Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I see multiple charges for the same amount?
- Why do I see multiple charges for different amounts, when I only placed one order?
- I don't recognize this charge on my bill. What should I do?
- What is this $1.00 charge on my statement?
- Why did my credit card authorization fail?
- How can I recognize an Amazon Payments charge on my credit card statement?
Why do I see multiple charges for the same amount?
When you place an order with Amazon Payments, we may contact your credit card's issuing bank to confirm that your credit card has a valid number and has not been reported as lost or stolen. This request is communicated as a full authorization for the amount of the purchase to your issuing bank.
However, we do not actually proceed with the charge at that time. This is simply one of the security measures we use to protect our customers.
Occasionally, a bank may hold the extra authorization on a customer's card. Some banks may hold these authorizations for up to 7-10 business days. You will need to contact your bank if you want to have this authorization removed.
Why do I see multiple charges for different amounts, when I only placed one order?
Even though you placed a single order on the seller's website, your purchase may be split into multiple shipments or even multiple orders. Because we charge for items when they are shipped, this can result in multiple charges; however, the total amount charged will add up to the amount displayed when you placed your order.
Some sellers ask Amazon to fulfill (ship) their orders; in these cases, we stock these items ("Amazon-fulfilled orders") at several different fulfillment centers around the country. When these items are in stock at different fulfillment centers, we may send your order in separate shipments to make sure you get your items as quickly as possible.
The order summary in Your Account will show you the amount charged for each shipment, as well as the total charged per order.
I don't recognize this charge on my bill. What should I do?
We take charge inquiries seriously and are happy to work with your bank to resolve this issue. However, before contacting us, please consider the following common scenarios, in case this charge resulted from one of these situations:
- Do you have a son or daughter away at school who is authorized to use the card? Have you asked them about this charge?
- Do you have a spouse, friend, relative, or co-worker who has access to your card number and may have placed an order?
- Did you send a gift to someone recently?
- Did you place an order in the past for a back-ordered item? Perhaps it was just recently shipped.
We ask that you check with the other authorized users of the card or view the Your Account page to review your complete order history.
If the charge is not explained by any of these situations, please fax (or have your issuing bank fax) the following information to us at 1-304-781-4960:
- Complete credit card number
- Date of charge
- Amount of charge
- Contact phone for your issuing bank (the toll-free number on your credit card is sufficient)
- Your name, e-mail address, and fax number or phone number
Please do not send your credit card number via e-mail, as this is not a secure transmission method.
What is this $1.00 charge on my statement?
When you place your first order with us, we may contact your credit card's issuing bank to confirm that your credit card is a valid number, and has not been reported as lost or stolen. This request is communicated as a $1.00 authorization.
However, we do not actually proceed with the charge. This is simply one of the security measures we use to protect our customers.
Why did my credit card authorization fail?
Sometimes a request for credit card authorization fails once or twice before the card is finally authorized. We will send you an e-mail if we experience difficulties in authorizing your credit card.
You are always welcome to submit new credit card information to us for a particular order, provided that the order has not yet entered the shipping process. To do this, visit Your Account and select the link to "Change payment method."
How can I recognize an Amazon Payments charge on my credit card statement?
Payments you make using Amazon Payments are identified on your credit card statement in various ways. In general, you will see the charge paid to "AMZN.COM/PMTS".
If you pay by Visa
If you pay by Visa, your bill will appear as follows:
If you pay by Mastercard
If you pay by Mastercard, your bill will appear as follows:
If you pay by Discover
If you pay by Discover, your bill will appear as follows:
