Where to find the payment method settings on Amazon
To update a credit card on Amazon, go to your account by clicking the "Account" link in the top right corner of any Amazon page. From there, select "Your Account" from the dropdown menu, then look for "Login & security" in the left sidebar. Under that section, you will see "Payment options" — this is where all your stored cards live.
Once you click "Payment options," Amazon shows you every card currently saved to your account. Each card displays the last four digits, the card type (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover), and the expiration date. You can add a new card, remove an old one, or edit the details of an existing card from this single page.
Key Takeaways
- Payment method settings are in your Account menu under "Login & security," then "Payment options" — not in checkout.
- You can update an expiring card by editing it directly, or delete it and add a new one with the same number.
- Amazon does not automatically update your card when your bank issues a replacement with the same number; you must do it yourself.
- If a card is declined during checkout, Amazon will prompt you to update it immediately, but you can also update it ahead of time to avoid that moment.
Editing an existing card instead of deleting it
If your card number has not changed but the expiration date or CVV has, click the card you want to update. Amazon opens a small edit window where you can change the expiration date and CVV without re-entering the full card number. This is the fastest route if your bank sent you a replacement card with the same number.
After you make the change, click "Update" and Amazon saves it immediately. The card remains in the same position in your payment methods list, and any subscriptions or saved preferences tied to that card stay attached to it. You do not have to re-authorize anything.
Adding a new card when the number has changed
If you received a completely new card number — because your old card was compromised, expired without a replacement, or you switched banks — click "Add a payment method" on the Payment options page. Amazon asks for the card number, expiration date, CVV, and the cardholder name and billing address. Fill in all fields exactly as they appear on your card and statement.
Once you add the new card, it appears in your payment methods list. You can then delete the old card by clicking the three-dot menu next to it and selecting "Delete." Amazon will not automatically use the new card for future purchases; you must set it as your default payment method if you want it to be the first option at checkout.
Setting a default payment method
Amazon lets you choose which card is your primary payment method. On the Payment options page, the card marked "Default" will be pre-selected at checkout, though you can always change it before you complete a purchase. To change your default, click the card you want to use most often and select "Set as default payment method."
This matters if you have multiple cards saved. Without a default set, Amazon may pick one at random or use the most recently added card. If you have a card you use for most purchases, setting it as default saves you a click at checkout.
What happens when a card is declined at checkout
If Amazon tries to charge a card and it is declined — because it expired, was reported lost, or the bank blocked the transaction — Amazon stops the checkout and asks you to update your payment method. You can either edit the card that was declined or pick a different one from your saved list. Amazon does not charge you again until you confirm the new payment method and complete the order.
A declined card does not get automatically deleted from your account. It stays in your payment methods list until you remove it manually. If the decline was temporary (for example, your bank's fraud filter blocked it), you can contact your bank, then come back and try the same card again.
Removing a card you no longer use
To delete a card from your account, go to Payment options, find the card in the list, click the three-dot menu next to it, and select "Delete." Amazon asks you to confirm the deletion. Once you confirm, the card is removed and cannot be used for future purchases on your account.
You cannot delete a card if it is currently set as your default payment method. If you try, Amazon will ask you to set a different card as default first. This prevents you from accidentally removing your only payment method. If you have only one card saved and want to delete it, you must add a new card before you can remove the old one.
Updating payment methods for subscriptions and recurring charges
If you have an active Amazon subscription — such as Prime, Kindle Unlimited, or a Subscribe & Save order — updating your primary payment method does not automatically update the card used for those recurring charges. Instead, Amazon uses whichever card was saved to that subscription when you set it up.
To change the card for a specific subscription, go to "Your Memberships and Subscriptions" or "Manage Your Subscribe & Save Items" in your Account menu. Find the subscription, click "Edit payment method," and choose a different card from your saved list. The next charge will use the new card you selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Amazon automatically update my card if my bank sends me a replacement with the same number?
No. Even if your bank reissues the same card number with a new expiration date, you must update it yourself on Amazon. Your bank does not notify Amazon of the change. If you do not update it, the card will be declined when Amazon tries to charge it after the old expiration date passes.
Can I update my card during checkout, or do I have to go to Account settings?
You can do both. If a card is declined during checkout, Amazon prompts you to update it right there. But you can also update cards ahead of time in your Account settings under Payment options. Updating ahead of time prevents a declined card from interrupting your purchase.
What if I delete a card by mistake?
You can add it back by going to Payment options and clicking "Add a payment method." Enter the card details again and it will be restored to your account. Amazon does not keep a record of deleted cards, so you will need the card itself or your bank statement to re-enter the number.
Do I need to update my card if I only use Amazon Pay on other websites?
Yes. Amazon Pay uses the same payment methods you have saved in your Amazon account. If you update a card in your Account settings, the change applies to both Amazon purchases and Amazon Pay transactions on other sites.
Can I have multiple cards set as default?
No. Only one card can be marked as default at a time. That card will be pre-selected at checkout, but you can always choose a different saved card before you complete your purchase.