Yes, you can link your bank account to Amazon, but the connection works differently depending on what you want to do
Amazon does not let you connect your bank account for general shopping the way you might link it to PayPal. Instead, Amazon accepts bank transfers only for specific purposes: adding money to your Amazon account balance, setting up a business seller account, or receiving payouts if you sell on Amazon. For everyday purchases, Amazon takes credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards—not direct bank connections.
If you want to fund your Amazon account without using a card, you can transfer money from your bank account to Amazon through a process called a bank transfer or ACH payment. This takes one to three business days and costs nothing. If you sell on Amazon or use Amazon Business, you can also authorize Amazon to pull funds directly from your bank account for fees and charges.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon does not accept direct bank account payments for shopping; you must use a credit card, debit card, or gift card to buy items.
- You can transfer money from your bank account to your Amazon account balance through a one-time bank transfer, which takes one to three business days.
- If you sell on Amazon or use Amazon Business, you can authorize Amazon to withdraw funds directly from your bank account for seller fees and payouts.
- To set up a bank transfer, you will need your bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website.
- Amazon stores your bank information securely and does not charge a fee for bank transfers, but your bank may charge a fee depending on your account type.
How to transfer money from your bank to your Amazon account balance
Go to your Amazon account and select Account & Lists, then Your Account. Scroll down to Gift Cards and choose Add funds to your balance. Select Bank Transfer as your payment method. Amazon will ask you to enter your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check, or log into your bank's website and look for account details or routing information.
Enter the amount you want to transfer—Amazon allows transfers between $15 and $500 per transaction. Review the details and confirm. Amazon will show you a reference number and tell you the transfer will arrive in one to three business days. The money lands in your Amazon account balance, which you can then spend on anything Amazon sells. There is no fee from Amazon, though your bank may charge a fee if your account type does not include free transfers.
Once the transfer arrives, you can use that balance to pay for orders. At checkout, Amazon will automatically apply your balance before asking for another payment method. If your balance does not cover the full order, you will need to add a credit card or debit card for the remainder.
Linking your bank account if you sell on Amazon
If you have an Amazon seller account, you can authorize Amazon to withdraw money directly from your bank account for seller fees, refunds, and other charges. This is different from a one-time transfer—it is a standing authorization that lets Amazon pull funds when needed.
To set this up, go to Seller Central and navigate to Settings, then Account Info. Select Bank Account and choose Add a bank account. Enter your routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings). Amazon will verify the account by making two small test deposits to your bank, usually within two business days. Check your bank statement for these deposits—they will be labeled with a code. Return to Amazon and enter the two amounts to confirm ownership of the account.
Once verified, Amazon can withdraw funds for seller fees, refunds you issue to buyers, and chargebacks. You can also request payouts to this account if you have a seller balance. Amazon does not charge a fee for these transfers, but your bank may.
What information Amazon needs and how it stays secure
To link your bank account, you will need your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (the number of your specific checking or savings account). Both appear on the bottom left of a paper check. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website, look for account details or statements, and you will find both numbers there.
Amazon encrypts this information and stores it on secure servers. Amazon does not share your bank details with third parties and does not use your account for anything other than the transfers you authorize. If you want to remove a linked bank account, you can delete it from your account settings at any time, and Amazon will stop using it for future transfers.
Why Amazon might reject your bank account
Amazon may decline to link your bank account if the routing number or account number is incorrect, if your account is closed or flagged by your bank, or if there is a mismatch between the name on your Amazon account and the name on your bank account. The most common reason is a typo in the routing or account number.
If Amazon rejects your account, double-check both numbers against your bank statement or your bank's website. Make sure the name on your Amazon account matches the name on your bank account exactly—if your bank account is under "John Smith" but your Amazon account is under "J. Smith," that can cause a rejection. If the numbers are correct and the names match, contact your bank to confirm the account is active and not flagged for fraud or other issues.
Alternatives if you cannot link your bank account
If linking your bank account does not work, you have other ways to fund your Amazon account or pay for purchases. You can buy an Amazon gift card from a retailer like Target, Walmart, or Best Buy and redeem it in your account. You can also use a debit card or credit card at checkout—Amazon accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Some banks offer their own digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, which you can link to Amazon instead.
If you are a seller and cannot link your bank account for payouts, you can request payment by check instead, though this takes longer and may have a fee. Contact Amazon Seller Support to explore payout options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my bank account to pay for items directly without adding money to my balance first?
No. Amazon does not accept direct bank account payments at checkout. You must either add money to your Amazon account balance through a bank transfer first, or use a credit card or debit card to pay for items. The bank transfer route takes one to three business days, so it is not instant.
Does Amazon charge a fee to transfer money from my bank account?
Amazon does not charge a fee. However, your bank may charge a fee for outgoing transfers if your account type does not include unlimited transfers. Check your bank's fee schedule or contact them to confirm.
How long does it take for money to appear in my Amazon account after I transfer it from my bank?
Bank transfers typically arrive within one to three business days. Weekends and bank holidays can add time. Amazon will show you a reference number when you start the transfer so you can track it with your bank if needed.
What happens if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?
Amazon will reject the transfer and tell you the information is invalid. You can try again with the correct numbers. If the transfer was already sent to the wrong account, contact your bank and Amazon Support to report the error.
Can I link multiple bank accounts to my Amazon account?
Yes. You can add more than one bank account to your Amazon account. This is useful if you want to transfer from different accounts or if one account is closed. You manage all linked accounts in your Account Settings under Bank Accounts.