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How to change payment method on Amazon: complete guide

Find out how to change your payment method on Amazon quickly and easily: practical guide with clear explanations on cards, gift cards, and Amazon Pay.

Amazon payment method

Table of contents

  • Why it’s important to know how to change your payment method on Amazon
  • Amazon payment methods available
  • How to change payment method on Amazon from the website
  • How to change payment method on Amazon from the app
  • How to change payment method on Amazon for an existing order
  • Amazon pay: how to use and link it
  • How to add a gift Card as an Amazon Payment Method
  • Common problems when changing payment method
  • Practical tips for managing Amazon payment methods
  • Security and Amazon payment methods
  • Practical tips for Amazon payment security

When shopping on Amazon, one of the most important aspects is managing your Amazon payment method. Have you ever wondered how to change your payment method on Amazon when your credit card expires, when you prefer to use another tool, or when you want to take advantage of your gift cards?

The platform offers different options and simple procedures, but often users don’t know exactly where to click or which steps to follow. In this complete guide, we’ll explore how to change the payment method on Amazon, which payment methods are accepted, how Amazon Pay works, and how to effectively manage your future purchases.

The goal is to make the process clear, practical, and smooth, so you can shop with confidence and always keep your digital payments under control.

Why it’s important to know how to change your payment method on Amazon

Knowing how to change the payment method on Amazon is not just a technical issue: it’s a real practical necessity. Consider these situations:

  • Your credit card has expired or is about to expire.
  • You want to use another card, perhaps a prepaid one, to keep certain purchases separate.
  • You want to pay with a gift card received as a reward or present.
  • You decide to try Amazon Pay for a more convenient and secure method.

In all these cases, it’s crucial to know how to change your payment method on Amazon without wasting time and without risking blocking an ongoing order.

Amazon payment methods available

Before explaining in detail how to change your payment method on Amazon, it’s useful to know which payment methods the platform offers.

Credit and debit cards

Amazon accepts most credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and the main prepaid cards. This makes it very easy to manage purchases without having to open special accounts.

Gift cards

Gift cards can be used to pay for an order in full or just part of the total. They are often one of the most convenient ways to shop, especially if received from friends or colleagues.

Amazon pay

With Amazon Pay, you can use your Amazon balance to make payments on external websites or better manage your purchases without re-entering your card details every time.

Direct debit from bank account

In some countries, Amazon also allows you to link a bank account directly for debits.

Knowing these options allows you to always choose the one that best fits your needs and to adjust your settings when necessary.

How to change payment method on Amazon from the website

Here’s the step-by-step process to understand how to change your payment method on Amazon using a computer via the official website.

  • Log in to the Amazon website with your credentials.
  • Go to the “Your Account” section.
  • Click on “Your Payments.”
  • Here you’ll find the list of all Amazon payment methods already linked to your profile.
  • To add a new one, click on “Add a payment method.”
  • Enter the details of your new credit card, account, or gift card.
  • To remove a method you no longer use, click on “Remove.”
  • Finally, select which method you want to set as default.

From now on, Amazon will automatically use the payment method you selected for your next purchase.

How to change payment method on Amazon from the app

If you use a smartphone, the process is similar, but the menus are slightly different. Here are the steps:

  • Open the Amazon app and sign in to your account.
  • Tap the three horizontal lines at the top left to open the menu.
  • Go to “Your Account” → “Your Payments.”
  • Manage your payment methods: you can add, edit, or remove a credit card.
  • Set the new method as the default for future purchases.

This procedure lets you clearly understand how to change your payment method on Amazon even on the go, without waiting to log in from a PC.

How to change payment method on Amazon for an existing order

One of the most common questions is whether you can change a payment method for an order already placed. In general, you can only change it if the order has not yet shipped.

  • Log in to your Amazon account.
  • Go to “Your Orders.”
  • Select the order for which you want to change the payment method.
  • Click on “Change payment method.”
  • Select a new method from those available.

Example
This is useful if you realize that the saved credit card has insufficient funds or if you prefer to use a gift card.

Amazon pay: how to use and link it

Many users wonder how to change their payment method on Amazon to switch to Amazon Pay. The process is simple:

  • Go to “Your Payments.”
  • Add Amazon Pay as a linked option.
  • Set Amazon Pay as your default.

This way, you can pay for your purchases both on Amazon and on external partner sites using your balance or methods linked to your account.

How to add a gift card as an Amazon payment method

Another frequent question is whether gift cards can be used as the primary method. The answer is yes.

  • Go to “Your Account.”
  • Click on “Gift Cards.”
  • Enter the gift card code.
  • The amount will be added to your balance.

When you make a purchase, Amazon will automatically deduct from your balance before using your credit card.

Common problems when changing payment method

Understanding how to change your payment method on Amazon is essential, but in practice the process doesn’t always run smoothly. Even a well-structured platform like Amazon can present obstacles that require user intervention. Knowing in advance the main problems and their solutions allows you to save time and avoid blocking an important purchase.

Card not accepted

A frequent issue is being unable to add a new credit or prepaid card. Some cards are not accepted because they don’t support online transactions or are not enabled for international payments. For example, certain local cards may work in stores but not on global platforms like Amazon.

