Where to find your payment settings on Prime Video
To change your payment method on Prime Video, log into your Amazon account, go to Account & Lists in the top right corner, and select Your Account. From there, click Login & security, then scroll down to find Prime Video settings or go directly to the Manage Your Prime Membership section. The payment method tied to your Prime membership is stored in your Amazon account's payment settings, not in a separate Prime Video app.
If you're using the Prime Video app on a phone, tablet, or streaming device, you cannot change your payment method directly in the app. You must go through a web browser or the full Amazon website to make changes. This is a security measure Amazon uses across all its services.
Your Prime Video subscription uses the same payment method as your main Amazon account. If you want to use a different card or payment option for Prime specifically, you'll need to update your Amazon account's primary payment method, which will then apply to all Amazon purchases and subscriptions tied to that account.
Key Takeaways
- Log into Amazon.com, go to Account & Lists, select Your Account, then Login & security to reach your payment settings.
- Prime Video uses the payment method linked to your main Amazon account, so changing it affects all Amazon purchases.
- You cannot change your payment method through the Prime Video app—you must use a web browser.
- Amazon accepts credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards; some accounts can also use gift cards or store credit.
Steps to add a new payment method
Once you're in your Amazon account settings, click Add a payment method or Add credit or debit card. Enter the card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit security code on the back), and the billing address associated with that card. Amazon will verify the card with a small temporary charge—usually $1—that appears and disappears within a few days. This charge confirms the card is real and belongs to you.
After the card is verified, it will appear in your list of saved payment methods. You can then set it as your primary payment method, which is the card Amazon will charge for Prime Video and any other purchases. If you want to keep your old card on file for reference but use a new one for charges, simply mark the new card as primary and leave the old one in your account.
Setting a payment method as your default
Once a card is added and verified, you'll see all your saved payment methods listed in your account settings. Look for the option that says Set as default, Make primary, or a radio button next to the card you want to use. Click that option, and Amazon will charge that card for your next Prime Video billing cycle.
Your billing date depends on when you first subscribed to Prime or when you last renewed. If you change your payment method mid-cycle, the new card will be charged on your next scheduled billing date, not immediately. You can see your next billing date in the same settings page under Membership and billing.
What happens if your payment method fails
If Amazon tries to charge your primary payment method and it fails—because the card is expired, closed, or has insufficient funds—Prime Video will suspend your access until the payment goes through. You'll receive an email from Amazon asking you to update your payment information. You have a grace period (usually a few days) to add a working card before your membership is fully canceled.
If you don't update your payment method during the grace period, your Prime membership will be canceled and you'll lose access to Prime Video, Prime shipping, and any other Prime benefits. If you reactivate later, you'll be charged for a new membership period. The grace period length varies, so check your email from Amazon for the exact deadline.
Removing an old payment method
To remove a card you no longer use, go to your payment methods list and find the card you want to delete. Click Delete or the trash icon next to it. Amazon will ask you to confirm. You cannot delete your primary payment method—you must set a different card as default first, then delete the old one.
If you have only one card on file and want to remove it, you must add a new payment method first, set it as primary, and then delete the old card. Amazon requires at least one active payment method on every account to keep services like Prime Video active.
Using alternative payment methods
Amazon accepts most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards. Some accounts can also use Amazon gift cards or store credit as a payment method, though this typically only works if you have a balance in your Amazon account. Prepaid cards work as long as they're registered with your name and billing address.
Amazon does not accept PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other digital wallets as a direct payment method for Prime Video subscriptions. However, you can link those services to a bank account or card and use that underlying payment method instead. If you want to pay with a digital wallet, add the card or bank account behind it to your Amazon account.
Troubleshooting payment method changes
If you add a new card but it won't verify, the most common reasons are a mismatch between the billing address you entered and what your bank has on file, or the card is flagged as high-risk by your bank. Contact your bank to confirm the address is correct, then try adding the card again. Some banks also require you to call and authorize Amazon as a merchant before the verification charge will go through.
If you've set a new card as default but Amazon is still trying to charge your old card, wait 24 hours for the change to sync across Amazon's systems. If it still doesn't work after a day, remove the old card entirely from your account, which forces Amazon to use the new one. If you're still having trouble, contact Amazon customer service through your account—they can manually update your payment method or investigate a failed charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different payment methods for Prime Video and regular Amazon purchases?
No. Prime Video is part of your Amazon account and uses the same primary payment method as all other Amazon services. If you want to use a different card for Prime Video, you must change your entire Amazon account's primary payment method, which affects everything you buy on Amazon.
Will changing my payment method affect my current Prime Video subscription?
No. Changing your payment method does not interrupt your subscription or reset your billing date. The new card will be charged on your next scheduled billing date, which stays the same. You can change your payment method anytime without losing access to Prime Video.
What if I'm charged twice after changing my payment method?
Double charges are rare but can happen if Amazon processes a charge from your old card and your new card in the same billing cycle. Contact Amazon customer service with your order numbers and dates. They can refund the duplicate charge within a few business days. Keep your email receipts as proof of the charges.
Can I pay for Prime Video with a gift card?
Yes, if you have an Amazon gift card balance in your account. However, you cannot set a gift card as your primary payment method. Instead, add the gift card balance to your account, and Amazon will use it first before charging your credit or debit card. Once the balance runs out, Amazon will charge your primary card.
How long does it take for a new payment method to work?
Once you add a card and it's verified (usually within a few days), it's ready to use immediately. You can set it as your primary payment method right away. The next charge will appear on your next scheduled billing date, not immediately after you add the card.