Yes, you can use your checking account to pay for Amazon purchases
Amazon accepts checking account payments through a service called Amazon Pay, which lets you link your bank account directly to your Amazon account and use it at checkout. You can also add your checking account information to your Amazon wallet and use it for regular purchases on Amazon.com itself. The payment goes through the same way a debit card would — the money moves from your checking account to Amazon, usually within one to three business days.
You do not have to use a credit card or debit card to shop on Amazon. A checking account works, though the setup takes a few minutes and you need to verify that the account belongs to you.
Key Takeaways
- Link your checking account to Amazon by going to Your Account > Login & Security > Wallet, then adding your bank details.
- Amazon will make two small test deposits to your checking account to confirm you own it; you then enter those amounts back into Amazon to complete verification.
- Payments from your checking account typically clear within one to three business days, the same as a debit card.
- Using a checking account on Amazon does not give you purchase protection or rewards the way a credit card might, so review Amazon's return policy before you buy.
- If you use Amazon Pay at other websites, you can use the same checking account you linked to Amazon.
How to link your checking account to Amazon
Start by signing into your Amazon account on a computer or the Amazon app. Go to Your Account (the menu in the top left on desktop, or the three lines icon on mobile), then select Login & Security. Scroll down to find Wallet and click on it.
Click Add a bank account and enter your routing number and account number. You can find both on the bottom left of any check you have, or by logging into your bank's website. Amazon will ask for your name and address as they appear on your bank records. After you submit this information, Amazon will send two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to your checking account.
Check your bank account in one to two business days for those deposits. Once you see them, go back to Amazon, return to the Wallet section, and enter the exact amounts of both deposits. Amazon will confirm your account is linked. After that, your checking account appears as a payment option at checkout whenever you shop on Amazon.
What happens when you pay with your checking account
When you select your checking account as the payment method at checkout, Amazon sends a request to your bank to move the purchase amount from your account to Amazon's. This is called an ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House), and it is the same system banks use for direct deposit and bill payments.
The money usually leaves your checking account within one to three business days. During that time, Amazon has already shipped your order in most cases, so you may receive your package before the payment fully clears. If the transfer fails — for example, if you do not have enough money in the account — Amazon will contact you and may cancel the order.
Unlike a credit card, using your checking account does not build a credit history, earn rewards, or offer fraud protection through the card network. You rely on your bank's fraud protection and Amazon's return policy instead.
Using Amazon Pay at other websites
If you link your checking account to Amazon, you can also use Amazon Pay to check out on other websites that accept it. Retailers like Whole Foods, DoorDash, and some smaller online stores let you pay with your Amazon account instead of entering your payment details again.
When you use Amazon Pay elsewhere, the same checking account you linked to Amazon is the source of the payment. The merchant does not see your bank details — only Amazon does. This can be faster than entering your information manually, though you should still review each merchant's privacy policy before you use it.
Removing or changing your checking account
If you want to stop using a checking account on Amazon, go back to Your Account > Login & Security > Wallet, find the account you linked, and click Delete. The account is removed immediately, and you cannot use it for future purchases. Any pending payments from that account will still go through.
To switch to a different checking account, add the new account using the same steps as the first time. You can have multiple bank accounts linked to Amazon at once, and you choose which one to use at checkout each time you shop.
What to do if your payment fails
If Amazon tries to charge your checking account and the payment does not go through, you will see an error message at checkout or receive an email from Amazon. The most common reasons are: not enough money in the account, a closed or frozen account, or a mismatch between the name on your account and the name on your Amazon profile.
Check your bank account balance first. If you have enough money, contact your bank to make sure the account is active and that there are no holds or fraud blocks. Then try the payment again. If it still fails, add a different payment method to your Amazon account and use that instead, or contact Amazon's customer service to troubleshoot the specific error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon charge a fee to use my checking account?
No, Amazon does not charge you a fee to link or use your checking account. Your bank might charge a fee if you exceed the number of ACH transfers allowed per month under your account terms, though most checking accounts allow at least six per month. Check your bank's fee schedule to be sure.
Is it safe to give Amazon my bank account number?
Amazon uses encryption to protect your bank details and does not share them with merchants when you use Amazon Pay. Your bank account information is stored in Amazon's secure system. That said, if you are uncomfortable sharing your account number online, you can use a debit card instead, which offers similar protection.
Can I use my checking account on Amazon if I do not have a debit card?
Yes. You do not need a debit card to link a checking account to Amazon. The account number and routing number are all Amazon needs. This can be helpful if you prefer not to carry a debit card or if your bank does not issue one.
What if I want to return something I bought with my checking account?
Amazon's return process is the same regardless of how you paid. You request a return through Your Orders, print a label if needed, and send the item back. Once Amazon receives and inspects it, the refund goes back to the same checking account you used to buy it, usually within five to ten business days.
Can I use my checking account to pay for Amazon Prime membership?
Yes. When you set up or renew your Prime membership, you can choose your linked checking account as the payment method. The annual or monthly charge will be drawn from that account on your renewal date each time.