You can link your checking account to Amazon and pay directly from it
Amazon accepts checking account payments through a service called Amazon Pay, which lets you use your bank account instead of a credit or debit card. When you check out, you choose your bank from a list, log in to your online banking, and authorize the payment. Amazon then pulls the money directly from your checking account — no card needed.
This works whether you have a traditional bank account or a second-chance account. The process is the same: you connect your account once, and Amazon remembers it for future purchases. You can also use the same connection to pay for things on other websites that accept Amazon Pay, though this guide focuses on Amazon itself.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Pay lets you pay from your checking account by logging into your online banking during checkout instead of entering card details.
- You need online banking access and a checking account in your own name to set up the connection.
- The first time takes about five minutes; after that, you can pay in two clicks on future orders.
- Money leaves your account within one to three business days, the same as a debit card purchase.
- If a payment fails, Amazon will retry it automatically, but you can also retry manually from your account.
What you need before you start
You need three things: a checking account in your own name, access to online banking for that account, and an Amazon account. The checking account does not need to be new or have a minimum balance — any account you can log into online will work.
If you do not have online banking set up yet, contact your bank or credit union and ask them to set up it. Most banks do this when ready over the phone or through their website. You will need your account number, a form of ID, and sometimes a temporary password they send by mail or text. Once online banking is active, you can proceed with Amazon Pay.
How to link your checking account to Amazon for the first time
Go to Amazon.com and sign into your account. Add an item to your cart and go to checkout. On the payment page, look for a section that says "Add a payment method" or similar wording — the exact phrase varies depending on whether you are on a phone or computer.
Select "Amazon Pay" or "Bank Account" from the list of payment options. Amazon will show you a list of banks and credit unions. Find yours and click it. You will be taken to your bank's login page — this is your real bank website, not Amazon's, so your password is safe. Log in and you will see a screen asking you to authorize Amazon to take payments from your account. Click authorize or confirm. Amazon will then verify your account by making two small test deposits (usually less than one dollar each) into your checking account.
This verification takes one to two business days. Once the deposits appear, Amazon will ask you to enter the amounts to confirm you received them. After you do, your account is linked and ready to use.
Completing a purchase with your linked checking account
Once your account is linked, paying is fast. Add items to your cart, go to checkout, and on the payment page select your bank account from the list of saved payment methods. Review your order total and click "Place Order" or "Complete Purchase." That is it — no card number, no extra codes to enter.
The money will leave your checking account within one to three business days, depending on your bank. You will see the charge in your online banking the same way you would see a debit card purchase. Amazon will send you a receipt to your email address on file.
What happens if a payment fails
If your account does not have enough money when Amazon tries to charge it, the payment will fail. Amazon will automatically retry the charge once or twice over the next few days. If it fails again, your order will be cancelled and you will get an email from Amazon explaining why.
To fix this, add money to your checking account and go back to your Amazon account. Find the order in your purchase history, select it, and look for a button that says "Retry Payment" or "Try Again." Click it and Amazon will attempt the charge again. If you do not see a retry option, you can place the order again from scratch using the same linked account.
Removing or changing your linked checking account
If you want to stop using a particular checking account with Amazon, go to your Amazon account settings and find the payment methods section. Look for the bank account you linked and select "Remove" or "Delete." The account will no longer appear as a payment option, though you can link a different account anytime.
If you switch banks or close your checking account, you should remove the old account from Amazon before the account closes. This prevents failed payments on future orders. You can then link your new account using the same process described above.
Security and what Amazon can and cannot do
When you link your checking account, Amazon cannot see your password or your full account number. Instead, your bank creates a find connection that lets Amazon request payments only — your bank controls whether to approve each charge. You can revoke this permission anytime by removing the account from Amazon or by contacting your bank directly.
Amazon Pay is protected by the same fraud rules as debit card purchases. If someone makes an unauthorized charge, your bank's dispute process applies. Contact your bank within 60 days of noticing the charge, and they will investigate. Most banks refund the money while they look into it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Amazon Pay if I have a second-chance checking account?
Yes. As long as you have online banking access and the account is in your name, Amazon Pay will work. The account type does not matter to Amazon — only that you can log in and authorize payments.
What if my bank is not on the list when I try to link?
Some smaller banks and credit unions are not yet supported by Amazon Pay. If yours is not listed, you can still pay by adding a debit card instead. Contact your bank to ask if they plan to support Amazon Pay in the future.
Do I have to use Amazon Pay, or can I still use a card?
You can use either. Once you link your checking account, it appears as an option at checkout alongside any cards you have saved. You can choose which one to use for each purchase.
How long does the verification with the test deposits take?
The test deposits usually arrive within one to two business days. Once they appear in your account, you have up to 30 days to confirm the amounts with Amazon. After that, your account is fully linked and ready to use.
Can someone else use my linked checking account to buy things?
Only if they have access to your Amazon account password. If someone logs into your Amazon account, they can see your linked bank account and use it to pay. This is why keeping your Amazon password private is important — treat it the same way you treat your online banking password.