Yes, you can pay Amazon with your checking account
Amazon accepts checking account payments through a service called Amazon Pay, which lets you link your bank account directly instead of using a credit or debit card. When you check out, you choose your bank account as the payment method, and Amazon pulls the money from your checking account just like a bill payment would.
This works whether you shop on Amazon.com itself or on other websites that accept Amazon Pay. The process is straightforward: you enter your bank routing number and account number once, Amazon verifies the account with two small deposits (usually under a dollar each), and then you can use it to pay going forward.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Pay lets you link your checking account to Amazon and use it as a payment method instead of a card.
- You will need your bank's routing number and your checking account number to set up the connection.
- Amazon verifies your account by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm them, which takes a few days.
- Once verified, you can use the same checking account to pay on Amazon and on other websites that accept Amazon Pay.
- Your bank may charge an overdraft fee if Amazon tries to charge more than you have available, so keep your balance in mind.
What information you need to set up Amazon Pay
To link your checking account to Amazon, you will need two pieces of information from your bank: your routing number and your account number. The routing number identifies your specific bank branch, and the account number identifies your account within that bank.
You can find both on the bottom left of any check you have. The routing number is the first set of nine digits, and the account number follows it. If you do not have checks, you can log into your bank's website or app, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, or visit a branch in person and ask for these numbers.
You will also need to verify your identity with Amazon — usually your name, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This is standard security practice and helps Amazon confirm you are the account holder.
How the verification process works
After you enter your routing and account numbers, Amazon deposits two small amounts into your checking account — usually between 1 and 99 cents each. These deposits appear within a few business days and show up in your bank statement with a code.
Once you see the deposits, you log back into Amazon, go to your payment settings, and enter the two amounts. This confirms that you have access to the account and that the routing and account numbers are correct. After Amazon confirms the amounts match, your checking account is verified and ready to use.
The whole process normally takes three to five business days from the time you first enter your account information. During this time, you can still shop on Amazon using a card or another payment method — you just cannot use the checking account yet.
What happens when you make a purchase
When you are ready to check out on Amazon, you select your linked checking account as the payment method instead of a credit card or debit card. Amazon then withdraws the purchase amount directly from your checking account, usually within one to two business days.
The transaction shows up in your bank statement as a debit from Amazon. If you are using Amazon Pay on another website (not Amazon.com), the process is the same — you choose to pay with Amazon Pay, log in if needed, and the money comes from your checking account.
One important thing to know: if your checking account does not have enough money when Amazon tries to charge it, your bank may charge you an overdraft fee. Amazon will still attempt the charge, so it is worth keeping track of your balance before you complete a purchase.
Why someone might choose a checking account over a card
Some people prefer to use their checking account directly because they do not have a credit card or debit card, or because they want to avoid carrying multiple cards. Using your checking account also means the money comes straight from your bank rather than going through a card network, which some people find simpler.
If you are new to banking or rebuilding your financial history, using your checking account for online purchases can be a way to shop without needing a separate card. It also gives you a clear record in your bank statement of what you spent and where.
However, debit cards and credit cards often come with fraud protections that checking account payments may not have to the same degree. Before you link your account, it is worth reading Amazon's payment protection policy to understand what happens if there is an unauthorized charge.
Security and what to watch for
When you link your checking account to Amazon, your routing and account numbers are encrypted and stored securely. Amazon does not share these numbers with merchants — instead, Amazon processes the payment on your behalf, similar to how a payment processor works.
That said, you should only link your account to Amazon if you trust the platform. Once your account is linked, anyone with access to your Amazon account can use that checking account to make purchases. This is why it is important to use a strong, unique password for Amazon and to enable two-factor authentication if Amazon offers it.
If you ever see a charge you do not recognize, contact Amazon customer service right away and also notify your bank. Your bank can dispute the charge and may be able to reverse it, depending on how quickly you report it.
Removing or changing your checking account on Amazon
If you want to stop using a checking account with Amazon, you can remove it from your payment methods at any time. Log into your Amazon account, go to your payment settings, find the linked checking account, and select the option to delete or remove it.
You can also add a different checking account if you switch banks or open a new account. The verification process is the same — Amazon will deposit two small amounts and ask you to confirm them. You can have multiple checking accounts linked to Amazon if you want, though you will choose which one to use at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon charge a fee to use my checking account?
Amazon does not charge you a fee for linking or using your checking account. However, your bank might charge an overdraft fee if the purchase amount exceeds your balance, so check your account before you buy.
Can I use Amazon Pay with my checking account on other websites?
Yes. Any website that displays an Amazon Pay button will let you pay with your linked checking account. You log in with your Amazon credentials, and the charge goes to whichever payment method you have selected in your Amazon account.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
Amazon will not be able to verify your account, and the verification deposits will go to the wrong bank. Contact Amazon customer service to start over, and make sure you have the correct numbers from your bank before trying again.
How long does it take for Amazon to charge my account after I place an order?
Usually one to two business days. The charge appears as a debit in your bank account and may take an additional day or two to fully process, depending on your bank.
Is it safer to use a checking account or a debit card on Amazon?
Both are reasonably safe if you use a strong password and monitor your account. Debit cards sometimes offer more fraud protection, but checking account payments go directly to your bank, which some people prefer. Read Amazon's payment protection policy to understand what is covered either way.