What happens when you add a checking account to Amazon
Adding a checking account to Amazon lets you use that bank account to pay for purchases instead of a credit or debit card. Amazon stores your account details securely and charges your bank directly when you place an order. The account remains linked until you remove it, so you can use it for future purchases without re-entering the information each time.
The process takes about five minutes and requires your routing number and account number — both printed on the bottom left of your checks. Amazon verifies the account by making two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank account within one to two business days. You confirm those amounts in your Amazon account to prove you own the bank account, and then the account is fully active.
Once verified, your checking account appears as a payment option at checkout alongside any credit or debit cards you have saved. You can switch between payment methods on a per-purchase basis, or set your checking account as your default payment method so Amazon uses it automatically.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number from a check or your bank's website to add a checking account.
- Amazon sends two small test deposits to verify you own the account; you must confirm the amounts in your account settings within 30 days.
- The verification process takes one to two business days for the deposits to arrive, then you have up to 30 days to confirm them.
- Once verified, your checking account appears as a payment option at checkout and can be set as your default payment method.
- You can remove a checking account from your Amazon account at any time through your payment methods settings.
Finding your routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number are both on the bottom left of any check you have. The routing number is the first nine digits, the account number follows it. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or routing number in the settings or account section — most banks display both numbers there.
Some banks also print this information on statements or in account confirmation emails. If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account number ready when you call, since the bank will ask you to verify your identity before sharing it.
Steps to add your checking account in Amazon settings
Go to your Amazon account and select Your Account from the dropdown menu in the top right corner. Click Login & security, then scroll down to find Manage payment methods or Payment options (the exact label varies by region). Select Add a bank account or Add payment method and choose Bank account from the list.
Enter your bank's name, your routing number, and your account number in the fields provided. Amazon will ask you to confirm the account number by typing it a second time. Review the information for accuracy — a wrong routing number or account number will cause the verification deposits to fail. Then select Add your bank account or Continue to finish.
Amazon will tell you that two small deposits are on their way to your bank account. These deposits arrive within one to two business days. You do not need to do anything while you wait — just check your bank account balance once the deposits arrive.
Confirming the test deposits
Once the two test deposits hit your bank account, log back into Amazon and return to your payment methods. Find the bank account you just added — it will show a status like Pending verification or Awaiting confirmation. Click on that account to open the verification screen.
Amazon will ask you to enter the amounts of the two deposits. These are usually small amounts like $0.05 and $0.12, but the exact amounts vary. Check your bank account transaction history or your bank's mobile app to see what was deposited. Type both amounts into the fields Amazon provides, in the order Amazon requests them.
Select Verify or Confirm to submit the amounts. Amazon processes this when ready. If the amounts match, your account status changes to Verified or Active within seconds, and you can use the account to pay for purchases right away. If the amounts do not match, Amazon will ask you to try again — you have up to 30 days from the date of the deposits to confirm them.
Using your checking account at checkout
Once your checking account is verified, it appears in your payment method list at checkout. When you place an order, scroll through the payment options and select your bank account instead of a credit or debit card. Amazon will charge your checking account directly when you complete the purchase.
If you want your checking account to be the default payment method, go back to your payment methods settings and select Set as default next to your bank account. From then on, Amazon will use that account automatically unless you choose a different payment method at checkout.
What to do if the verification deposits do not arrive
Deposits usually arrive within one to two business days, but can take up to five business days depending on your bank. If five business days have passed and you still do not see the deposits, log into Amazon and check the status of your bank account in payment methods. If it still shows Pending, select that account and look for an option to Resend deposits or Request new deposits.
If you cannot find that option or the deposits still do not arrive after a second attempt, contact Amazon customer service. Have your bank account number and the date you added the account ready. Amazon can investigate whether the deposits were sent to the correct account or whether your bank rejected them for a technical reason.
In rare cases, a bank will reject the deposits because the account is flagged for fraud prevention or because the bank does not allow third-party verification deposits. If this happens, your bank can tell you why the deposits were rejected. You may need to contact your bank to lift the restriction, or you may need to use a different payment method with Amazon.
Removing a checking account from your Amazon account
To remove a checking account, go to your payment methods in account settings and find the bank account you want to delete. Select the account and look for a Delete, Remove, or X button. Click it and confirm that you want to remove the account.
Amazon removes the account when ready. Any future purchases will need a different payment method. If you had set the checking account as your default, Amazon will prompt you to choose a new default payment method the next time you place an order. You can add the same checking account back later if you change your mind — you will need to go through the verification process again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Amazon's system is designed for checking accounts, but some banks allow you to use a savings account number in the same way. Try entering your savings account information — if your bank rejects the verification deposits, you will know the account type is not supported. Contact your bank to ask whether they allow third-party verification deposits to savings accounts.
What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?
The verification deposits will go to the wrong account or fail to process. Amazon will show your account as pending indefinitely. Delete the account from your payment methods and add it again with the correct numbers. You can find the correct routing number on your bank's website or by calling customer service.
How long does it take before I can use my checking account to pay?
The entire process takes three to five business days: one to two days for the deposits to arrive, then a few seconds to confirm them. Once you confirm the deposit amounts, your account is active when ready and you can use it at checkout on your next purchase.
Is it safe to give Amazon my bank account number?
Amazon encrypts your account information and stores it securely. Your bank account number is no more at risk with Amazon than it is with any other company that processes ACH payments, like your employer's payroll system or a utility company. If you are uncomfortable storing your bank account with Amazon, you can use a credit or debit card instead.
Can multiple people use the same checking account on one Amazon account?
Yes. If other account holders are added to your Amazon account, they can all use the same checking account as a payment method. Each person can choose whether to use the bank account or a different payment method at checkout. The account owner controls whether the checking account can be removed.