methods and locate the checking account you want to remove. Select Delete or the trash icon next to it.
Removal is immediate. If you have pending refunds or transactions in progress, they continue to process normally. You cannot remove a checking account if it is the only payment method on your account—you must add another payment method first.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If your account does not verify after 3–5 business days, the routing or account number was likely entered incorrectly. Delete the account from your payment methods and add it again, checking both numbers against your check or bank statement.
If Amazon rejects your account during entry, your bank may not be in Amazon's system or the account type may not be supported. Some banks and all business checking accounts cannot be linked directly. Try adding a different payment method or contact your bank to confirm the account is may be able to access.
If you see an error message about your identity, Amazon may need additional verification. Follow the prompts in your Account Settings or contact Amazon's payment support for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Amazon only accepts checking accounts, not savings accounts. If you want to use your bank account, you need a checking account at the same bank. Some banks allow you to open a checking account online in minutes.
What if I close my bank account after linking it to Amazon?
Your checking account will stop working for Amazon purchases. Remove it from your payment methods and add a new account. Any pending refunds to the closed account may fail and be returned to Amazon, which will contact you about reissuing the refund.
Does Amazon charge a fee to link a checking account?
No. Amazon does not charge to add or use a checking account. Your bank may charge a fee if you overdraft, but that is between you and your bank, not Amazon.
Can someone else use my checking account on their Amazon account?
No. Each Amazon account must verify the checking account separately using the account holder's identity. You cannot share a checking account across multiple Amazon accounts without going through verification for each one.