Link your checking account to Amazon Pay
Amazon accepts checking account payments through Amazon Pay, which is separate from a regular Amazon account. To use your checking account, you first add it as a payment method in your Amazon account settings, then select it at checkout.
Go to Account > Login & security > Payment options. Click Add a payment method and choose Bank account. Enter your routing number (the nine-digit code at the bottom left of your checks) and your account number (the longer number next to it). Amazon will verify the account by depositing two small amounts — usually under $1 each — into your checking account within one to two business days.
Once the deposits arrive, return to the same page and enter the exact amounts to confirm ownership. After verification, your checking account is linked and ready to use for purchases.
Key Takeaways
- You add a checking account through Account settings under Payment options, not during checkout.
- Amazon verifies ownership by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm them, which takes one to two business days.
- Once verified, you select your checking account as the payment method at checkout, just like a credit card.
- Transactions process as ACH transfers from your bank, which typically take one to three business days to post.
Select your checking account at checkout
After your account is verified, paying with it is straightforward. During checkout, scroll to the payment method section and choose your linked checking account from the list. Amazon displays the last four digits of your account number so you can confirm you picked the right one.
Some merchants that use Amazon Pay (not Amazon.com itself, but third-party retailers) may show your checking account as an option at their checkout page. The process is the same: select it and complete the purchase. Your bank will show the transaction as an ACH debit, usually labeled with Amazon or the merchant name.
How long transactions take to process
When you use a checking account instead of a credit or debit card, the payment moves through the ACH (Automated Clearing House) system rather than the card network. This means it takes longer to reach Amazon and to clear your bank.
Most ACH transactions post to your account within one to three business days. Amazon typically ships orders once the payment clears, not when you place the order. If you need something quickly, a debit or credit card will get your order moving faster — those process instantly and ship the same day in many cases.
Weekends and bank holidays extend the timeline. A purchase made on Friday evening may not clear until Tuesday or Wednesday, so plan accordingly if you have a deadline.
What happens if the payment fails
If Amazon cannot debit your checking account — because of insufficient funds, a closed account, or incorrect routing information — the transaction will not go through. Amazon will notify you by email and ask you to update your payment method or choose a different one.
Your order will not ship until a successful payment posts. If you see a failed payment notice, log into your Amazon account, go to Your Orders, find the order, and select Update payment method. You can then choose a different payment method or try the same checking account again if the issue was temporary.
Do not place a new order for the same item. Updating the payment on the existing order is faster and prevents duplicate charges.
Removing or changing your checking account
If you want to stop using a checking account with Amazon, go to Account > Login & security > Payment options, find the account, and click Delete. The account is removed immediately and cannot be used for future purchases.
To switch to a different checking account, add the new one through the same payment options page and verify it with the two deposit amounts. Once verified, you can use it at checkout. You do not have to delete the old account first, though you can if you prefer to keep your payment methods list short.
If your bank account information changes — for example, you moved banks or got a new account number — delete the old account and add the new one. Do not try to edit an existing account; Amazon requires you to re-verify any new account information.
Why a checking account might be slower than other payment methods
Credit cards and debit cards process instantly through card networks, so Amazon can charge you and ship your order the same day. Checking accounts go through the ACH system, which is designed for bulk transfers and runs on a slower schedule.
ACH transfers also require more verification steps on Amazon's end. The company has to confirm your bank account is real and in your name before processing large or frequent transactions. This is why new checking accounts sometimes take longer to process the first few purchases.
If you frequently order from Amazon and need fast shipping, keeping a debit or credit card on file as your primary method will get orders out faster. You can still use your checking account for larger purchases or when you have time to wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Amazon Pay accepts both checking and savings accounts through the same process. You enter the routing and account number, verify the two deposits, and use it at checkout. Some banks charge fees for frequent ACH transfers from savings accounts, so check your account terms before linking a savings account for regular purchases.
Does Amazon charge a fee for paying with a checking account?
Amazon does not charge a fee for ACH payments from checking accounts. However, your bank may charge a fee if you exceed the number of transfers allowed per month on a savings account, or if your account has a monthly transaction limit. Check your bank's terms.
What if I see a pending charge that hasn't cleared yet?
Pending charges are normal during the one- to three-day ACH processing window. The money is reserved in your account but has not yet moved to Amazon. Do not place another order or assume the first one failed. Wait for the transaction to post before taking action.
Can I use a checking account for Amazon Prime membership?
Yes. When you renew your Prime membership, select your linked checking account as the payment method at checkout. The annual or monthly charge will process as an ACH transfer and may take one to three business days to clear.
What information does Amazon need to verify my checking account?
Amazon needs your routing number and account number, both printed on the bottom of your checks. The routing number identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account. Amazon does not ask for your PIN, password, or Social Security number to add a checking account.