Amazon requires a bank account to receive seller payments, but it doesn't have to be a checking account

Amazon will not deposit your seller earnings into a payment method that isn't a bank account. You cannot use a prepaid card, a money transfer service, or a digital wallet alone. However, Amazon accepts savings accounts, money market accounts, and certain business accounts — not just checking accounts. The account must be in your name, be able to receive ACH transfers, and be registered in the same country where you're selling.

If you don't have any bank account right now, you'll need to open one before you can start receiving payments from sales. The good news is that opening a basic savings account is usually faster and cheaper than opening a checking account, and it works just as well for Amazon's purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon deposits seller payments only to a U.S. bank account in your name that can receive ACH transfers — checking, savings, or money market accounts all work.
  • You cannot use prepaid cards, PayPal, Square Cash, or any payment app as your sole deposit method for Amazon seller funds.
  • If you don't have a bank account, a basic savings account at a traditional bank, credit union, or online bank meets Amazon's requirements and often costs nothing to open.
  • Your bank account information is verified through a small test deposit that Amazon sends; you'll confirm the amount to prove you control the account.
  • Business sellers can use a business checking or savings account instead of a personal account, which some sellers prefer for tax tracking.

What types of bank accounts Amazon will accept

Amazon accepts personal checking accounts, personal savings accounts, and personal money market accounts. All three receive ACH transfers the same way. The difference between them doesn't matter to Amazon — only that the account is in your name and can receive electronic deposits.

If you're selling as a business (an LLC, S-corp, or sole proprietorship), you can use a business account instead. Some sellers do this to keep seller income separate from personal money for tax purposes, but it's not required. A sole proprietor can use a personal account just fine.

You cannot use a joint account unless your name is on it. You cannot use someone else's account. Amazon verifies the account holder's name against your seller account, and they don't match, the deposit will be rejected.

Why prepaid cards and payment apps don't work

Prepaid cards like NetSpend, Chime, or Bluebird cannot receive ACH transfers from Amazon. Payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, and Cash App are not bank accounts — they're wallet services. Amazon's system is built to send money only to actual bank accounts through the ACH network, which is the electronic system banks use to move money between each other.

Some prepaid cards advertise that they work like bank accounts, but they don't have the routing and account numbers that Amazon needs to send an ACH transfer. If you try to enter a prepaid card number, Amazon's system will reject it or the deposit will fail.

If you have a prepaid card but no bank account, opening a savings account is your fastest path forward. Most online banks open accounts in minutes and charge no monthly fee.

How to verify your bank account with Amazon

Once you enter your bank account information into your Amazon seller account, Amazon sends two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to your account. These deposits appear in your bank account within one to two business days. You then log back into Amazon and enter the exact amounts of both deposits to confirm you control the account.

This verification step protects you and Amazon — it proves the account is real and that you have access to it. After you confirm the amounts, your account is verified and Amazon can begin sending your seller payments there.

If you don't see the deposits after three business days, check that you entered your routing and account numbers correctly. A single digit wrong will send the deposits to the wrong account. You can delete the account information and re-enter it to try again.

Opening a bank account if you don't have one

If you need to open a bank account to sell on Amazon, a savings account is usually the easiest option. Most banks and credit unions offer savings accounts with no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no deposit requirement. You can open one online in minutes.

Online banks like Ally, Marcus, Discover, or Vanguard often have the fastest signup process — sometimes just five to ten minutes on your phone. You'll need a Social Security number, a government ID, and a way to fund the account (a debit card or another bank account). Some online banks waive the initial deposit, so you can open the account and fund it later.

If you prefer to work with a person, your local credit union or bank branch can open an account the same day. Bring your ID and Social Security card, and ask for a savings account with no monthly fee. Tell them you need it to receive electronic deposits for business income.

What happens if your bank account information changes

If you close your bank account or change banks, you need to update your account information in Amazon Seller Central before your next payment is due. Amazon sends payments on a set schedule — usually every 14 days for individual sellers and monthly for business sellers. If your account information is outdated when a payment is scheduled, the deposit will fail and Amazon will hold the money.

Log into Seller Central, go to your account settings, and update your bank account information. Amazon will send new verification deposits to the new account. Once you confirm those amounts, future payments will go to the new account.

If a payment fails because your account was closed or wrong, contact Amazon Seller Support. They can resend the payment once your account information is corrected. Don't wait — the longer you leave it, the longer your money sits in Amazon's account instead of yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my spouse's or partner's bank account?

No. Amazon requires the account to be in the name of the person who owns the seller account. If both names are on the bank account, that's fine — but if only your spouse's name is on it, Amazon will reject it during verification. If you're married and want to use a joint account, make sure both of you are listed as account holders.

What if my bank won't let me open an account?

Banks sometimes deny accounts due to ChexSystems records (a banking history report) or other reasons. If this happens, look for a second-chance bank account or a credit union in your area — they often have looser requirements. Online banks sometimes have different approval standards than traditional banks. You can also ask your bank why you were denied and whether you can reapply after a certain period.

Do I need a business account to sell on Amazon?

No. Individual sellers can use a personal checking or savings account. A business account is optional and only useful if you want to keep seller income separate from personal money for accounting purposes. The account type doesn't affect your ability to sell or receive payments.

How long does it take to verify my bank account?

The verification deposits usually arrive within one to two business days. Once they arrive, you can confirm the amounts immediately, and your account is verified right away. The whole process typically takes two to three business days from the time you enter your account information.

What if I enter my bank information wrong?

If you mistype your routing number or account number, the verification deposits will go to the wrong account or be rejected. You'll see an error message or the deposits won't show up after three business days. Delete the account information and re-enter it carefully. Double-check your bank statement or online banking portal for your correct routing and account numbers.