Merchant agreements frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Amazon Pay makes it possible for a merchant to automatically charge a payment method that is stored in your Amazon 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 might make in the future (for example, purchases of food delivery or games)
- Monthly donations
When you have authorized a merchant to automatically charge your Amazon account and have chosen a payment method, we will send you an email confirmation. You can modify or cancel this authorization by signing in to Amazon Pay and canceling or modifying the payment authorization listed on the Merchant Agreements page.
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 can 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, report it to amazon-payments-seller-performance@amazon.com.
Will I receive notice when my chosen payment method is charged?
You will receive an email confirmation from Amazon Pay when you are charged. If you do not believe you authorized a charge, contact Amazon Pay Customer Support.
Can I use my debit card for a recurring payment?
Only credit cards can be used for a recurring payment. Do not choose 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 have granted to a merchant?
You can cancel an authorization you have granted to a merchant (including a recurring payment authorization) by signing in to Amazon Pay and cancelling the payment authorization listed on the Merchant Agreements page. To avoid unwanted charges for a recurring payment, make sure that you cancel at least five days before 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 Pay only prevents the merchant from charging your Amazon account going forward. You might 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, contact the merchant directly.
How do I update the payment method I have authorized a merchant to use?
You can update or change the payment method that you have authorized a merchant to use by signing in to Amazon Pay, and from the Merchant Agreements page, clicking Details for the agreement that you want to change, and then, under Payment Method, clicking Change. To make sure that a recurring payment will use the updated payment method, be sure to make the change at least five days before your next scheduled payment.
Where can I find more information?
Review the terms of the Amazon Payments, Inc. Customer Agreement. If you have more questions, you can also contact us.
