Yes, you can pay Amazon orders directly from your bank account
Amazon accepts bank account payments through a service called Amazon Pay, which lets you link your checking or savings account to your Amazon account and use it to pay for purchases. The payment goes directly from your bank to Amazon, without a credit or debit card in between. This works for most Amazon purchases, though some third-party sellers and certain product categories have restrictions.
The setup takes about five minutes. You provide your bank's routing number and your account number, Amazon verifies the account with two small test deposits (usually within one to two business days), and then you can choose bank account as your payment method at checkout. Once verified, you can use the same bank account for future orders without re-entering the information.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Pay lets you link a U.S. checking or savings account and pay directly from your bank without using a credit or debit card.
- Verification requires two small test deposits that Amazon sends to your account, which you must confirm in your Amazon settings within 30 days.
- Bank account payments work for most Amazon purchases, but some sellers and product categories do not accept this payment method.
- Transactions typically process within one to three business days, slower than credit card payments, which is why some sellers restrict the option.
How to add and verify your bank account on Amazon
Go to your Amazon account settings and select "Your Account" from the top menu. Click "Login & security" or "Payment options," then look for "Add a bank account" or "Bank accounts." Enter your bank's name, your account type (checking or savings), your routing number, and your account number. You can find both numbers on the bottom left of a check, or call your bank to confirm them.
Amazon will send two small deposits to your account within one to two business days—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each. Check your bank statement, then return to Amazon and enter both amounts in the verification field. Once confirmed, your account is active and you can select it as a payment method at checkout. If you do not verify within 30 days, you will need to start over.
Which Amazon purchases accept bank account payments
Amazon's own inventory—items sold and shipped by Amazon directly—accepts bank account payments. Most third-party sellers who use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) also accept this method. However, some third-party sellers, especially those who handle their own shipping, do not offer bank account as an option and require a credit or debit card instead.
Certain product categories also restrict bank account payments, including digital content (Kindle books, apps, music), gift cards, and some marketplace subscriptions. If you see only credit or debit card options at checkout, that seller or product category does not accept bank account payments. You can still use a card for that order and a bank account for others.
How long bank account payments take to process
When you place an order using a bank account, Amazon typically holds the payment for one to three business days before it actually withdraws the money from your account. This delay exists because bank transfers take longer to clear than card transactions. During this window, Amazon confirms the order and prepares to ship it.
The actual withdrawal from your bank account usually appears within one to three business days after you place the order. Your order confirmation and tracking information arrive immediately, but the money does not leave your account right away. If you cancel an order within the return window, the refund goes back to your bank account and may take an additional three to five business days to appear.
Security and fraud protection for bank account payments
Amazon does not store your full bank account number after verification. Instead, it stores a token—a secure reference that lets you use the account without re-entering the details each time. If your Amazon account is compromised, a thief cannot access your bank account number directly from Amazon's records.
Your bank's fraud protection also covers unauthorized transactions made through Amazon Pay. If someone uses your linked bank account without permission, report it to your bank, not Amazon. Your bank can reverse the transaction and investigate. Amazon's purchase protection covers items that do not arrive or do not match the description, but your bank handles the account-level security.
What to do if your bank account payment is declined
A declined bank account payment usually means insufficient funds, a closed account, or a mismatch between the account number you entered and what your bank has on file. Check your bank balance first. If you have enough money, contact your bank to confirm the account number and routing number are correct, and ask whether they block third-party transfers (some banks require you to opt in).
If your bank declines the payment, try adding the account again with the correct information. If the problem persists, use a credit or debit card instead. Some banks flag recurring payments to the same merchant; calling your bank to let them know you are paying Amazon regularly can prevent future declines.
Removing or changing your bank account on Amazon
Go to "Your Account," then "Payment options" or "Login & security," and find the bank account you want to remove. Click the delete or remove button next to it. Amazon will not process any new charges to that account, but refunds from orders already placed may still go to it if the refund processes before you delete it.
To switch to a different bank account, add the new account and verify it the same way you did the first time. Once verified, you can choose it at checkout. You do not have to delete the old account unless you want to—you can keep multiple bank accounts linked and pick which one to use for each order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account or only a checking account?
Amazon accepts both checking and savings accounts. When you add the account, you will select the account type. Both work the same way and require the same verification process with two test deposits.
What if I do not see the two test deposits from Amazon?
Test deposits usually arrive within one to two business days, but can take up to five if your bank processes transfers slowly. Check your bank statement carefully—they are small amounts, often under $1. If they do not arrive after five business days, contact Amazon customer service to request a resend or try adding the account again.
Can I use a bank account from outside the United States?
Amazon Pay currently accepts only U.S. bank accounts. If your bank is outside the U.S., you will need to use a credit or debit card instead. Some international customers use a U.S. bank account if they have one, but Amazon does not support foreign accounts directly.
Will Amazon charge me a fee to use my bank account?
Amazon does not charge a fee for bank account payments. However, your bank may charge a fee if it treats the transaction as a third-party transfer or ACH payment. Check your bank's fee schedule or call to confirm whether they charge for this type of transaction.
What happens if my bank account information changes?
If you close the account or switch banks, update your Amazon payment information before placing a new order. If you forget and place an order with an old or closed account, Amazon will decline the payment and you will need to add a new account or use a card instead.