Amazon doesn't take Apple Pay directly, but you have other ways to pay
Amazon does not accept Apple Pay as a payment method on its website or mobile app. When you check out, you won't see Apple Pay listed as an option. However, you can still use your Apple device to pay — you just have to take an extra step first.
The reason is that Amazon wants to keep payment data within its own system. Apple Pay is designed to work with merchants who have set up specific technology to receive it, and Amazon has chosen not to do that. Instead, Amazon accepts credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, and its own payment service called Amazon Pay.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Pay is not a payment option at checkout on Amazon's website or app.
- You can add a credit or debit card to your Apple Wallet and use it to pay Amazon by entering the card details manually at checkout.
- Amazon Pay lets you use your Amazon account to pay on other websites, but it doesn't work the other way around.
- If you want to use Apple Pay for shopping, you'll need to use retailers that have set up Apple Pay support, which Amazon has not done.
How to pay Amazon with a card from your Apple Wallet
If you have a credit or debit card stored in your Apple Wallet, you can use the card information to pay Amazon. The process is straightforward: you enter the card details manually at checkout, just as you would with any card not stored in Apple Pay.
Open the Amazon app or website and add items to your cart. At checkout, select "Add a new payment method" and choose "Credit or debit card." You can then either type in the card number manually or use your device's camera to scan the card. The information you enter will be saved to your Amazon account for future purchases. This is not Apple Pay itself — it's just using a card that happens to be in your Apple Wallet.
The advantage here is that you're not entering card details into a new system. Amazon stores the card on its own servers, and you can manage it from your account settings. If you want to remove it later, you can delete it from your payment methods list.
What Amazon Pay does and doesn't do
Amazon Pay is Amazon's own payment service, and it works in the opposite direction from what you might expect. You can use your Amazon account to pay on other websites and apps — places like Whole Foods, DoorDash, and some smaller retailers accept Amazon Pay. But you cannot use Amazon Pay to pay Amazon itself; you pay Amazon with a card or gift card instead.
Amazon Pay is useful if you want to avoid entering your payment information on a new website. Instead of giving your card details to a retailer you're not sure about, you can sign in with your Amazon account and let Amazon handle the payment. The retailer never sees your card number.
Amazon Pay does not work with Apple Pay either. Even though both are digital payment systems, they operate separately and don't connect to each other.
Payment methods that do work on Amazon
Amazon accepts several payment options at checkout. You can use any major credit card — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Debit cards work the same way. Amazon also accepts its own store card, which is a credit card issued through Chase that gives you rewards on Amazon purchases.
Amazon gift cards are another option. You can buy them in stores or online and add the balance to your account. If you have a gift card balance, Amazon will use it first at checkout before charging your card. Amazon also accepts payment through bank transfers in some cases, though this is less common and depends on your location.
If you're outside the United States, your payment options may be different. Some countries have local payment methods that Amazon supports, like iDEAL in the Netherlands or Pix in Brazil. Check your country's Amazon site to see what's available in your region.
Why Amazon doesn't accept Apple Pay
Amazon's decision not to accept Apple Pay comes down to control and data. When you use Apple Pay at a store or website, Apple acts as a middleman between you and the merchant. Apple handles the payment processing and keeps certain information private from the retailer.
Amazon prefers to collect and store your payment information directly. This gives Amazon more control over the transaction and more data about your purchases. It also means Amazon doesn't have to pay Apple's processing fees for handling the payment. From Amazon's perspective, asking you to enter your card details directly is simpler and cheaper than integrating Apple Pay into their system.
This is a business choice, not a technical limitation. Amazon could accept Apple Pay if it wanted to. Other large retailers like Target, Whole Foods (which Amazon owns), and Walmart do accept Apple Pay. Amazon simply hasn't chosen to do so.
Alternatives if you prefer digital wallets
If you strongly prefer not to enter card details directly into Amazon, you have a few options. You can buy Amazon gift cards using Apple Pay at a store or through another retailer's app, then add the balance to your Amazon account. This way, your card information goes to the gift card seller, not to Amazon.
You can also use a virtual card number if your bank or credit card issuer offers one. Some banks let you generate a temporary card number that's linked to your real account but shows different digits. This adds a layer of privacy without requiring Apple Pay support from Amazon.
Another approach is to use a third-party payment service that Amazon does accept. Some digital wallet apps can generate card numbers that work with Amazon's checkout. Check whether your bank or card issuer offers this feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Apple Pay on Amazon if I'm shopping on my iPhone?
No, Apple Pay is not available on Amazon's iPhone app or website, even though you're using an Apple device. Amazon requires you to enter card information manually or use another supported payment method. The device you're using doesn't change what payment options Amazon offers.
Will Amazon ever accept Apple Pay?
There's no announcement from Amazon about adding Apple Pay support. Amazon has not accepted Apple Pay for many years, and the company has shown no sign of changing this. If it does happen in the future, Amazon would likely announce it on its website and in the app.
Can I use Google Pay or Samsung Pay on Amazon instead?
No, Amazon does not accept Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or any other digital wallet service. Amazon only accepts credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, and its own payment methods. You'll need to enter your card details manually regardless of which digital wallet you use.
Is it safe to enter my card information on Amazon?
Amazon uses encryption and security measures to protect your card information. Your data is stored on Amazon's servers and is not shared with third parties without your permission. Amazon has been handling millions of card transactions for over 25 years. That said, no online payment is completely risk-free — always monitor your account for unauthorized charges.
What if I don't want to save my card to Amazon?
You can enter your card information at checkout without saving it to your account. During checkout, look for an option that says "Don't save this card" or similar wording. Amazon will process the payment but won't store the details for future purchases. You'll need to enter the information again the next time you shop.