Yes, but Amazon needs your routing and account number, not a check
You can pay Amazon using your checking account directly. Amazon accepts bank account payments through its website and app, and the money moves from your account to Amazon's in the same way a bill payment or ACH transfer would. You do not write a check or use a debit card — you give Amazon your routing number and account number, and they pull the payment electronically.
This works for one-time purchases and for setting up a payment method on file. The transaction typically settles within one to three business days, depending on your bank and the time you initiate the payment.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon accepts ACH payments directly from checking accounts during checkout or through your account settings.
- You will need your bank's routing number and your account number, both of which appear on the bottom left of your checks or in your bank's online portal.
- The payment takes one to three business days to clear, so plan ahead if you need the purchase to ship when ready.
- Amazon stores your bank details on file if you choose, so you can use the same account for future purchases without re-entering the information.
- Some banks flag ACH payments to third parties as unusual activity, so contact your bank if the payment is declined.
Where to enter your checking account information
During checkout, scroll to the payment method section and look for an option labeled "Bank Account" or "ACH." Click it, and Amazon will ask for your routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings). You can also add a bank account to your account settings before you shop: go to Your Account, select Payment Options, and choose Add a Bank Account.
Amazon will ask you to confirm the account type — checking or savings — because the routing number alone does not tell them which one you use. If you enter it wrong, the payment will be rejected and you will need to correct it and try again.
How to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number both appear on the bottom left of any check you have written. 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 app and look for Account Details, Account Information, or Routing Information — the exact label varies by bank.
Some banks also print this information on statements or display it when you request a wire transfer. 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 they will ask you to verify it before they read it back to you.
Why Amazon might decline your bank account payment
The most common reason is a mismatch between the account type you selected and the account you actually entered. If you said "checking" but entered a savings account number, or vice versa, the payment will fail. Double-check both pieces of information before submitting.
Your bank may also decline the payment if it flags the transaction as unusual activity. Banks monitor for fraud, and a payment to a large retailer from a checking account that normally does not make online transfers can trigger a hold. If this happens, your bank will either decline the payment outright or ask you to confirm it. Contact your bank's fraud department or customer service to clear it, then try the Amazon payment again.
A third reason is insufficient funds. Amazon will attempt the payment even if your balance is low, and your bank will reject it if there is not enough money in the account. Check your balance before you submit the payment.
How long the payment takes to show up
Amazon initiates the ACH transfer when ready when you complete checkout, but the actual movement of money takes one to three business days. During this time, the funds are in transit between your bank and Amazon's bank. Your bank may show the payment as pending, or it may deduct the amount from your available balance right away — this depends on your specific bank's policies.
Amazon will not ship your order until the payment has fully cleared. If you submit a bank account payment on a Friday evening, the transfer may not complete until Tuesday, which means your order will not ship until then. If you need the item sooner, use a debit card or credit card instead, which processes when ready.
Storing your bank account information for future purchases
When you add a bank account to your payment methods, Amazon stores your routing and account number on file. The next time you shop, you can select that account from your saved payment methods without re-entering the information. This is convenient if you plan to use the same account repeatedly.
You can remove a stored bank account at any time by going to Your Account, Payment Options, and selecting Delete next to the account. Amazon does not charge you for storing the information, and you can add multiple bank accounts if you have them.
What happens if you change banks
If you close the checking account linked to Amazon and open a new one, you will need to update your payment method. Log into Your Account, go to Payment Options, delete the old account, and add your new routing and account number. Amazon will not automatically update the information, so the next time you try to use the old account, the payment will fail.
If you forget to update it and attempt a purchase, Amazon will decline the payment and ask you to choose a different payment method or add a new one. You will not be charged for the failed attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give Amazon my routing and account number?
Amazon uses encryption to protect your information, and ACH transfers are a standard banking method used by millions of businesses and individuals daily. Your bank also monitors for fraud. That said, only enter your information on Amazon's official website or app, not through a link in an email or text message, which could be a phishing attempt.
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. Amazon accepts both checking and savings accounts. When you enter your information, select the correct account type so the payment routes to the right place. The process and timing are the same for both.
What if Amazon charges me twice by mistake?
Contact Amazon's customer service when ready and report the duplicate charge. They can see the transaction history and will issue a refund if a duplicate occurred. Most duplicate charges are reversed within one to three business days. If Amazon does not resolve it, contact your bank and report the unauthorized transaction.
Can I set a limit on how much Amazon can charge to my bank account?
Amazon does not offer spending limits tied to a specific payment method. You control what you spend by what you add to your cart and what you authorize at checkout. If you want to restrict spending, use a prepaid debit card or a separate checking account with a limited balance instead.
Do I need a debit card to use my checking account on Amazon?
No. The ACH method lets you pay directly from your checking account without a debit card. You only need your routing number and account number. However, if you have a debit card linked to the same account, you can use that instead — it processes faster.