You can change your linked checking account in Amazon Smile through your account settings, but the process depends on whether you're updating payment details or changing which account receives donations
Amazon Smile lets you link a checking account for two separate purposes: to pay for purchases, and to receive the 0.5% donation that Smile generates from your shopping. Changing either one takes a different path. If you're updating the payment method you use to buy things, you'll go through Amazon's main payment settings. If you're changing which checking account receives your Smile donations, you'll work through the Smile program itself.
The steps are straightforward and take about five minutes. You'll need your new account number and routing number if you're adding a bank account for the first time, but if you're just swapping between accounts you already have on file, Amazon often lets you select from a list.
Key Takeaways
- Changing your payment method for purchases and changing your donation account are two separate processes in two different places.
- To update the checking account Amazon charges for purchases, go to Account Settings > Login & Security > Payment Options, then add or edit your bank account.
- To change which account receives Smile donations, log into your Smile account, go to Your Account, and update your bank details under the donation settings.
- You'll need your routing number and account number to add a new checking account, but you can find both on a blank check or by calling your bank.
- Changes to payment methods take effect immediately, but donation account changes may take one to two business days to process.
Updating the checking account Amazon charges for purchases
Start by going to Amazon.com and signing into your account. Click on the account icon in the top right corner, then select "Your Account" from the dropdown menu. From there, click "Login & Security" in the left sidebar.
In the Login & Security section, scroll down until you see "Payment options" and click "Edit" next to it. This page shows all the payment methods currently linked to your account—credit cards, debit cards, and checking accounts. To add a new checking account, click "Add a payment method" at the bottom. To replace an existing one, click the three-dot menu next to that account and select "Edit" or "Delete."
If you're adding a new checking account, Amazon will ask for your routing number and account number. You can find both on a blank check from your bank—the routing number is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and your account number follows it. If you don't have a check, call your bank's customer service line and they'll give you both numbers in under a minute. Enter the information, and Amazon will verify the account by making two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your checking account within one to two business days. You'll then need to confirm those amounts in your Amazon account to finish the verification.
Changing the checking account that receives your Smile donations
The Smile donation account is separate from your payment method. To change it, go to smile.amazon.com and sign in. Click on "Your Account" in the top navigation bar, then look for a section labeled "Donation Settings" or "Your Charity Bank Account."
Click "Edit" or "Change Bank Account" (the exact wording varies slightly). Amazon will show you any checking accounts already linked to your main Amazon account. You can select a different one from the list, or add a new account by entering your routing number and account number. If you add a new account, Amazon will verify it the same way it does for payment methods—with two small test deposits that you'll confirm once they arrive.
After you make the change, it typically takes one to two business days for the new account to become active for donations. Your next Smile donation will go to the updated account.
What to do if Amazon won't accept your checking account
The most common reason Amazon rejects a checking account is a mismatch between the name on the account and the name on your Amazon account. Make sure the name you enter matches exactly what your bank has on file—including middle initials or suffixes. If there's a discrepancy, contact your bank to update your account name, then try adding it to Amazon again.
Another reason for rejection is entering the routing or account number incorrectly. Double-check both numbers against your check or your bank's website. Some banks have multiple routing numbers depending on the branch or the type of account, so if the first number doesn't work, call your bank and ask for the routing number specifically for ACH transfers (the method Amazon uses).
If Amazon still won't accept the account after you've verified the numbers and the name, contact Amazon Customer Service through your account. They can sometimes manually review the account or suggest an alternative payment method. For Smile donations specifically, you can also reach out to Amazon Smile support through the Smile website.
Removing a checking account from your Amazon account
If you want to delete a checking account entirely—whether it's a payment method or a donation account—go to the same settings page where you added it. For payment methods, that's Account Settings > Login & Security > Payment Options. For Smile donations, it's smile.amazon.com > Your Account > Donation Settings.
Click the three-dot menu next to the account you want to remove and select "Delete." Amazon will ask you to confirm. Once you delete it, that account is no longer linked to your Amazon account and won't receive any future charges or donations. If you've set that account as your primary payment method or donation account, Amazon will ask you to choose a replacement before you can complete the deletion.
How long changes take to go into effect
Changes to your payment method for purchases take effect immediately. If you update your payment method on a Monday morning, Amazon will use the new account for any purchases you make that same day.
Changes to your Smile donation account take longer. Amazon typically needs one to two business days to process the change, especially if you're adding a new account that requires verification. During that time, any Smile donations from your shopping will still go to your old account. Once the change is complete, all future donations go to the new account.
If you've added a new checking account and Amazon is verifying it with test deposits, that process can take up to five business days. You won't be able to use that account for anything until you confirm the deposit amounts in your Amazon account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple checking accounts linked to Amazon at the same time?
Yes. You can add several checking accounts to your Amazon account and switch between them for payments or donations. However, you can only have one account set as your primary payment method and one as your primary Smile donation account at any given time.
What happens to pending donations if I change my Smile account?
Donations that Amazon has already processed will go to your old account. Only donations that occur after your account change is complete will go to the new account. The changeover typically takes one to two business days.
Do I need to verify a new checking account every time I add one?
Only if it's a new account that Amazon hasn't seen before. If you're adding a checking account that's already linked to your main Amazon account (for example, switching it from a payment method to a Smile donation account), Amazon won't require verification again.
What if I enter the wrong routing number by mistake?
Amazon will reject the account during verification. You'll see an error message telling you the account couldn't be verified. Go back to your payment or donation settings, delete the incorrect account, and add it again with the correct routing number. There's no penalty for trying multiple times.
Can I change my Smile account if I'm in the middle of a charity selection?
Yes. Changing your bank account doesn't affect which charity receives your Smile donations. Your selected charity will continue to receive 0.5% of your may be able to access purchases, and the money will simply go to a different bank account than before.