Yes, you can link your bank account to Amazon and use it to pay for purchases
Amazon accepts direct bank account payments through a service called Amazon Pay, which lets you connect your checking or savings account to your Amazon account and pay for orders without using a credit or debit card. When you choose this payment method at checkout, Amazon transfers money directly from your bank account to complete the purchase.
This works differently from using a debit card. With a debit card, the card itself is the payment method. With a bank account link, Amazon accesses your account information directly. The money still leaves your account, but the transaction happens through the banking system rather than through a card network.
Not every bank works with Amazon Pay, and not every Amazon seller accepts it. Amazon Pay is most commonly available through larger banks and credit unions, though availability varies by region. Some smaller or independent sellers on Amazon's marketplace may only accept credit cards or debit cards, so you may still need a card as a backup payment method.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Pay lets you connect your checking or savings account directly to your Amazon account for purchases, without needing a credit or debit card.
- Your bank must support Amazon Pay, which is more common at larger banks and credit unions but not universal.
- Amazon transfers money directly from your bank account when you use this payment method, so funds leave your account the same way they would with a debit card.
- Some sellers on Amazon's marketplace may not accept bank account payments, so having a backup card can prevent checkout problems.
- You control which bank account is linked to your Amazon account and can change or remove it at any time.
How to link your bank account to Amazon
Start by going to your Amazon account settings. On a computer, click the account icon in the top right corner and select "Your Account." On a phone, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) and scroll to "Your Account." Look for a section called "Login & security" or "Payment options" — the exact name varies depending on whether you are using a computer or phone.
Select "Add a payment method" or "Manage payment methods." Choose "Bank account" from the list of options. Amazon will ask for your bank's name, your account type (checking or savings), your account number, and your routing number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank. You can find both numbers at the bottom left of any check you have, or by calling your bank or logging into your online banking.
After you enter this information, Amazon typically verifies the account by making two small test deposits into your bank account — usually between 1 and 5 cents each. These deposits appear in your account within a few business days. Amazon will ask you to confirm the exact amounts of these deposits to prove you control the account. Once you confirm them, your bank account is linked and ready to use.
When Amazon Pay is not available at checkout
If you do not see a bank account payment option when you are checking out, it usually means one of three things: your bank does not participate in Amazon Pay, the seller does not accept it, or your account has not finished the verification process.
If you just linked your account, wait for the two test deposits to arrive and complete the verification step. This usually takes three to five business days. If you completed verification but still do not see the option, contact your bank to ask whether they support Amazon Pay. Some banks have it available only for certain account types or only in certain states.
If your bank does support it and your account is verified, the seller you are buying from may straightforward not accept bank account payments. In this case, you will need to use a credit card, debit card, or another payment method the seller does accept. You can check what payment methods a seller accepts by looking at their storefront or by contacting them directly.
Security and fraud protection with bank account payments
When you link your bank account to Amazon, you are giving Amazon permission to withdraw money from that account when you authorize a purchase. Amazon does not store your full account number or routing number in a way that is visible to sellers or other third parties. The information is encrypted, meaning it is scrambled into a code that only Amazon can read.
If someone gains unauthorized access to your Amazon account and makes a purchase using your linked bank account, your bank's fraud protection rules still explore. Contact your bank when ready if you notice a purchase you did not make. Banks are required by law to investigate unauthorized transactions and typically refund fraudulent charges within a set timeframe, though the exact process varies by bank.
You can remove your bank account from Amazon at any time by going back to your payment methods and deleting it. This stops Amazon from being able to withdraw money from that account, though it does not affect purchases you already made.
Bank account payments versus debit and credit cards on Amazon
The main difference between paying with a bank account and paying with a debit card is how the transaction is processed. A debit card is a physical card that draws from your checking account, while a bank account link is a direct connection to your account without a card in between. Both remove money from your account right away, but they use different banking pathways.
Credit cards offer fraud protection that debit cards and bank accounts do not always provide in the same way. If you dispute a credit card charge, the credit card company investigates and you are not responsible for the charge while they do. With a debit card or bank account, the money leaves your account when ready, and you have to ask your bank to return it. This can take longer and may temporarily leave you without those funds.
Some people prefer bank account payments because they do not want to carry a credit card or because they want to avoid credit card debt. Others prefer credit cards for the fraud protection and the rewards points that credit cards often offer. Amazon Pay lets you choose based on what works for your situation.
What happens if your bank account information changes
If you close the bank account that is linked to Amazon, you need to update your payment method in Amazon before you try to make another purchase. Go to your payment methods and either remove the old account or update it with your new account information. If you try to make a purchase with an account that no longer exists, the transaction will fail and Amazon will ask you to choose a different payment method.
If you switch banks, you can link your new bank account to Amazon the same way you linked the first one. You do not have to remove the old account first, though it is a good idea to do so to avoid confusion. Once your new account is verified, you can set it as your default payment method so Amazon uses it automatically for future purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit score or good credit to link my bank account to Amazon?
No. Amazon Pay does not check your credit score or credit history. You only need a valid checking or savings account at a bank that supports Amazon Pay. The verification process only confirms that you own the account — it does not involve any credit check.
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes, most banks allow you to link either a checking or savings account to Amazon Pay. When you enter your account information, you will be asked to specify which type of account it is. Some banks may have restrictions on which account types work, so if you run into trouble, contact your bank to ask.
How long does it take for money to leave my account after I make a purchase?
Money typically leaves your account within one to three business days, similar to a debit card transaction. The exact timing depends on your bank and when Amazon processes the payment. You can see pending transactions in your online banking, and they will show as complete once they settle.
What if the two test deposits do not show up in my account?
Wait five to seven business days, as deposits can take longer depending on your bank. If they still have not arrived, your bank may not support Amazon Pay, or there may be an issue with the account information you entered. Contact your bank to confirm they support Amazon Pay, and check that your account number and routing number were entered correctly. You may need to remove the account from Amazon and try again.
Can I use the same bank account for multiple Amazon accounts?
No. Each bank account can only be linked to one Amazon account. If you try to link the same account to a different Amazon account, Amazon will not allow it. You would need to use a different bank account or a different payment method for the second account.