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Recurring Payments FAQ

Amazon Payments makes it possible for a merchant to automatically charge a payment method that is stored in your Amazon Payments Account for your future purchases and payments. Some examples include:

  • A recurring payment for a subscription
  • A recurring payment of a usage-based bill (for example, your mobile phone bill)
  • Payments for purchases you may make in the future (for example, purchases of mp3 songs or games)

When you have authorized a merchant to automatically charge your Amazon Payments Account, and have selected a payment method, we will send you an email confirmation. You can modify or cancel this authorization by logging in to the “Your Account” portion of our Site (https://pay.amazon.com/us) and canceling or modifying the payment authorization listed in the “Merchant Settings” section of the Site.

What is a Recurring Payment?

A recurring payment is a payment that occurs at regular or predetermined intervals over a specified time period.

What should a merchant tell me before I agree to a Recurring Payment?

When you agree to a recurring payment, the merchant must inform you of the amount of each recurring transaction, the frequency of the charge and the duration of the arrangement.

If the payment you preauthorize will vary in amount, the merchant must provide you with an option to receive notice of the amount and the date of the charge at least 10 days in advance of the charge. If the merchant provides the option, you may choose to receive notice only if the amount of the recurring payment falls outside of a range to which you have agreed.

If the merchant did not comply with the above policy, please report to amazon-payments-seller-performance@amazon.com.

Will I receive notice when my selected payment method is charged?

You will receive an email confirmation from Amazon Payments when you are charged. If you do not believe you authorized a charge, please contact Amazon Payments Customer Support.

Can I use my Debit Card for a Recurring Payment?

Only credit cards and your Amazon Payments Balance can be used for a recurring payment. Do not select a debit card when agreeing to a recurring payment. A debit card, also known as a "check" or "ATM" card, typically has the word "debit" printed on the face of the card.

How do I cancel an authorization I’ve granted to a merchant?

You can cancel an authorization you have granted to a merchant (including a recurring payment authorization) by logging in to the “Your Account” portion of our Site (https://pay.amazon.com/us) and canceling the payment authorization listed in the “Merchant Settings” section of the Site. To avoid unwanted charges for a recurring payment, ensure that you cancel at least five days prior to your next scheduled payment.

Does canceling the authorization automatically terminate my service or purchase agreement with the merchant?

No. Canceling a standing authorization through Amazon Payments only prevents the merchant from charging your Amazon Payments Account going forward, and you may still be responsible for payment or other penalties under the terms of your agreement with the merchant. If you want to cancel your agreement with the merchant, please contact the merchant directly.

How to I update the payment method I’ve authorized a merchant to use?

You can update or change the payment method you have authorized a merchant to use by logging in to the “Your Account” portion of our Site (https://pay.amazon.com/us) and selecting a different payment method from the “Merchant Settings” section of the site. To ensure that the updated payment method is used for a recurring payment, you should take this action at least five days prior to your next scheduled payment.

Where can I find more information?

Please review the terms of the Amazon Payments, Inc. Customer Agreement. You can also contact us for any additional questions you may have.