You can add money to your Amazon account by reloading your Amazon balance online, depositing cash at a participating retailer, or redeeming a gift card code. Each method credits your account with a spendable balance that works just like a payment method at checkout. Here’s how each option works.
Reload Your Balance Online
The most common way to add money is through Amazon’s “Reload Your Balance” feature, which lets you transfer funds from a credit card, debit card, or bank account directly into your Amazon balance.
On the Amazon website, go to your Account page and select “Gift Cards.” From there, click “Reload Your Balance,” enter the dollar amount you want to add, choose your payment method, and confirm. In the Amazon app, tap the profile icon, scroll to “Gift Card Balance,” and look for the reload option. The funds typically appear in your account instantly, though it can occasionally take up to 15 minutes.
You can set up a one-time reload or schedule automatic reloads on a recurring basis (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) if you prefer to keep a running balance. Amazon occasionally offers small promotional credits for setting up your first auto-reload, so it’s worth checking for active promotions on the reload page.
Add Cash at a Store With Amazon Cash
If you prefer to use physical cash or don’t have a card linked to your account, Amazon Cash lets you load money at participating brick-and-mortar retailers. You can add anywhere from a small amount up to $500 per transaction.
To get started, visit amazon.com/amazoncash or search “Amazon Cash” in the app. You’ll receive a personalized barcode that you can save to your phone or print out. At the store, hand the cashier your cash, tell them you want to add it to Amazon, and have them scan your barcode. The money converts into an Amazon gift card balance and is credited to your account right away.
Participating retailers include major chains like CVS, Walgreens, and several grocery and convenience store brands. The full list of locations is available on the Amazon Cash page. There’s no fee to use the service.
Redeem a Gift Card
Physical and digital Amazon gift cards add directly to your account balance once you enter the claim code. You can redeem them through the app, the website, or right at checkout.
In the app: Tap the profile icon, scroll to “Gift Card Balance,” and tap “Redeem another gift card.” Enter the claim code manually or use your phone’s camera to scan it.
On the website: Hover over “Account & Lists” in the top-right corner, click “Account,” then choose “Gift Cards.” Click “Redeem a Gift Card” and type in the code.
At checkout: You don’t have to redeem a gift card ahead of time. During checkout, look for the field labeled “Add a gift card or promotion code,” enter the claim code, and click “Apply.” The balance will be applied to that order and any remaining amount stays in your account for future purchases.
The claim code is the string of letters and numbers found on the back of a physical card (scratch off the coating to reveal it) or in the email or text message for a digital gift card.
How Your Amazon Balance Works
Once money is in your Amazon balance, it functions as a default payment option at checkout. When you place an order, Amazon will automatically apply your gift card balance before charging another payment method. If your balance doesn’t cover the full order, the remainder gets charged to whatever card or bank account you have on file.
Amazon gift card balances don’t expire for US accounts, so there’s no rush to spend them. However, the balance is non-transferable and can’t be withdrawn back to a bank account or card. It can only be used to buy items sold on Amazon or certain Amazon-owned services.
There are monthly limits on how much gift card balance you can add in a given period. If you hit a limit, Amazon will notify you at the time of the transaction. These caps reset on the first of each month.
Checking Your Current Balance
To see how much is already in your account, go to “Gift Cards” under your account settings on the website. On the app, tap the profile icon and scroll to “Gift Card Balance.” Your available balance is displayed at the top, along with a transaction history showing every reload, redemption, and purchase that used your balance.