How to remove a credit card from Amazon
To remove a credit card from your Amazon account, go to Account & Lists in the top right, select Your Account, then choose Login & security. Scroll down to Payment options and click Manage payment methods. Find the card you want to remove and click the X or Delete button next to it. Amazon will ask you to confirm — click Delete again, and the card is removed.
The whole process takes about two minutes. You can remove a card whether or not it's your default payment method. If the card you're removing is the only one on your account, Amazon will ask you to add a replacement before you can complete the deletion.
Key Takeaways
- You reach payment methods through Account & Lists > Your Account > Login & security > Manage payment methods.
- Amazon requires at least one valid payment method on file at all times, so you may need to add a new card before deleting an old one.
- Removing a card does not cancel any active subscriptions or memberships tied to that card — they'll charge to your default method instead.
- If you're removing a card because it was lost or stolen, also change your Amazon password and review recent orders for fraud.
What happens to subscriptions when you remove a card
If you have an active Amazon Prime membership, Prime Video subscription, or other recurring charge tied to the card you're removing, that subscription does not cancel. Instead, Amazon will attempt to charge your default payment method on the next billing date. If your default method also declines or is invalid, the subscription will pause until you add a working card.
Before you remove a card, check whether any subscriptions are attached to it. You can see this in the same Manage payment methods screen — it will show which subscriptions (if any) are linked to each card. If you want to keep a subscription but switch which card it charges, you can edit the subscription's payment method directly from your Memberships and subscriptions page instead of removing the card.
Removing a card that's set as your default payment method
If the card you want to remove is marked as your default (the one Amazon uses for new purchases), you must first set a different card as default. Click on a different card in your payment methods list and select Set as default. Only then can you delete the original card.
This protects you from accidentally leaving your account without a way to pay. If you have only one card on file, Amazon will not let you remove it — you'll see a message saying you need to add another payment method first.
Removing a card when you only have one on file
If the card you want to remove is your only payment method, Amazon will block the deletion and prompt you to add a new card first. You can add a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card. Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV, then click Add your card. Amazon will verify it with a small temporary charge (usually under $1) that appears within a few days.
Once the new card is verified and set as default, you can return to Manage payment methods and delete the old one. This two-step process exists because Amazon needs at least one valid payment method to process orders and maintain your account.
Removing a card after a data breach or fraud
If you're removing a card because it was compromised, lost, or used fraudulently, take these steps in order: first, remove the card from Amazon using the steps above. Second, contact your bank or card issuer directly to report the card as lost or fraudulent — they can cancel it and issue a replacement. Third, change your Amazon password to something new and strong.
After you've done those three things, review your recent Amazon orders for any purchases you don't recognize. If you see fraudulent charges, report them to your card issuer (they have stronger fraud protections than Amazon does). You can also contact Amazon's Account Specialist team through Account & Lists > Contact Us to report the fraud, though your card issuer is your primary resource for getting money back.
Why Amazon won't let you remove all payment methods
Amazon requires at least one valid payment method on your account at all times. This is a business requirement, not a technical limitation — it ensures that if you place an order, there's a way to charge it. It also prevents accounts from being left in a state where subscriptions can't be renewed.
If you want to stop using Amazon entirely, you don't need to remove your payment method first. You can straightforward stop placing orders. If you want to close your account, you can request account deletion through Account & Lists > Your Account > Login & security > Close your account, and Amazon will walk you through that process separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a card if I have an active Prime membership?
Yes. Your Prime membership will continue and charge to your default payment method on the next renewal date. You only need to remove the card itself from your payment methods list — the subscription stays active.
Will removing a card cancel my orders?
No. Removing a card does not affect orders you've already placed. It only affects future charges. If you have a pending order waiting for payment, removing the card may cause that order to fail.
How long does it take for Amazon to remove a card?
The deletion is when ready. Once you click Delete and confirm, the card is removed from your account right away. You'll see your updated payment methods list without that card.
What if I accidentally deleted the wrong card?
You can add it back by going to Manage payment methods and clicking Add a credit or debit card. Enter the same card details, and Amazon will re-add it. There's no waiting period or penalty for re-adding a card you've removed.
Can I remove a card without setting a new default first?
Only if you have more than one card on file. If you have two or more cards, you can delete any one of them without changing your default. If it's your only card, you must add a new one first.