Yes, you can use a checking account to pay for Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime accepts checking account payments through a few different routes. The most straightforward is to link your checking account directly to your Amazon account as a payment method — Amazon calls this a "bank account" option, and it works by storing your routing number and account number securely. You can also pay for Prime using a debit card tied to your checking account, which many people find simpler because they do not have to enter banking details. A third option is to use a prepaid card loaded from your checking account, though this adds an extra step.
The key difference between these routes is how Amazon processes the payment. When you link your checking account directly, Amazon pulls the money electronically on the date your subscription renews — usually once a year or once a month, depending on which plan you chose. When you use a debit card, the transaction looks the same to Amazon, but your bank sees it as a card purchase rather than an electronic transfer. Both work equally well; the choice comes down to which method feels more familiar to you.
Key Takeaways
- You can link your checking account directly to Amazon by providing your routing number and account number, and Amazon will charge it automatically when your subscription renews.
- Using a debit card connected to your checking account is often simpler and works the same way from Amazon's perspective.
- Amazon Prime costs vary depending on whether you choose a monthly or annual plan, and the charge will appear on your bank statement under Amazon's name.
- If your checking account does not have enough money when Amazon tries to charge you, the payment will fail and your Prime membership may be suspended until you update your payment method.
How to link your checking account directly to Amazon
Start by going to your Amazon account settings. On a computer, click "Account" in the top right corner, then select "Your Account" from the dropdown menu. On a phone or tablet, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) and scroll down to "Your Account." Once you are in your account, look for a section called "Login & security" or "Payment options" — the exact name varies depending on whether you are using the website or the app.
In the payment section, select "Add a payment method" or "Edit payment methods." Choose "Bank account" from the list of options. Amazon will ask you for your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your checking account number. You can find both on a check, or by logging into your bank's website or app. Enter these details carefully — a mistake here will cause the payment to fail. Amazon will then verify the account by making two small test deposits, usually within one to two business days. You will need to confirm these amounts in your Amazon account to complete the link.
Using a debit card instead
If linking your checking account directly feels risky or complicated, a debit card is a simpler alternative. Most checking accounts come with a debit card, and you can use it to pay for Amazon Prime just like you would use a credit card. The process is the same: go to your payment methods in your Amazon account and select "Add a payment method," then choose "Debit or credit card" and enter your card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back.
The advantage of using a debit card is that you do not have to share your full account number with Amazon — only the card number, which is easier to dispute if something goes wrong. The disadvantage is that debit card transactions sometimes take longer to process than direct bank transfers, so there is a slightly higher chance of a timing issue if your account is low on funds. For most people, though, this is not a real problem.
What happens if your payment fails
If Amazon tries to charge your checking account and there is not enough money, the transaction will be declined. Amazon will usually send you an email letting you know the payment failed and asking you to update your payment method. You have a grace period — usually a few days — to fix it before Amazon suspends your Prime membership. Once you update your payment method, the charge will go through and your membership will be restored.
If you do not update your payment method within the grace period, your Prime benefits will stop. You will not be able to use Prime shipping, Prime Video, or any other Prime features until you add a working payment method and pay the overdue amount. The good news is that you do not lose your membership permanently — you just need to update your payment information and catch up on the charge.
Checking account requirements for Amazon Prime
Your checking account does not need to meet any special requirements to work with Amazon. You do not need a minimum balance, a certain type of account, or a specific bank. Any U.S. checking account with a routing number and account number will work. If your account is very new (less than a few days old), Amazon's verification process might take longer, but it will still work once the account is fully active.
The only real requirement is that your account has enough money in it when Amazon charges you. Prime costs either about $15 per month or about $139 per year, depending on which plan you choose — these prices vary slightly over time, so check Amazon's website for the current amount. Make sure your checking account has at least that much available when your subscription renews, or the payment will fail.
How to change or remove your checking account
If you want to stop using your checking account for Amazon Prime, go back to your payment methods in your Amazon account and delete the bank account from the list. You will need to add a different payment method (a debit card, credit card, or another bank account) before you delete the old one, or Amazon will not let you remove it. This prevents you from accidentally leaving yourself with no way to pay.
If you want to change to a different checking account — for example, if you switched banks — you can add the new account and then delete the old one. The process is the same: go to payment methods, add the new bank account, verify it with the test deposits, and then remove the old one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon charge my checking account right away or on a specific date?
Amazon charges your checking account on the date your subscription renews, not when you first sign up. If you start a Prime membership on the 15th of the month and choose a monthly plan, Amazon will charge you every 15th. If you choose an annual plan, it will charge you once a year on that same date. You will receive an email a few days before the charge so you know it is coming.
Is it safe to give Amazon my routing number and account number?
Yes, it is safe. Amazon encrypts this information and stores it securely. Thousands of people link their checking accounts to Amazon every day. The main risk is if someone gains access to your Amazon account itself — which is why using a strong, unique password for Amazon is important. If you are still uncomfortable, using a debit card instead is just as safe and does not require sharing your full account number.
What if I close my checking account after linking it to Amazon?
If you close your checking account, Amazon will not be able to charge it when your subscription renews. The payment will fail, and you will receive an email asking you to update your payment method. You will have a grace period to add a new payment method before your Prime membership is suspended. Make sure to update your payment information before closing an old account.
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Amazon's system is designed for checking accounts, but some savings accounts have routing and account numbers and may work. The safest approach is to use a checking account, since that is what Amazon expects. If you only have a savings account, contact your bank to ask whether it has a routing number and account number, and then try linking it to Amazon. If it does not work, you can use a debit card tied to your savings account instead.
Will Amazon charge me extra fees for using my checking account?
No. Amazon does not charge any fees for linking or using your checking account. However, your bank might charge you a fee if the payment fails and causes an overdraft. To avoid this, make sure your checking account has enough money when your subscription renews.