How to Update Your Payment Method on Amazon Prime Video
Where to find your payment settings on Amazon Prime Video
Your Amazon Prime Video payment method lives in your Amazon account settings, not in the Prime Video app itself. You log into Amazon.com, go to your account, and update the card or payment option tied to your entire Amazon account — Prime Video pulls from that same method.
The steps are the same whether you signed up through Prime Video directly, through Amazon.com, or through a third-party platform like Apple or Roku. If you subscribed through Apple, Google Play, or another app store, you will need to update the payment method in that app store instead, because those subscriptions are billed separately from your Amazon account.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Video uses the payment method stored in your main Amazon account, so you update it through Amazon.com, not through the Prime Video app.
- If you subscribed through Apple, Google Play, or another app store, you must update the payment method in that app store's settings, not in Amazon.
- You can add multiple payment methods to your Amazon account and choose which one to use for Prime Video at any time.
- Changes to your payment method take effect immediately for future charges, but do not refund past charges made with an old card.
- If a payment fails, Amazon will attempt to charge again, and you will receive an email notification before your membership is suspended.
Steps to change your payment method through Amazon.com
Go to Amazon.com and sign in with your account. In the top right corner, click "Account & Lists," then select "Your Account." Look for a section called "Login & security" or "Payment options" — the exact label varies by region, but it will be in the account settings area.
Click on "Your payments" or "Manage payment methods." You will see a list of cards or payment methods already on file. To add a new card, click "Add a payment method" and enter the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address. To remove an old card, find it in the list and click "Delete." To make a card your default payment method for Prime Video, click the radio button or checkbox next to it and confirm.
Amazon will verify the new card by charging a small amount (usually $1) to confirm it is valid. This charge will appear on your statement but will be refunded within a few days. Once the card is verified, it becomes active immediately for future Prime Video charges.
Changing your payment method if you subscribed through an app store
If you signed up for Prime Video through Apple (iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV), you must update your payment method in Apple's settings, not in Amazon. Open the Settings app on your device, tap your name at the top, select "Payment & Shipping," and update the card on file there. The same applies to Google Play subscriptions on Android phones or tablets.
If you subscribed through Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or another streaming device, the payment method is usually tied to your Amazon account, so you can update it through Amazon.com as described above. However, some devices have their own payment systems — check the device's settings or contact the device maker if you are unsure.
To confirm which payment system your subscription uses, check your email for the most recent Prime Video charge receipt. If it came from Apple, Google, or another company, update your payment there. If it came from Amazon, update it through Amazon.com.
What happens if your payment method fails
If your card is declined or expired, Amazon will attempt to charge it again over the next few days. You will receive an email notification warning you that the payment failed and asking you to update your payment method. Your Prime Video membership will not be suspended immediately — you typically have several days to update your card before access is cut off.
If you do not update your payment method and your membership is suspended, you can reactivate it by adding a valid card and confirming the charge. You will not lose your watch history, saved shows, or other account data, but you will lose access to Prime Video content until the payment goes through.
Adding multiple payment methods and choosing which one to use
You can store up to five payment methods in your Amazon account at once. This is useful if you want to use a different card for Prime Video than you use for other Amazon purchases, or if you want a backup card on file in case your primary card is declined.
To add a second card, go to "Your payments" in your Amazon account and click "Add a payment method." Enter the new card details and verify it with the $1 test charge. Once verified, you can choose which card to use for Prime Video by making it your default payment method, or you can select a different card at checkout if you are purchasing something else from Amazon.
Updating your payment method does not change your billing date
Changing your payment method does not move your billing date or reset your subscription cycle. If your Prime Video membership renews on the 15th of each month, it will continue to renew on the 15th, even if you update your card today. The new payment method will be charged on your next regular billing date.
If you want to change your billing date, you will need to cancel your current membership and sign up again on a different date. Be aware that canceling will end your access to Prime Video immediately, so plan this for a time when you do not mind losing service for a day or two while you re-sign up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a debit card or prepaid card for Prime Video?
Yes. Amazon accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover debit cards, as well as most prepaid cards. The card must have a valid expiration date and billing address on file. Some prepaid cards may be declined if they do not support recurring charges, so if your prepaid card is rejected, contact the card issuer to ask if they allow subscription payments.
What if I want to use a different payment method for Prime Video than for other Amazon purchases?
You cannot separate your Prime Video payment method from your general Amazon account payment method. Prime Video always uses whichever card you have set as your default payment method in your Amazon account. If you want to use a different card, make that card your default, and it will apply to all future Amazon charges, not just Prime Video.
Will changing my payment method affect my Prime Video watch history or saved shows?
No. Your watch history, saved shows, watchlist, and all other account data remain unchanged when you update your payment method. The change only affects which card is charged for your next billing cycle.
How long does it take for a new payment method to start working?
A new payment method is active immediately after you verify it with the $1 test charge. That charge will appear on your statement within one to three business days and will be refunded within a few days after that. Your next regular Prime Video charge will use the new card on your next billing date.
What should I do if my payment method keeps getting declined?
Contact your bank or card issuer first — they may have blocked the charge for fraud protection. Ask them to allow Amazon charges and try updating your payment method again. If the problem continues, try a different card. If you have no other card available, contact Amazon customer service through your account for other payment options, such as bank account transfer in some regions.