You can change your linked checking account through your Amazon account settings
Amazon Smile lets you donate a portion of your purchases to a charity of your choice, and the money comes from your checking account. If you need to switch to a different checking account — because you closed the old one, changed banks, or straightforward want to use a different account — you can update this information yourself through Amazon's website or app in just a few steps.
The process takes about five minutes and doesn't require you to contact Amazon support unless something goes wrong. Your new account information takes effect on your next may be able to access purchase.
Key Takeaways
- You update your checking account through your Amazon account settings, not through a separate Smile portal.
- You will need your new checking account number and routing number ready before you start.
- Changes take effect on your next purchase, so there is no waiting period.
- If Amazon declines your new account information, check that your routing number matches your bank's official records.
Steps to change your account on the Amazon website
Start by going to Amazon.com and signing into your account. In the top right corner, click on "Account & Lists," then select "Your Account" from the dropdown menu. Look for a section called "Payment options" or "Wallet" — the exact name varies depending on when your account was created, but it is always in the main account settings area.
Once you are in the payment section, find the checking account you currently have linked. Next to it, you should see an "Edit" or "Update" button. Click that button, and Amazon will ask you to enter your new account number and routing number. Enter both carefully — a single wrong digit will cause the update to fail. After you enter the information, click "Save" or "Confirm," and you are done.
If you do not see a checking account listed, you may have set up Smile to charge a credit card instead. In that case, you would need to remove the credit card and add a checking account as a new payment method before you can use Smile again.
Steps to change your account on the Amazon app
Open the Amazon app and tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Tap "Account" and then scroll down to find "Payment options" or "Wallet." The layout is slightly different from the website, but the information you need is in the same place.
Tap on your current checking account, then tap "Edit" or "Update." Enter your new account number and routing number exactly as they appear on a check or your bank's website. Tap "Save" when you are finished. The app will confirm that the change went through.
Where to find your routing number and account number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. Your account number is the unique number for your individual checking account. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account — the routing number comes first, then your account number.
If you do not have checks, you can find both numbers by logging into your bank's website or app. Most banks display this information on the main account page or in a section labeled "Account Details" or "Account Information." You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read both numbers to you over the phone.
Do not use a number from a savings account, money market account, or any other account type. Amazon Smile only works with checking accounts, so make sure you are looking at the right account.
What happens if Amazon rejects your new account information
If you see an error message after entering your new account details, the most common reason is a typo in either the routing number or account number. Go back and check both numbers against your bank records or a recent check. Even one digit off will cause the update to fail.
Less often, your bank may not accept the connection right away. Some banks have security settings that block new connections from unfamiliar websites. If this happens, contact your bank and ask them to allow Amazon to connect to your account. Once they do, try updating your information again in Amazon.
If you have tried multiple times and the account still will not work, you can remove the old account and add the new one as a completely new payment method. Go back to your payment options, delete the old checking account, and then click "Add a payment method" to enter your new account information from scratch.
What to do if you closed your old checking account
If your old checking account is already closed, you should update your Amazon information as soon as you can. Amazon may try to charge your old account on your next purchase, and when that fails, the transaction will be declined. This will not hurt your credit, but it means your Smile donation will not go through and your purchase may not complete.
Update your account information before you make your next purchase if possible. If you have already made a purchase and it was declined, you can go back and complete the purchase again using your new account information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
No. Amazon Smile only accepts checking accounts. If you try to enter a savings account number, the system will reject it. You must use a checking account for your Smile donations.
How long does it take for the new account to start working?
Your new account takes effect on your next purchase. There is no waiting period. As soon as you save the new information, it is active in your account.
Will changing my account affect my regular Amazon purchases?
No. Changing your Smile checking account only affects donations to your chosen charity. Your regular Amazon purchases will continue to charge whatever payment method you have set as your default (usually a credit card or different checking account).
What if I want to stop using Smile altogether?
You can remove your checking account from Smile by going to your payment options and deleting the account. This does not close your bank account — it just removes the connection between Amazon and that account. You can add it back later if you change your mind.
Do I need to tell Amazon about my new bank if I switched banks?
Only if you want to use your new bank's checking account for Smile. If you are switching to a different bank, your old account will eventually stop working when the old bank closes it. Update your information before that happens to avoid declined transactions.