Where to find your saved cards and update them

To change the credit card Amazon charges, go to your Amazon account and select Your Account from the dropdown menu in the top right. Then click Login & security or navigate directly to the payment methods section. You'll see a list of all cards you've saved to your account.

From there, you can add a new card, delete an old one, or set a different card as your default. Amazon will use your default card for new purchases unless you choose a different one at checkout. The process takes about two minutes and requires no phone call or customer service contact.

Key Takeaways

  • Your default payment method is what Amazon charges unless you pick a different card at checkout.
  • You can change your default card in Your Account under Login & security or the Payments section.
  • Adding a new card requires the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address.
  • If a card is declined at checkout, you can select a different saved card or add a new one before completing the order.
  • Deleting a card from your account does not affect past orders, only future purchases.

Setting a different card as your default payment method

Once you're in the payment methods section, look for the card marked as your default. Next to each saved card, you'll see options to edit, delete, or set as default. Click Set as default on whichever card you want Amazon to use going forward.

Amazon will remember this choice for all future purchases unless you change it again or select a different card during checkout. If you have multiple cards saved, you can switch between them as often as you want without any penalty or fee.

Adding a new card to your account

Click Add a payment method in the payment methods section. You'll enter the card number, expiration date, CVV (the three-digit security code on the back), and the billing address associated with that card. Amazon will verify the card is valid, which usually happens instantly.

Some cards may require additional verification, especially if the billing address doesn't match Amazon's records for your account. If verification fails, check that the address, name, and card details are entered exactly as they appear on your statement. You can then try adding the card again or contact your card issuer to confirm the card is active.

What happens if your card is declined at checkout

If Amazon tries to charge your default card and it's declined, you'll see a message before your order is placed. At that point, you can select a different saved card from your account or add a new one. Your order won't go through until you provide a working payment method.

A card can be declined for several reasons: the card is expired, the account is closed, there are insufficient funds, or the issuer flagged the transaction as suspicious. Contact your card issuer to find out why the decline happened. In the meantime, you can use a different card to complete your Amazon purchase.

Removing a card from your saved payment methods

To delete a card, go to your payment methods and click Delete next to the card you no longer want to use. Amazon will ask you to confirm the deletion. Once deleted, that card will no longer appear in your saved cards, and you won't be able to select it at checkout.

Deleting a card does not affect any orders you've already placed. Past charges remain on your account history, and your card issuer will still process those transactions normally. You can delete a card at any time, even if it has recent charges.

Changing your card for a specific order or subscription

If you have an Amazon subscription (Prime membership, Subscribe & Save orders, or a recurring delivery), you can change the payment method for that subscription separately from your default card. Go to Your Account, then Memberships and subscriptions or Manage Your Content and Devices, depending on what you're subscribed to.

For a one-time order, you can select a different card at the checkout page itself, even if it's not your default. This doesn't change your account default — it only applies to that single purchase. The next order will use your default card unless you choose differently again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my card after I've already placed an order?

If your order hasn't shipped yet, you can go to Your Orders, select the order, and change the payment method before it's charged. Once the order has been charged and shipped, you cannot change the card that was used. Contact Amazon customer service if you need to dispute a charge or request a refund.

What if I want to use a different card for Prime membership but a different one for regular purchases?

You can set separate payment methods for Prime and for regular purchases. Go to Your Account, then Memberships and subscriptions to change the card for Prime. Your default card in the payment methods section will be used for regular orders unless you pick a different one at checkout.

Do I need to update my card if I got a replacement card from my bank with a new number?

Yes. If your bank issued a new card with a different number (even if it's the same account), you'll need to add the new card to Amazon and delete the old one. Your bank will tell you whether the old card number will still work or if it's been deactivated.

Is it safe to save multiple cards on Amazon?

Yes. Amazon encrypts your card information and stores it securely. You control which cards are saved and which one is your default. You can delete any card at any time, and you're only charged when you complete a purchase.