The best solution is to check with your bank or card issuer to ensure the “online purchases” or “e-commerce” option is enabled. Alternatively, you can use another method such as gift cards or Amazon Pay, or link an international prepaid card, which is usually accepted without issues.

Invalid gift card

Another common issue involves gift cards. Many users try to redeem them without success, not realizing there are specific rules:

  • Gift cards have an expiration date that cannot be exceeded.
  • They must be issued for the country where your Amazon account is registered (a gift card issued for Amazon.com will not work on Amazon.it).
  • Not all gift cards can be combined with other payment methods.

To resolve this, always check the details on the gift card and make sure you haven’t already used it. If problems persist, you can contact Amazon customer support, which in some cases can verify the code’s status and restore its validity.

System error

Sometimes, even when entering a valid credit card or correct Amazon payment method, the system shows an error. This is often a temporary malfunction of the platform, due to maintenance or updates.

The first thing to do is wait a few minutes and try again. If the error persists, log in from another device or clear your browser cache. Alternatively, try using the Amazon app on your smartphone: issues on the website often don’t appear on the mobile app.

Pending orders

Another common issue arises when you try to change the payment method for an order already placed. If the order is already being processed or has shipped, you won’t be able to change it. In this case, the only option is to cancel the order (if still possible) and place it again with the correct method.

Security verification

Finally, Amazon may require an additional security check. For example, when you add a new credit card, you might receive an SMS or notification from your bank’s app to confirm the operation via the 3D Secure protocol. If you don’t complete this procedure, the method won’t be saved. The solution is to make sure you have access to the phone or app linked to your account and complete the verification in just a few seconds.

Practical tips for managing Amazon payment methods

  • Keep your credit card up to date to avoid order blocks.
  • Use gift cards to reduce direct expenses on your card.
  • Enable Amazon Pay if you want to simplify your digital payments.
  • Always set a reliable default method to avoid surprises.

Security and Amazon payment methods

When it comes to Amazon payment methods, many users’ first concern is protecting sensitive data. Amazon has also built its reputation on ensuring secure and reliable transactions, adopting advanced security protocols that make the platform one of the safest worldwide.

All your credit card or linked method details are stored in encrypted form, using protection systems similar to those employed by major banking institutions. This means that even in the case of unauthorized access, the information is unreadable and unusable by third parties. In addition to encryption, Amazon uses secure HTTPS connections and constant monitoring to detect suspicious activity.

Another useful measure is security notifications. You can receive alerts via email or SMS every time a charge is made to your account. This way, you can monitor your purchases in real time and immediately report any anomalies. Activating these tools is a good practice that gives you full control over your financial transactions.

It’s also important to highlight that Amazon never shares your card details with third-party sellers. If you buy from a partner store, the transaction still takes place through Amazon’s secure infrastructure, without the seller ever accessing your sensitive data. This eliminates one of the most common risks in online shopping: the direct exposure of payment information.

All of this makes it even more relevant to understand how to change your payment method on Amazon. Regularly updating your data, removing invalid methods, and always choosing secure tools—such as Amazon Pay, gift cards, or a dedicated prepaid card—means minimizing risks and maintaining conscious management of your digital purchases.

Practical tips for Amazon payment security

  • Update invalid methods
    Remove expired credit cards or unused methods right away to reduce risks of misuse.
  • Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
    Enable Amazon’s two-step verification to add an extra level of protection.
  • Enable email or SMS alerts
    This way you’ll receive instant notifications for every charge and can check each transaction.
  • Prefer Amazon Pay or prepaid cards
    Using Amazon Pay or a dedicated prepaid card can offer more security compared to your main card.
  • Regularly check your orders
    Log into the “Your Orders” section to verify there are no unauthorized purchases.

Conclusion

Now you clearly know how to change your payment method on Amazon, both from the website and the app. Whether it’s a new credit card, a gift card, or Amazon Pay, the procedure is within everyone’s reach.

Remember to always keep your data updated to avoid interruptions in orders and to take advantage of the various options available according to your needs. This way, you can shop securely, with the certainty that your payments are always under control.


Questions and answers

  1. How do I change my payment method on Amazon if my card has expired?
    Simply go to “Your Payments” and enter the details of the new card.
  2. How do I change my payment method on Amazon for a Prime subscription?
    Go to Prime settings and select “Manage Payment Method.”
  3. Can I use multiple credit cards?
    Yes, you can save several and choose which one to use each time.
  4. Can I use Amazon Pay as default?
    Yes, just set it among the available methods.
  5. Can gift cards be the primary method?
    Yes, but only up to the available balance.
  6. What should I do if Amazon rejects my card?
    Verify that the data is correct or use another method.
  7. Can I change the payment method for an order in progress?
    Yes, but only if the order has not yet shipped.
  8. Are payment methods secure?
    Yes, Amazon uses advanced encryption systems.
  9. Can bank accounts be linked?
    In some countries, yes, depending on local options.
  10. How do I change the payment method on Amazon from the app?
    Go to “Your Account” → “Your Payments” and manage the options.
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