Adding a card takes three steps: go to Your Account, select Payment Options, and enter your card details

To add a credit card to Amazon, sign in to your account, go to Your Account (the menu under your name in the top right), and select Your payments. From there, click Add a payment method, choose Credit or debit card, and enter your card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address. Amazon saves the card immediately and you can use it on your next purchase.

The process is the same whether you're adding a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. Amazon accepts both US-issued and international cards, though international cards may have additional verification steps. You don't need to set a card as your default right away — you can choose which card to use at checkout each time you order.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach payment settings through Your Account menu, then Your payments, then Add a payment method — not through checkout or settings.
  • Amazon stores your card securely and does not charge you to add it; the card is only charged when you complete a purchase.
  • You can add multiple cards and choose which one to use at checkout, or set one as your default payment method.
  • If your card is declined during setup, check that your billing address matches exactly what your bank has on file.
  • Removing a card is just as simple: go to Your payments, find the card, and select Delete.

Where to find the payment settings page

The payment settings are not in a Settings menu — they're in Your Account. Click the account icon (your name or "Account") in the top right corner of any Amazon page. A dropdown menu appears with several options. Look for Your payments or Payment options depending on your device and region.

On a phone or tablet, the menu may be slightly different. If you don't see Your payments in the dropdown, look for Account or Login & security, then scroll down to find payment-related options. Once you're in the right section, the button to add a new card is always labeled Add a payment method and appears near the top of the page.

What information you need to enter

Have your card in front of you. You'll need the 16-digit card number (or 15 digits for American Express), the expiration date (month and year), and the three- or four-digit security code on the back. You'll also need your billing address — the address where your bank sends your statement. This must match your bank's records exactly, or Amazon may decline the card during verification.

If your billing address has changed recently, check with your bank first to confirm what address they have on file. If Amazon rejects your card, the most common reason is a mismatch between the address you entered and the address your bank has. You can try again with the correct address, or contact your bank to update their records and then retry.

Setting a default payment method

After you add a card, Amazon does not automatically make it your default. You can set a default card by going back to Your payments, finding the card you want to use most often, and selecting Set as default or Make primary. At checkout, Amazon will suggest this card first, but you can always choose a different one.

If you have multiple cards saved, you don't have to set a default at all. You can simply choose which card to use each time you check out. This is useful if you have different cards for different purposes — for example, a rewards card for regular purchases and a different card for subscriptions.

Adding international or business cards

Amazon accepts cards issued outside the United States, but the process may take longer. When you add an international card, Amazon may send a small charge (usually $1 to $2) to your card and ask you to confirm the amount. This is a verification step, not a fee — the charge is reversed after you confirm it. Check your bank statement a few days after adding the card to see the verification amount.

Business credit cards work the same way as personal cards. Enter the billing address associated with the business account, not your home address. If the card is issued to a company name rather than your personal name, Amazon may ask for additional information during verification.

Troubleshooting a declined card

If Amazon says your card was declined when you tried to add it, the issue is usually one of three things: the billing address doesn't match your bank's records, the card number or expiration date was entered incorrectly, or your bank has flagged the transaction as suspicious. Try entering the information again, paying close attention to the address.

If it's declined a second time, contact your bank before trying again. Tell them you're adding the card to Amazon and ask if they've blocked the transaction. Some banks require you to call and approve the transaction, or they may need to update your address in their system. Once your bank confirms the card is active and your address is correct, try adding it to Amazon again.

Removing or updating a card

To remove a card, go to Your Account, select Your payments, find the card you want to delete, and click Delete. Amazon removes it immediately. If that card was set as your default, Amazon will automatically use your next most recent card for future purchases. If you have no other cards saved, you'll need to add a new one before you can place an order.

To update a card — for example, if your expiration date changed or your billing address moved — you can delete the old card and add the new one. Amazon does not have an "edit card" option; you must remove and re-add. Your order history and account information stay the same; only the payment method changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Amazon charge my card just to add it?

No. Amazon only charges your card when you complete a purchase. Adding a card to your account does not result in any charge, except for international cards, which may receive a small verification charge that is reversed after you confirm it.

Can I add a debit card instead of a credit card?

Yes. Debit cards work the same way as credit cards on Amazon. Enter your debit card number, expiration date, and CVV just as you would for a credit card. The process is identical and your debit card will be charged immediately when you place an order.

What if I add a card but don't want to use it right away?

That's fine. You can add as many cards as you want and leave them saved without using them. At checkout, you choose which card to charge. You can delete any saved card at any time from Your payments.

Can I use someone else's card on my Amazon account?

Technically yes, but the card's billing address must match the cardholder's address, not yours. If the name on the card doesn't match your account name, Amazon may ask for verification. For regular purchases, it's simpler to use your own card or ask the other person to send you money separately.

Why does Amazon ask for my billing address when I add a card?

Your billing address is how Amazon and your bank verify that you're the person using the card. It must match the address your bank has on file. If you've moved recently, update your address with your bank first, then add the card to Amazon with the correct address.