Amazon accepts checking account payments through a few specific routes, but not directly at checkout
Amazon does not let you enter your checking account number the way you would a credit or debit card during checkout. However, you can link your checking account to Amazon through Amazon Pay, which then acts as your payment method on Amazon.com and at other retailers that accept Amazon Pay. You can also use your checking account to fund an Amazon gift card, which you then spend on Amazon purchases.
The most common path is Amazon Pay. When you set it up, you authorize Amazon to pull money directly from your checking account for purchases. This is different from a debit card — Amazon holds the authorization on file and charges your account when you complete a purchase, rather than you swiping or entering a card number.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Pay lets you link your checking account directly and use it to pay for Amazon purchases without entering your account number at checkout.
- You can also transfer money from your checking account to an Amazon gift card balance, which you then spend on any Amazon purchase.
- Amazon Pay requires your routing number and account number, which you can find on the bottom left of your checks or through your bank's website.
- If your bank blocks the small verification deposits Amazon sends to confirm your account, contact your bank to allow them through.
Setting up Amazon Pay with your checking account
Go to your Amazon account settings and select "Login & security" or "Your Account." Look for "Amazon Pay" or "Payment methods" and choose to add a new payment method. Select the option for bank account or checking account — the wording varies depending on when Amazon last updated the interface.
Enter your routing number and account number. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or routing information. Some banks call it the ABA number instead of routing number; they are the same thing.
Amazon will send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your checking account within one to two business days. You then return to Amazon Pay and enter the exact amounts of those deposits to confirm you own the account. Once confirmed, your checking account is linked and ready to use.
Using your checking account to buy on Amazon
After you link your account, select Amazon Pay as your payment method when you check out. Amazon will charge your checking account directly. The transaction typically posts within one to three business days, depending on your bank's processing speed.
You can also use Amazon Pay at other online retailers that display the Amazon Pay button at checkout — grocery delivery services, some clothing sites, and travel booking platforms often accept it. This means one linked checking account works across multiple merchants.
Funding an Amazon gift card from your checking account
If you prefer not to link your account directly, you can transfer money from your checking account to an Amazon gift card. Go to Amazon.com, find the gift card section, and choose to send a gift card to yourself or load a balance to your account.
Select the payment method as your checking account (or use a debit card linked to that account). Amazon will charge your checking account for the gift card amount, and the balance appears in your Amazon account within minutes. You then spend that balance on any purchase, just like a store credit.
This method works well if you want to control spending — you load only the amount you plan to spend — or if you want to avoid linking your account directly to Amazon.
What happens if verification deposits do not arrive
Occasionally, banks block the small verification deposits Amazon sends because they flag them as suspicious or because the account has fraud protection enabled. If you do not see the two deposits within two business days, contact your bank's customer service and ask them to allow deposits from Amazon.
You may need to provide Amazon's bank details or explain that you initiated the verification. Once your bank allows the deposits through, they usually arrive within one business day. Then you can complete the confirmation step in your Amazon account.
Charges and fees
Amazon does not charge a fee to link your checking account or to use it for purchases. Your bank may charge a fee if your account agreement includes a charge for ACH transfers (the electronic method Amazon uses to pull money), but most consumer checking accounts do not charge for incoming ACH transfers.
If your bank does charge for ACH transfers, you will see the fee on your bank statement, not on your Amazon receipt. Check your account agreement or call your bank if you are unsure whether you are charged for this type of transfer.
Security and fraud protection
When you link your checking account to Amazon Pay, Amazon does not store your full account number. Instead, it stores a token — a reference code that lets Amazon request charges without holding your actual banking details. This reduces the risk that a data breach exposes your account number.
If you notice an unauthorized charge, contact Amazon first. Amazon Pay disputes are handled through Amazon's customer service, not through your bank's dispute process (though you can also file a dispute with your bank if Amazon does not resolve it). Your bank also has fraud protection on ACH transfers, so you have recourse if money is taken without your permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my checking account if I do not have checks?
Yes. Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, routing number, or ABA number. Write down both the routing number and your account number, then enter them into Amazon Pay. You do not need physical checks.
What if Amazon Pay is not available in my country?
Amazon Pay operates in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and a few other countries. If you are outside these regions, you cannot link a checking account through Amazon Pay. You can still fund an Amazon gift card using your checking account if your bank supports transfers to Amazon.
Will linking my checking account hurt my credit score?
No. Amazon Pay does not report to credit bureaus and does not perform a hard credit inquiry. Linking your checking account has no effect on your credit score.
Can I remove my checking account from Amazon Pay later?
Yes. Go to your Amazon account settings, find your payment methods, and delete the bank account. Amazon will stop charging it immediately. Any pending charges will still process, but no new charges will be made after you remove it.
What if my checking account balance is too low when Amazon tries to charge it?
Amazon will attempt the charge, and if your account does not have sufficient funds, the transaction will be declined. Your bank may charge an overdraft fee if you have overdraft protection enabled. Contact Amazon customer service to resolve the failed payment, and try again once your balance is sufficient.