Amazon doesn't accept Apple Pay directly, but you have other fast payment options
Amazon does not take Apple Pay at checkout on its website or mobile app. If you try to pay with Apple Pay, you won't find it as an option. However, Amazon does accept several other digital wallet methods and stored payment cards that work similarly to Apple Pay — and some are faster than entering your card details manually.
The reason Amazon doesn't support Apple Pay comes down to how Apple Pay works. Apple Pay requires merchants to use specific payment processing technology that Amazon has chosen not to implement. Amazon instead built its own payment system around stored cards and its proprietary digital wallet, Amazon Pay.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Pay is not a payment option on Amazon.com or the Amazon app, but you can use Google Pay or other digital wallets depending on your device.
- Amazon Pay, Amazon's own digital wallet, stores your card and address information for faster checkout without re-entering details.
- On the Amazon app, you can save multiple credit or debit cards and use them with one tap, which is nearly as fast as Apple Pay.
- If you shop on Amazon through a web browser on iPhone, you can use Apple Pay to pay other websites that accept it, but not Amazon itself.
What payment methods Amazon actually accepts
Amazon takes all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and prepaid cards. You can also pay with Amazon gift cards, store credit, or an Amazon Prime Rewards Visa card if you have one. On the mobile app, you can add multiple cards and switch between them at checkout.
For digital wallets specifically, Amazon accepts Google Pay on Android devices and through some web browsers. This works similarly to Apple Pay — you tap or select Google Pay at checkout, and your payment goes through without typing card details. Amazon also accepts Amazon Pay, which is Amazon's own wallet system that stores your card and address for faster repeat purchases.
How to pay fastest on Amazon without Apple Pay
The quickest method on the Amazon app is to save your card once, then tap it at checkout on future purchases. Open the Amazon app, go to "Your Account," select "Your Payments," and add a card. After that, checkout takes seconds — just tap your saved card and confirm.
If you use Google Pay and have an Android phone, you can add your card to Google Pay, then select it as your payment method on Amazon. The process is similar to Apple Pay on other stores: you authenticate with your fingerprint or face, and the payment processes. On iPhone, Google Pay is not available in the Amazon app, but you can use it if you shop Amazon through a web browser like Safari or Chrome.
Amazon Pay is another option if you want a dedicated digital wallet. You link your card to Amazon Pay once, then use it to pay on other websites that accept it — not just Amazon. This is useful if you shop at multiple retailers that support Amazon Pay, because you only enter your details once.
Why Amazon doesn't accept Apple Pay
Apple Pay requires merchants to use a specific payment technology called NFC (near-field communication) and to process payments through Apple's system. Amazon has its own payment infrastructure and has not chosen to integrate Apple Pay into it. This is a business decision by Amazon, not a technical limitation — other major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy do accept Apple Pay.
Amazon's reasoning is not publicly stated, but the company has invested heavily in its own payment systems, including Amazon Pay and its stored card technology. By keeping payments within its own ecosystem, Amazon controls the data and the checkout experience.
Using Apple Pay elsewhere when you shop online
If you use an iPhone and shop at other websites, you can use Apple Pay through Safari or other web browsers. When you reach checkout on a site that accepts Apple Pay, you'll see the Apple Pay button. Tap it, authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, and the payment goes through. This works on thousands of websites, just not Amazon.
You can also use Apple Pay in physical stores that display the Apple Pay symbol at the register. Tap your iPhone or Apple Watch near the card reader, authenticate, and you're done. Amazon's physical stores (Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh locations) do accept Apple Pay in-store, even though the website does not.
Comparing your fastest checkout options on Amazon
| Payment Method | Device | Speed | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saved credit card | App or web | Very fast (one tap) | 2 minutes first time |
| Google Pay | Android app or web browser | Very fast (one tap + biometric) | 5 minutes if new to Google Pay |
| Amazon Pay | App or web | Very fast (one tap) | 3 minutes first time |
| Apple Pay | Not available | N/A | N/A |
What to do if you prefer digital wallets
If you strongly prefer using a digital wallet, Google Pay is your best option on Amazon if you have an Android phone. The experience is nearly identical to Apple Pay — you authenticate once and the payment processes instantly. On iPhone, you're limited to saving a card directly in the Amazon app, which is still fast but requires one extra step compared to Google Pay.
Another option is to use Apple Pay to purchase Amazon gift cards from other retailers or from Apple's App Store, then redeem those gift cards on Amazon. This is slower than paying directly, but it lets you use Apple Pay indirectly. Some people do this to earn rewards from their Apple Card when they buy gift cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Apple Pay on the Amazon app?
No. Apple Pay is not available as a payment option in the Amazon app or on Amazon.com. You can save a credit or debit card in the app instead, which is nearly as fast — just tap your saved card at checkout.
Does Amazon accept Google Pay?
Yes, Amazon accepts Google Pay on Android devices and through web browsers on any phone. On Android, you can select Google Pay at checkout in the app. On iPhone, you can use Google Pay through Safari or Chrome if you're shopping on the Amazon website.
Can I use Apple Pay at Amazon physical stores?
Yes. Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh locations accept Apple Pay at the register, even though the online store does not. Look for the Apple Pay symbol at the checkout counter and tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay.
Is Amazon Pay the same as Apple Pay?
No. Amazon Pay is Amazon's own digital wallet that stores your card and address. Apple Pay is Apple's wallet. Amazon Pay works on Amazon and some other websites that support it, but not on most retailers. Apple Pay works on thousands of websites and stores, but not on Amazon.
What's the fastest way to pay on Amazon if I have an iPhone?
Save a credit or debit card in the Amazon app. At checkout, tap your saved card and confirm — it takes about five seconds. This is faster than entering card details manually, though not quite as seamless as Apple Pay on other stores.