Connect your checking account to Amazon through your payment methods
To use your checking account on Amazon, you link it as a payment method in your account settings, then select it at checkout. Amazon accepts checking accounts through two routes: direct bank transfer (which Amazon calls "bank account") or through a debit card tied to that account. The direct bank transfer method is more common and does not require a physical card.
Start by going to Your Account on Amazon, then select "Manage payment methods" or "Add a payment method" depending on whether you have existing methods saved. Choose "Add a bank account" if that option appears, or add a debit card if you only see that choice. Amazon will ask for your routing number and account number — both printed on the bottom left of your checks, or available through your bank's website or app.
After you enter those details, Amazon may place two small deposits (usually under $1 each) into your checking account within one to two business days. You will need to confirm the amounts of those deposits back in your Amazon account to verify you own the account. Once confirmed, your checking account is linked and ready to use.
Key Takeaways
- You can link your checking account to Amazon by providing your routing number and account number from the bottom of your checks.
- Amazon verifies ownership by depositing two small amounts into your account, which you must confirm in your Amazon settings within a few days.
- Once linked, your checking account appears as a payment option at checkout and can be used for any purchase Amazon accepts.
- If you do not see a "bank account" option, you can use a debit card connected to the same checking account instead.
What information Amazon needs from you
Amazon requires your routing number and account number to link your checking account. Your routing number identifies which bank or credit union holds your account — it is a nine-digit code printed on the left side of the bottom of your checks. Your account number is the longer number printed next to the routing number and identifies your specific account within that bank.
Do not confuse your account number with your check number (the small number on the right side of the bottom). Amazon needs the account number, not the check number. If you cannot find these numbers on a check, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information — both numbers are listed there.
You will also need to confirm your name and address as they appear in your bank records. Amazon compares this information to your bank's records to prevent fraud. If your name or address does not match exactly, the verification may fail and you will need to update one or the other before trying again.
How the verification process works
After you enter your routing and account numbers, Amazon sends two small test deposits to your checking account. These deposits typically arrive within one to two business days, though timing depends on your bank's processing speed. The amounts are random and usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each.
Check your checking account statement or your bank's app to find the two deposit amounts. Go back to your Amazon account settings and enter those amounts exactly as they appear. Once you confirm them correctly, Amazon knows the account is yours and the linking is complete. If you enter the amounts wrong, you can try again, but you typically have only a few attempts before Amazon locks you out temporarily.
If the deposits do not arrive after three business days, contact your bank to confirm they received them. Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious and hold them. You can also contact Amazon's customer service to request that the deposits be resent or to troubleshoot why they did not arrive.
Using your checking account at checkout
Once your checking account is verified, it appears in your payment methods list on Amazon. At checkout, scroll through your saved payment methods and select your checking account (it may be labeled as "Bank account" or show your bank's name). If you have multiple payment methods saved, make sure you select the correct one before you complete your purchase.
Amazon processes the payment directly from your checking account, usually within one to three business days. The transaction will show up in your bank statement with a description that includes "Amazon" or "AMZN" so you can track it. You do not need to enter your account number again at each checkout — Amazon stores it securely after the first verification.
If you want to remove your checking account from Amazon later, go back to "Manage payment methods" and delete it. This does not affect your bank account itself — it only removes Amazon's access to use it for future purchases.
Differences between bank account and debit card options
Amazon offers two ways to use your checking account: linking it directly as a bank account, or adding a debit card tied to that account. The direct bank account method is faster for verification (once the test deposits confirm) and does not require a physical card. The debit card method requires you to have a card issued by your bank, but some people prefer it because they can use the same card in stores and online.
Both methods pull money from the same checking account, so the choice is mostly about convenience. If your bank offers a debit card and you already have one, adding the card to Amazon is often simpler than the bank account verification process. If you do not have a debit card or prefer not to use one, the direct bank account link works just as well.
Some banks issue debit cards automatically with checking accounts, while others require you to request one. If you are not sure whether your account has a debit card, contact your bank or check your account settings online.
What to do if verification fails
If the test deposits do not arrive or you cannot confirm the amounts, the most common cause is a mismatch between your name or address in Amazon and your bank records. Check that your Amazon account profile matches your bank records exactly — including middle initials, suffixes, and spelling. If your address has changed recently, your bank records may not have updated yet.
Contact your bank to confirm they have your current information on file. If your bank shows a different address or name than what you entered in Amazon, update your Amazon profile first, then try linking your account again. You may need to wait a day or two after updating your bank records before trying again.
If you still cannot get the deposits to arrive after confirming your information matches, contact Amazon customer service. They can see whether the deposits were sent and troubleshoot why they did not reach your account. In some cases, Amazon can manually verify your account without the test deposits, though this is less common.
Security and fraud protection
Amazon uses encryption to protect your routing and account numbers, and your bank also has fraud protection on your checking account. If someone gains unauthorized access to your Amazon account and makes a purchase using your checking account, your bank's fraud protection covers you the same way it would for any unauthorized transaction.
Report any unauthorized purchases to your bank immediately — do not wait. Your bank can reverse the charge and investigate. You should also change your Amazon password and enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account to prevent future unauthorized access.
If you are concerned about linking your checking account to any online service, you have the option to use a debit card instead, which offers the same protections. Some people also prefer to use a separate checking account for online purchases, keeping their main account for in-person transactions only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Amazon typically only accepts checking accounts for direct bank transfers, not savings accounts. If you want to use your savings account, you would need to transfer money to a checking account first, or use a debit card if your bank issued one for your savings account. Contact your bank to see what options are available for your specific accounts.
How long does it take to link my checking account?
The entire process usually takes three to five business days. You enter your information immediately, the test deposits arrive within one to two business days, and you confirm them right away. Once confirmed, your account is ready to use. If deposits are delayed by your bank, the process may take longer.
What happens if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
Amazon will reject the information and ask you to try again. The deposits will not be sent to the wrong account. Double-check the numbers on your checks or in your bank's app and re-enter them carefully. If you keep getting an error, contact your bank to confirm the numbers are correct.
Can I use the same checking account on multiple Amazon accounts?
No. Each checking account can only be linked to one Amazon account. If you try to link it to a second account, Amazon will reject it. You would need a different checking account or a different payment method for each Amazon account.
Will Amazon charge a fee to link my checking account?
Amazon does not charge a fee to link your checking account or to use it for purchases. Your bank may charge a fee if you overdraft your account, but that is between you and your bank, not Amazon. Check your bank's fee schedule if you are concerned about overdraft charges.