Amazon can pull money directly from your checking account, but only if you set it up first
Amazon does not automatically connect to your checking account. You have to add your bank account to your Amazon account yourself, and Amazon will then store that information so you can use it to pay for orders. When you check out, you choose whether to pay with that bank account, a credit or debit card, or another method you have saved.
The process takes a few minutes and requires your routing number and account number — the same information you would give to set up a direct deposit or automatic bill payment. Amazon uses this to verify the account is real and belongs to you, then stores it securely so you do not have to enter it every time you shop.
Key Takeaways
- You add your checking account to Amazon through your account settings, not the other way around — Amazon cannot pull from your account unless you authorize it first.
- Amazon will ask for your routing number and account number, then verify the account by depositing and withdrawing small amounts (usually under $1 total).
- Once verified, your checking account appears as a payment option at checkout, but you still choose whether to use it for each purchase.
- Amazon can only withdraw money when you complete a purchase and select that account as your payment method.
- You can remove your checking account from Amazon at any time through your payment methods settings.
Steps to add your checking account to Amazon
Log into your Amazon account and go to Account & Lists in the top right corner. Select Your Account, then find Login & security or Payment options depending on your device. Look for the option to add a payment method or bank account.
Amazon will ask for your full name, routing number, and account number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank; your account number is on the bottom left of your checks or available through your bank's website or app. Do not confuse your account number with your debit card number — they are different.
After you enter this information, Amazon will verify the account by making two small deposits (usually a few cents each) into your checking account. This takes one to two business days. You then return to Amazon and confirm the exact amounts of those deposits. Once confirmed, your checking account is linked and ready to use.
How Amazon withdraws money from your checking account
Amazon only withdraws money when you complete a purchase and specifically choose your checking account as the payment method at checkout. The withdrawal happens immediately or within one business day, depending on your bank and the time of day you placed the order.
Each purchase is a separate transaction. If you buy three items on three different days, Amazon makes three separate withdrawals from your account. You can see all of these in your checking account statement and in your Amazon order history.
What happens if your account does not have enough money
If you try to pay with your checking account and there are not enough funds, the transaction will fail. Amazon will tell you the payment was declined and ask you to use a different payment method or add funds to your account and try again.
A failed transaction does not automatically trigger an overdraft fee from your bank, because Amazon is not forcing the withdrawal — you chose to use that account and the bank simply refused the payment. However, if your bank charges a fee for declined transactions, that fee would come from your bank, not Amazon.
Security and fraud protection
When you link your checking account to Amazon, your actual account number is not stored on Amazon's website in a way you can see. Instead, Amazon encrypts it and stores it on secure servers. Each time you use it, Amazon sends an encrypted request to your bank to verify and process the payment.
If someone gains access to your Amazon account, they could potentially see that you have a checking account linked and use it to make purchases. This is why it is important to use a strong, unique password for Amazon and to enable two-factor authentication if Amazon offers it. If you suspect fraud, you can remove your checking account from Amazon immediately and contact your bank.
Your bank also has fraud protections. If a withdrawal from your checking account looks unauthorized, you can dispute it with your bank the same way you would dispute a debit card charge. Your bank will investigate and may refund the money while they look into it.
Removing your checking account from Amazon
You can unlink your checking account at any time by going to Account & Lists > Your Account > Payment options and selecting the option to remove or delete that payment method. Removing it does not affect any past purchases — those transactions already happened and will still appear in your statement and order history.
If you remove your account and then try to place an order, Amazon will ask you to choose a different payment method. You can add the same checking account back later if you change your mind, though you will have to go through the verification process again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon charge a fee to link my checking account?
No. Amazon does not charge you to add a checking account as a payment method. The small deposits Amazon makes to verify your account are free, and you do not pay anything to link or unlink it. Your bank might charge you a fee if you overdraft, but that is between you and your bank.
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes, many banks allow you to link a savings account to Amazon the same way you would a checking account. You will need your routing number and savings account number. Some banks may have restrictions on how often you can withdraw from savings, so check with your bank if you plan to use it frequently.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
Amazon will not be able to verify the account, and the linking will fail. You can try again with the correct numbers. If you keep getting errors, contact your bank to confirm your routing number and account number are correct, or try adding the account again from scratch.
How long does it take for money to leave my account after I place an order?
The withdrawal usually happens within one business day, though it may appear instantly depending on your bank. You will see it in your checking account statement and in your Amazon order history. If you do not see the withdrawal within two business days, contact Amazon or your bank.
Can Amazon withdraw money without my permission for subscriptions or Prime membership?
Only if you have set up a subscription or membership and chosen that checking account as the payment method for it. Amazon will not charge you for Prime or any subscription unless you have explicitly authorized it. You can change or remove the payment method for any subscription in your Amazon account settings.