Can You Pay for an Amazon Order With Multiple Cards?
Navigate Amazon's payment system to effectively combine different funding sources for your orders. Unlock flexible ways to pay.
When purchasing items on Amazon, a common question arises: can you pay for an order using multiple cards? While Amazon’s direct checkout process does not typically allow splitting a single purchase across two or more credit or debit cards, there are effective strategies to manage payments from different sources. This flexibility is primarily achieved by leveraging Amazon’s internal balance system, which integrates gift cards and promotional credits with traditional payment methods.
Understanding Amazon’s Payment Options
Amazon’s standard checkout system is designed to accept one primary credit or debit card for an order, or for the remaining balance after other credits are applied. This means you cannot directly split the cost of a single item between two different credit cards during the checkout process. However, this policy does not preclude the use of multiple payment sources for a single transaction. Amazon distinguishes between traditional credit/debit cards and other forms of payment, such as Amazon Gift Card balances or promotional credits. These non-card balances can be applied first to an order, and any remaining amount can then be paid with a single credit or debit card.
Combining Gift Cards and Other Balances
The most direct and widely used method to combine payment sources on Amazon involves utilizing Amazon Gift Cards. You can effectively use multiple “cards” by first consolidating funds into your Amazon account balance.
To implement this, begin by purchasing Amazon eGift Cards using the credit or debit cards you wish to use for the partial payment. For instance, if you want to use two different credit cards for a $100 item, you could buy a $50 eGift Card with the first credit card. Once received, apply the eGift Card code to your Amazon account balance.
During checkout for your purchase, the system will automatically apply any available Amazon Gift Card balance or promotional credits first. After these balances are utilized, any outstanding amount for the order can then be paid using a single credit or debit card.
Strategies for Larger Purchases
For individuals looking to manage the cost of substantial Amazon purchases, several strategies can address the underlying need for splitting payments, even without direct multi-card checkout. One approach involves using a single credit card for the entire purchase and then managing the payments to that credit card externally. This means you can make multiple payments to your credit card issuer from different bank accounts or funding sources, effectively distributing the financial burden over time or across different personal accounts.
Amazon also offers various financing options that allow customers to spread out the cost of larger items. These include Amazon Store Cards and specific installment plans, which from Amazon’s perspective, function as a single payment method. For example, the Amazon Store Card may offer equal monthly payments over six, 12, or even 24 months for eligible purchases, often with 0% interest if payments are made on time.
Another preparatory strategy for larger purchases is to acquire multiple smaller Amazon Gift Cards over time, using different payment methods for each. These individual gift cards can then be consolidated into your Amazon account balance.