Amazon doesn't offer a checking account
Amazon does not run a bank and does not offer checking accounts to customers. You cannot open an Amazon checking account, link one to your Amazon account, or pay a monthly fee to Amazon for checking services. If you have seen ads or emails claiming Amazon offers checking accounts, they are either scams or misleading marketing from third-party financial companies trying to use Amazon's name.
What Amazon does offer is a savings account through Amazon Financial Services, which is a partnership with Sutton Bank. This is different from a checking account — it is a savings product only, with no debit card and no way to write checks or make everyday purchases. The savings account has no monthly fee, but it also has limited features compared to a full checking account from a traditional bank.
If you are looking for a checking account, you will need to open one with an actual bank or credit union. Some banks charge monthly fees; others do not. The fee structure depends entirely on which bank you choose, not on Amazon.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon does not offer checking accounts and charges no fees for checking services because it is not a bank.
- Amazon's savings account through Sutton Bank has no monthly fee but cannot be used like a checking account.
- Scammers sometimes use Amazon's name to market fake checking accounts, so verify any offer directly with your bank.
- If you want a checking account, you must open one with a bank or credit union that is licensed to offer them.
What Amazon Financial Services actually offers
Amazon's savings account is a high-yield savings product that earns interest on money you deposit. You fund it by transferring money from your regular bank account, and the money sits there earning a rate of return. You cannot spend directly from this account — there is no debit card, no checks, and no way to pay bills from it.
The account has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement to open it. The only cost is the opportunity cost: your money is in savings, not in a checking account where you could spend it. Interest rates on savings accounts change based on what the Federal Reserve does with interest rates, so the return you earn will vary over time.
This product is useful if you want a separate place to keep emergency money or savings goals, but it is not a replacement for a checking account. You still need a checking account elsewhere to pay rent, buy groceries, or receive your paycheck.
How to spot fake Amazon checking account offers
Scammers regularly create fake websites and send emails claiming to offer "Amazon Checking" or "Amazon Bank Accounts." These are not real. The fake sites often look similar to Amazon.com but have slightly different web addresses — for example, "amazon-checking.com" or "amazonbank.net" instead of the real Amazon domain.
If you see an offer for an Amazon checking account, check the sender's email address. Real Amazon communications come from addresses ending in "@amazon.com". If the email comes from "@amazonbanking.com" or any other variation, it is not from Amazon. Do not click links in suspicious emails or enter your personal information on unfamiliar websites.
When in doubt, go directly to Amazon.com and log into your account. Look for any savings or financial products in your account settings. If nothing appears there, the offer you received is not legitimate.
Where to find a real checking account
If you need a checking account, your options are traditional banks, online banks, and credit unions. Traditional banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase have physical branches and charge monthly fees that range from $0 to $15 depending on the account type and whether you meet balance or direct deposit requirements. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover typically charge no monthly fee because they have no branch network to maintain.
Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions that often charge lower fees than banks. You must be a member to open an account, but membership is usually free or very cheap. Many credit unions have no monthly checking account fees at all.
When comparing checking accounts, look at the monthly fee (if any), the minimum balance required, overdraft fees, and whether the bank reimburses ATM fees if you use out-of-network machines. Some accounts waive the monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a certain balance.
Why Amazon does not offer checking accounts
Offering checking accounts requires a bank charter from the federal government or a state banking regulator. Amazon is a retail and technology company, not a bank. Getting a bank charter takes years, costs millions of dollars, and requires Amazon to follow strict banking regulations about how it holds customer money, manages risk, and handles deposits.
Amazon has chosen not to pursue banking licenses. Instead, it partners with licensed banks like Sutton Bank to offer savings products under Amazon's brand. This lets Amazon offer financial products without becoming a bank itself. The actual bank — Sutton Bank — holds the deposits and is responsible for keeping your money safe.
This arrangement protects your money because Sutton Bank is regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Your deposits are insured up to $250,000 per account holder, the same way they would be at any other bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Amazon Pay as a checking account?
No. Amazon Pay is a payment service that lets you use your Amazon account to pay for things on other websites. It is not a bank account and does not hold money the way a checking account does. Money flows through Amazon Pay to the merchant, but you do not store funds there.
Does Amazon charge a fee to link my bank account to my Amazon account?
No. Linking your bank account or debit card to your Amazon account for purchases costs nothing. Amazon does not charge you to add payment methods. Your bank may charge you fees based on your own account terms, but Amazon itself does not.
What happens if I see an Amazon checking account ad on social media?
It is almost certainly a scam or misleading ad from a third-party company. Report it to the social media platform. Do not click the link or enter any personal information. If you want to know what financial products Amazon actually offers, visit Amazon.com directly and check your account settings.
Is my money safe in Amazon's savings account?
Yes. The savings account is held by Sutton Bank, which is FDIC-insured. Your deposits are protected up to $250,000. This is the same protection you get at any other bank. Amazon does not hold the money itself — the bank does.