Yes, you can pay Amazon with a checking account, but not directly
Amazon does not accept checking account numbers the way it accepts credit cards or debit cards. However, you can connect your checking account to Amazon through a linked payment method, and the most common way is by adding your bank account to Amazon Pay or linking it through your Amazon account's payment settings.
The process varies slightly depending on whether you want to use your checking account for a one-time purchase or set it up as a recurring payment method. In both cases, Amazon will verify your account by depositing small amounts into your checking account—usually two deposits of less than $1 each—which you then confirm in your Amazon account to prove you own the account.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon verifies checking accounts by depositing two small amounts (under $1 each) that you must confirm within a set timeframe, usually 30 days.
- You can add your checking account through your Amazon account payment settings or through Amazon Pay if you shop at third-party retailers.
- Once verified, your checking account acts like a debit card for purchases, with funds withdrawn directly from your bank.
- If verification deposits do not arrive within 5 to 7 business days, contact your bank to confirm they are not being filtered as spam or blocked.
How to add a checking account to your Amazon account
Log into your Amazon account and go to Your Account, then select Your Payments or Payment Options (the exact label depends on your device and account type). Look for the option to add a bank account or payment method. Amazon will ask for your routing number and account number—both appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find them by logging into your bank's website or app.
After you enter this information, Amazon sends two small deposits to your checking account. These deposits typically arrive within 5 to 7 business days. Once they appear, return to your Amazon payment settings and enter the exact amounts of both deposits. Amazon will then mark your account as verified, and you can use it to pay for purchases.
Do not close your Amazon account or remove the payment method until verification is complete. If you do, Amazon cannot confirm the deposits and you will have to start over.
What happens during the verification process
The two deposits Amazon sends are real money—they are not holds or pending charges. Once you confirm the amounts, Amazon leaves the money in your account; you do not have to return it. The deposits usually appear as "AMAZON" or "AMZN" in your checking account statement, making them straightforward to spot.
The entire verification process normally takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you enter your account information. If you do not see the deposits after 7 business days, check your bank's spam or pending transactions folder. Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious and hold them temporarily. Contact your bank's customer service and ask them to release the deposits if they are being held.
Once verified, your checking account remains linked to your Amazon account indefinitely unless you remove it. You can use it to pay for any purchase on Amazon.com or through Amazon Pay at other retailers.
Using your checking account for Amazon purchases
After verification, your checking account appears in your payment options at checkout. You can select it as your payment method just as you would a credit card. Amazon will withdraw the full purchase amount from your checking account within 1 to 3 business days, depending on your bank's processing speed.
Unlike a credit card, using your checking account means the money leaves your bank account when ready (or very soon after purchase). You do not build a credit history with these purchases, and you do not earn rewards or cash back unless your bank offers its own checking account rewards program.
When your checking account does not verify
If the deposits do not arrive after 10 business days, the most common cause is that your bank is blocking them or your routing and account numbers were entered incorrectly. Double-check both numbers against a recent check or your bank's website. Routing numbers are nine digits; account numbers vary in length but are usually 10 to 12 digits.
If the numbers are correct, contact your bank and ask whether they are filtering Amazon's deposits. Some banks flag unfamiliar senders or small deposits as fraud prevention. Ask your bank to whitelist Amazon or to release any pending deposits. Once released, they should appear in your account within 1 to 2 business days.
If deposits still do not arrive after your bank confirms they are not being blocked, remove the payment method from your Amazon account and try adding it again. Sometimes a technical error on Amazon's end prevents the deposits from being sent. Starting fresh often resolves the issue.
Using Amazon Pay with your checking account
Amazon Pay is Amazon's payment service for third-party retailers and websites. If you shop at stores that accept Amazon Pay, you can use your linked checking account to pay without entering your bank details again. The process is the same: your checking account must be verified through your main Amazon account first.
When you check out at a retailer that uses Amazon Pay, you log in with your Amazon credentials and select your payment method—which can be your checking account. The retailer never sees your bank details; Amazon handles the transaction and deposits the funds into the retailer's account.
Security and fraud protection for checking accounts on Amazon
Amazon does not charge you to link a checking account, and the verification deposits are not a fee. Your bank account information is encrypted when you send it to Amazon, and Amazon does not share your account number with retailers when you use Amazon Pay.
If you notice unauthorized charges on your checking account after linking it to Amazon, contact your bank when ready. Banks typically cover unauthorized transactions on checking accounts under their fraud protection policies, though the timeline for a refund varies. Document the unauthorized charge and provide your bank with the transaction details from your Amazon account.
You can remove your checking account from Amazon at any time by going to Your Payments and deleting the payment method. Once removed, Amazon cannot charge your account, though any pending transactions will still process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to verify a checking account on Amazon?
Verification usually takes 7 to 10 business days total. The two deposits arrive within 5 to 7 business days, and you confirm them when ready. Once confirmed, your account is ready to use. If deposits are delayed by your bank, verification can take up to 14 days.
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. Amazon's verification process works the same way for savings accounts. You enter your routing number and account number, receive two deposits, and confirm them. The only difference is that funds are withdrawn from your savings account instead of checking.
What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?
The deposits will go to the wrong account, and verification will fail. You can remove the payment method and add it again with the correct numbers. If you accidentally sent deposits to someone else's account, contact Amazon customer service to report the error.
Do I earn rewards or cash back when I pay Amazon with my checking account?
No. Checking accounts do not earn rewards through Amazon. You only earn rewards if your bank offers a rewards checking account, which is separate from Amazon's rewards program. Credit cards linked to Amazon may offer cash back or points depending on the card.
Can I remove my checking account from Amazon after it is verified?
Yes. Go to Your Payments, find your checking account, and select the option to delete or remove it. Any purchases already made will still process, but Amazon cannot charge the account after you remove it.