How to Remove a Card From Amazon
To delete a credit card from Amazon, sign into your account, go to Account & Lists in the top right, select Your Account, then choose Login & security. Scroll down to Manage payment methods and click the card you want to remove. Select Delete and confirm. The card is removed from your account immediately, though Amazon may keep a record of it for transaction history.
You cannot delete a card that is currently set as your default payment method. If the card you want to remove is marked as default, you must first add a different card to your account and set it as default. Only then can you delete the original card.
If you are trying to delete a card because it is expired, compromised, or you simply no longer use it, removing it from Amazon does not affect the card itself or your bank account. The deletion only stops Amazon from charging that card for future purchases.
Key Takeaways
- You must set a different card as your default payment method before you can delete the card currently marked as default.
- The deletion happens immediately and prevents Amazon from using that card for future orders.
- Amazon keeps records of deleted cards for your transaction history, but the card is no longer available for new charges.
- Deleting a card from Amazon does not close the card, freeze it, or change anything with your bank.
Why You Cannot Delete Your Default Card
Amazon requires at least one active payment method on file at all times. If you have only one card saved to your account, that card is automatically your default, and Amazon will not let you delete it. The system prevents you from removing the only way Amazon can charge you for purchases.
If you try to delete your default card without adding another one first, Amazon will show an error message saying the card is your primary payment method and cannot be removed. You will need to add a new card, set it as default, and then return to delete the old one.
Steps to Add a New Card Before Deleting the Old One
If your current card is set as default, add a replacement card first. Go to Account & Lists, select Your Account, then Login & security. Scroll to Manage payment methods and click Add a payment method. Enter the new card details and click Add your card.
Once the new card is added, you will see both cards listed under your payment methods. Click on the new card and select Set as default. Amazon will now use this card for future purchases unless you specify otherwise at checkout. After the new card is set as default, you can return to the old card and delete it.
What Happens to Your Transaction History
Deleting a card from Amazon does not erase past purchases made with that card. Your order history remains intact, and you can still view receipts and refunds tied to the deleted card. Amazon maintains these records for your protection and for tax purposes.
If you need to dispute a charge or request a refund for an order paid with a deleted card, you can still do so through your order history. The deletion only removes the card from your active payment methods; it does not affect completed transactions.
Deleting a Card That Is Expired or Compromised
If a card is expired or you believe it has been compromised, removing it from Amazon is a straightforward step, but it is not the only action you should take. Deleting the card from Amazon stops new charges, but you should also contact your bank or card issuer directly to report the issue or request a replacement card.
If the card was compromised, your bank may freeze it or issue a new card with a different number. Once you receive the new card, add it to Amazon and set it as default before deleting the old one. If the card is simply expired and your bank has already issued a replacement with the same number, you may be able to update the expiration date instead of deleting and re-adding the card.
Removing a Card Linked to a Specific Amazon Service
Some Amazon services—such as Prime Video, Kindle, or Amazon Music—may have their own payment method settings separate from your main Amazon account. If you want to stop a service from charging a particular card, you may need to change the payment method within that service's settings, not just delete the card from your main account.
For example, if you have a subscription through Prime Video, go to that service's account settings and update the payment method there. Deleting the card from your main Amazon account will eventually prevent charges, but changing the payment method within the service itself is faster and more direct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a card if I have an active subscription or pending order?
You can delete a card even if you have active subscriptions or pending orders, as long as it is not your default payment method. However, if a subscription is set to charge that specific card, you should update the subscription's payment method first to avoid service interruption. For pending orders, the card will not be charged once it is deleted, so contact Amazon customer service if an order is about to ship.
What if I delete a card and then want to use it again?
You can add the same card back to your account at any time by going to Manage payment methods and clicking Add a payment method. Enter the card details again and Amazon will recognize it. There is no penalty for removing and re-adding a card.
Does deleting a card from Amazon affect my credit score?
No. Deleting a card from Amazon is purely an account management action and has no effect on your credit score or credit report. Your bank and credit card issuer do not receive notification that you removed the card from a retailer's website.
Can someone else delete my cards if they have access to my account?
Yes. Anyone with access to your Amazon account login can delete your payment methods. If you share your account or suspect unauthorized access, change your password immediately through Login & security and review your payment methods to make sure all cards are ones you recognize.
Will Amazon ask me to confirm the deletion?
Amazon will show a confirmation prompt before the card is deleted. You must click Delete again to complete the removal. This prevents accidental deletion, but the confirmation step is quick and does not require you to enter a password or code.