Amazon sellers need a checking account or business bank account to receive payouts, but the specific requirements depend on your seller type and location
Amazon does not require you to open an account at any particular bank. What Amazon requires is a valid bank account in your name (or your business name) where they can deposit your earnings. For most individual sellers in the United States, a standard checking account works fine. If you operate as a business entity—an LLC, corporation, or partnership—you will need a business checking account in that entity's name, not a personal account under your own name.
The account must be in the same country where you sell and must be able to receive ACH transfers, which is how Amazon moves money to sellers. Nearly every U.S. bank and credit union offers this. The account holder's name (or the business name on the account) must match the name registered with your Amazon seller account.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon deposits seller earnings via ACH transfer to a checking account in your name or your registered business name.
- A personal checking account is sufficient if you are an individual seller; a business account is required if you are registered as an LLC, S-corp, or other business entity.
- Your bank must support ACH transfers, which nearly all U.S. banks and credit unions do.
- The account holder name must match exactly what you registered with Amazon, or deposits will be rejected or delayed.
- You can change your bank account information in your Amazon seller account settings at any time without closing your seller account.
Personal seller accounts and checking accounts
If you are registered as an individual seller (not a business), Amazon will deposit your payouts to a personal checking account. You do not need to have a business license or operate under a business name. The account simply needs to be in your legal name—the same name you used to register your seller account with Amazon.
Most checking accounts at traditional banks, online banks, and credit unions will work. Some online banks and fintech platforms (like Chime, Wise, or Revolut) also accept ACH deposits, though you should confirm with your bank that they support incoming ACH transfers before linking the account to Amazon. A few accounts designed primarily for spending or peer-to-peer transfers may not accept direct deposits from employers or platforms.
Business seller accounts and business checking accounts
If you registered your Amazon seller account under a business entity—such as an LLC, S-corporation, C-corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship with a business name—you must provide a business checking account. Amazon will not accept a personal account in your name even if you own the business.
To open a business checking account, you will need to provide your business name, Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (depending on your entity type), and proof of business registration (articles of incorporation, an LLC formation certificate, or a DBA filing). Most banks can open a business account within a few days to a week. The account must be in the exact legal name of your business as it appears on your Amazon seller account registration.
How to add or change your bank account on Amazon
You can add or update your bank account information in your Amazon seller account without closing your seller account or losing your sales history. Log into Seller Central, go to Settings, then select Account Info. From there, navigate to the Banking Information section.
Amazon will ask for your account holder name, routing number, and account number. You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, or by calling your bank. Your account number appears on the bottom right of your checks or in your online banking portal. When you update your account, Amazon typically begins depositing to the new account within one to two business days, though some banks may take longer to process the first deposit.
If you enter incorrect information, Amazon may reject the deposit. The money does not disappear—it remains in your Amazon seller account balance and Amazon will attempt to deposit it again on the next payout cycle once you correct the account details.
What happens if your account information is wrong or outdated
If your routing number or account number is incorrect, Amazon's system will reject the deposit. Your seller balance will show the funds as pending, and Amazon will retry the deposit on your next scheduled payout date (usually every 14 days). Once you correct the information in your seller account settings, the next payout will go through to the correct account.
If your bank account is closed or you no longer have access to it, update your seller account with new banking information as soon as possible. Leaving outdated information in place can cause payouts to fail repeatedly. Amazon does not hold funds indefinitely—they will keep retrying, but if the account remains invalid for an extended period, contact Amazon Seller Support to confirm the status of your balance.
Minimum balance and account restrictions
Most banks do not impose a minimum balance requirement for checking accounts to receive deposits, though some accounts marketed as premium or business accounts may. Check with your bank about any monthly fees or minimum balance rules before opening an account specifically for your Amazon seller payouts.
Some banks flag or freeze accounts that receive frequent large deposits if they suspect unusual activity. If you are a high-volume seller receiving large payouts, consider notifying your bank in advance that you will be receiving regular deposits from Amazon. This can prevent your account from being frozen while the bank investigates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Most savings accounts can receive ACH transfers, but Amazon's system is designed to work with checking accounts. Contact your bank to confirm that your savings account can receive direct deposits. If it can, you may be able to use it, but a checking account is the standard and most reliable option.
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
You will need to open one before you can receive payouts from Amazon. You can open a checking account at a traditional bank, credit union, or online bank. The process typically takes a few days to a week. Bring a government-issued ID and proof of address (a utility bill or lease agreement). Some online banks allow you to open an account entirely online in minutes.
Can I use someone else's bank account to receive my Amazon payouts?
No. The account holder name must match the name registered with your Amazon seller account. If you are a sole proprietor, the account must be in your legal name. If you operate as a business entity, the account must be in that business's name. Amazon's system will reject deposits to accounts that do not match.
Do I need a separate bank account just for Amazon sales?
You do not need a separate account, but many sellers choose to use one for accounting and tax purposes. A dedicated account makes it easier to track income and expenses at tax time. Whether you use a shared account or a dedicated one is up to you—Amazon will deposit to whichever account you specify.
How long does it take for Amazon to deposit money after a sale?
Amazon typically pays sellers every 14 days. The payout is initiated on Amazon's side, but how long it takes to appear in your bank account depends on your bank's processing time for ACH transfers, which is usually one to three business days. Weekends and bank holidays can add time.