What you need before you start
Creating an Amazon account takes about 10 minutes and requires three things: a valid email address, a password you haven't used elsewhere, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). You don't need to add a payment method right away — Amazon lets you set that up later — but you will need one before you make your first purchase.
Have your email open in another tab or window. You'll receive a confirmation email from Amazon, and you need to be able to access it during setup. If you're using a shared email address, consider creating a separate one first; that way your account stays separate from anyone else who uses that email.
If you already have an Amazon account and want a second one, you'll need a different email address for each account. Amazon ties accounts to email addresses, so you cannot create two accounts with the same email.
Key Takeaways
- Go to amazon.com, click "Account & Lists" in the top right, then select "Start here" under "Create your Amazon account" to begin.
- Enter your name, email address, and a new password (not one you use on other sites), then click "Create your Amazon account".
- Amazon sends a verification code to your email; enter that code on the next screen to confirm your email address.
- Add a payment method and shipping address before your first purchase, but you can skip both during initial setup.
- Turn on two-factor authentication in Account Settings after you finish, so only you can log in even if someone gets your password.
Step-by-step: Creating your account
Open amazon.com in your web browser. In the top right corner, you'll see "Account & Lists" — click that. A menu drops down; look for the section that says "Create your Amazon account" and click "Start here" underneath it.
The next page asks for your name, email address, and password. Type your full name as you want it to appear on orders. For email, use the address you checked before starting — this is where Amazon sends your confirmation code. For password, create something you haven't used on any other website. A strong password has uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #). Avoid birthdays, names, or words from the dictionary.
Click the button that says "Create your Amazon account". Amazon sends a verification code to your email address. Check your inbox (and your spam folder, just in case) for an email from Amazon. The code is usually a six-digit number.
Go back to the Amazon page and enter that code where it asks for verification. Click "Verify". Amazon confirms your email and takes you to your new account dashboard.
Adding payment and shipping information
At this point, your account exists and is ready to use. Amazon may ask you to add a payment method and shipping address right away, or it may let you skip this step. You can add both now or come back to them later — just know you'll need them before you place your first order.
To add a payment method, go to "Account" in the top right, then click "Your Account". Scroll down and click "Manage payment methods" under "Payments". Click "Add a payment method" and enter your credit card, debit card, or bank account details. Amazon encrypts this information, so it's not stored in plain text on their servers.
To add a shipping address, go to "Your Account" the same way, then click "Manage addresses" under "Shipping addresses". Click "Add address" and enter the street address, city, state, and ZIP code where you want packages delivered. You can add multiple addresses and choose which one to use at checkout for each order.
Securing your account with two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (often called 2FA) means Amazon requires two pieces of proof that you are you before letting anyone log in. Even if someone steals your password, they cannot access your account without the second factor — usually a code sent to your phone.
Go to "Your Account" and click "Login & security". Scroll down to "Two-Step Verification" and click "Edit". Choose whether you want Amazon to send codes by text message or through an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator). Text message is simpler; an authenticator app is more secure because it doesn't rely on your phone carrier. Follow the prompts to set it up. Amazon asks you to verify a code to confirm it's working.
After you turn on two-factor authentication, you'll enter your password at login, then Amazon sends a code to your phone or app. You enter that code to finish logging in. It takes an extra 30 seconds, but it stops most account takeovers.
What to do if you forget your password
Click "Forgot password?" on the Amazon login page. Amazon asks for the email address tied to your account and sends a password reset link to that email. Click the link, create a new password, and you're back in.
If you can't access the email address tied to your account, click "I don't have access to this email address" on the password reset page. Amazon asks you to verify your identity using your payment method or phone number instead. Answer the security questions it asks, and it lets you reset your password.
Switching between multiple Amazon accounts
If you have more than one Amazon account, you can switch between them without logging out and back in. Click "Account & Lists" in the top right, then look for "Switch accounts" near the bottom of the menu. Click the account you want to use. Your page refreshes and you're now logged into that account.
This is useful if you have a personal account and a separate account for a business, or if you manage accounts for family members. Each account has its own orders, payment methods, and settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a phone number instead of an email address?
No. Amazon requires an email address to create an account. If you don't have one, you can create a free email address at Gmail.com, Outlook.com, or Yahoo.com in about two minutes, then use that for your Amazon account.
What if I see a message saying my email is already registered?
That email address is tied to an existing Amazon account. If it's your email and you forgot you had an account, click "Forgot password?" to reset it and log back in. If it's not your email or you don't recognize the account, contact Amazon Customer Service through your Account page and explain the situation.
Do I have to add a payment method right now?
No. You can create your account and add a payment method later, even days later. You only need one before you place your first order. However, some features (like pre-ordering items) may require a payment method on file.
Is it safe to save my credit card on Amazon?
Amazon uses encryption and fraud detection to protect payment information. Your card number is not stored in a way that anyone at Amazon can read it. That said, if you're uncomfortable storing a card, you can add it at checkout for each purchase instead of saving it to your account.
Can I change my account email address later?
Yes. Go to "Your Account", click "Login & security", then click "Edit" next to "Email address". Amazon sends a confirmation code to your current email, you enter it, then you can change to a new email address.