You can change your card on Amazon in under two minutes through your account settings
Amazon stores your payment method in your account so you don't have to enter it every time you order. If you want to use a different card, add a new one, or remove an old card, you do this through the "Your Account" menu — not during checkout. The process is the same whether you're switching to a card from a different bank, upgrading to a newer card from the same issuer, or replacing a card that's about to expire.
You'll need to be signed into your Amazon account and have the new card's details ready: the card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. If you're updating a card because it expired or was compromised, you should also contact your card issuer directly to report the change or dispute any unauthorized charges.
Key Takeaways
- Go to "Your Account," then "Your Payments," then "Manage payment methods" to see all cards linked to your Amazon account.
- You can add a new card without removing the old one, or delete an old card and add a new one in the same session.
- If a card is set as your default payment method, Amazon will use it automatically on your next order unless you choose a different card at checkout.
- Amazon does not charge your card just to verify it works — the card is tested only when you place an actual order.
- If you remove a card that was used for a recent order, that order's status and tracking information stay the same.
Step-by-step: Adding a new card to your account
Start by signing into Amazon and going to the top-right corner where your account name appears. Click on "Your Account." From there, look for "Your Payments" in the left-hand menu — this is where Amazon keeps all your payment information.
Click "Your Payments," then select "Manage payment methods." You'll see a list of every card currently linked to your account. At the top of this list, there's an "Add a payment method" button. Click it and choose "Credit or debit card" from the options that appear.
Enter the card number, expiration date, and security code. Amazon will also ask for the cardholder name and billing address. Make sure the address matches what your card issuer has on file — mismatches can cause payment problems later. Once you've entered everything, click "Add your card." Amazon will confirm the card has been added, and it's ready to use immediately.
Removing a card you no longer want to use
Go back to "Your Account" > "Your Payments" > "Manage payment methods." Find the card you want to remove and look for the three dots (⋯) or "Manage" button next to it. Click that button and select "Delete" or "Remove." Amazon will ask you to confirm — this is a safety step to prevent accidental deletion.
You cannot delete a card if it's your only payment method on file. If you're replacing your only card, add the new one first, then delete the old one. You also cannot delete a card that's currently being used for an active subscription (like Prime membership or a recurring delivery). If you're trying to remove a card and Amazon won't let you, check whether you have any active subscriptions tied to it and update those first.
Setting a default card and changing it for individual orders
Your default payment method is the card Amazon uses automatically when you place an order. You can see which card is set as default in the "Manage payment methods" screen — it will have a label that says "Default" or a checkmark next to it.
To change your default card, find the card you want to use most often, click the three dots next to it, and select "Set as default payment method." From that point on, Amazon will offer that card first when you check out, though you can still choose a different card at the final checkout step if you want.
If you want to use a different card for just one order, you don't have to change your default. At checkout, in the "Payment method" section, click "Change" and select the card you'd prefer for that purchase. Your default stays the same for future orders.
What happens when a card expires or gets declined
If a card on your account expires, Amazon doesn't automatically delete it — it stays in your account but marked as expired. If that card was your default payment method and you try to place an order, Amazon will ask you to choose a different card or add a new one before the order goes through.
If a card gets declined during checkout (because it's expired, over its limit, or flagged by your bank), Amazon will show you an error message and ask you to use a different payment method. This doesn't remove the card from your account — it just means that particular transaction couldn't go through. Contact your card issuer to find out why the decline happened, then try again with a different card or after the issue is resolved.
If you have an active subscription (Prime, a recurring delivery, or a digital service) and the card on file gets declined, Amazon will try the card a few times over several days. If all attempts fail, Amazon will pause the subscription and send you an email asking you to update your payment method. You have a grace period to add a working card before the subscription is canceled.
Security and what Amazon does with your card information
Amazon does not store your full card number on its servers the way it used to. Instead, it uses a system called tokenization, which means Amazon keeps a secure reference to your card rather than the actual number. When you make a purchase, Amazon sends that token to your card issuer, who processes the charge. This means even if Amazon's systems were compromised, a hacker couldn't get your card number directly.
Amazon also doesn't charge your card just to verify it works. Some services do a small test charge (like $1) to confirm a card is active, but Amazon doesn't. Your card is only charged when you actually place an order or when a subscription renews.
If you notice charges on your card that you didn't make, contact your card issuer immediately — don't wait. Your issuer can dispute the charge and issue you a new card if needed. You should also remove the compromised card from your Amazon account and change your Amazon password as a precaution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I delete a card and then need to see an old order I paid for with it?
Deleting a card from your account doesn't erase your order history. You can still see past orders, their status, and tracking information in "Your Orders" even if the card you used is no longer on file. The order details stay the same — only the payment method is removed from your active list.
Can I use a debit card on Amazon the same way as a credit card?
Yes. Debit cards work exactly the same way as credit cards on Amazon — you add them through "Manage payment methods," set them as default if you want, and use them for checkout. The only difference is that the money comes directly from your bank account instead of being billed to a credit line.
Do I have to update my card if it's expiring soon but I haven't received the new one yet?
Not immediately. You can keep the old card on file until the new one arrives. Once you have the new card in hand, add it to your account and set it as default. Then you can delete the expired card. If you try to order before the new card arrives and your old card is declined, you'll be prompted to choose a different payment method at checkout.
What if Amazon won't let me add a card?
The most common reason is that the billing address you entered doesn't match what your card issuer has on file. Double-check the address, including the zip code and any apartment or suite numbers. If the address is correct and Amazon still rejects it, contact your card issuer to make sure the card isn't flagged or locked. Some banks block online transactions by default until you call and authorize them.
If I remove a card, will it affect my Prime membership?
Only if that card was the one linked to your Prime subscription. If you remove a card and Prime is still active on a different card, nothing changes. If you remove the card Prime is using, Amazon will pause your membership and email you asking for a new payment method. You'll have time to add a different card before Prime is canceled.