You can buy items on Amazon using various payment methods, including debit cards, credit cards, and prepaid gift cards. However, if you’re looking to use two or more cards for a single large order, Amazon doesn’t directly provide this option—but there’s now a workaround.
According to Amazon’s website, “You can split payment between one of the accepted credit or debit cards and an Amazon Gift Card, but you can’t split payment among multiple cards.” This limitation can be inconvenient if your credit limit is too low or if you have several prepaid VISA, Mastercard, or AMEX gift cards from holidays or birthdays, as these are treated like regular credit cards by merchants.
Fortunately, there are smart solutions to this issue. Read on to discover how to split payments on Amazon.
How to split payments on Amazon
Although Amazon doesn’t allow the use of multiple cards or even two cards for a single purchase, there are solutions to help you bypass this restriction.
How to split payments on Amazon using Amazon Gift Cards
Amazon allows partial payments with an Amazon gift card, enabling you to use multiple cards by purchasing gift cards with each and then applying the combined balance to your order.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to Amazon and search for “eGift Cards.”
- Enter the amount you want to charge to your card in the “Enter amount” box.
- Choose “Email” as the delivery option.
- Enter your email address in both the “TO” and “FROM” fields.
- Click “Buy Now.”
- Add your card as the payment method.
- Complete the purchase.
Within minutes, you should receive an email containing the gift card code and a “Redeem now” button, which will redirect you to Amazon to load the balance into your account. If you don’t see the email, check your spam folder.
Repeat this process for each card you want to use.
When you’re ready to make a purchase, Amazon typically applies the gift card balance automatically. If not, you can check the box labeled “Use my Gift Card Balance of $XXX” or manually enter the gift card code in the “Gift cards & promotional codes” box at checkout.
If you’re sharing the cost with someone, such as a friend, partner, or roommate, they can buy and send you an Amazon eGift Card for their portion. You can then add it to your account during checkout.
Although this method is more time-consuming, as it requires purchasing individual gift cards for each card and for each transaction, it can still be a practical solution in certain situations.
FAQ’s
Can I use multiple cards to pay for a single order on Amazon?
No, Amazon does not allow you to split payments between multiple credit or debit cards. However, you can combine one card with an Amazon Gift Card to complete your purchase.
What is the workaround for using multiple cards on Amazon?
The workaround involves purchasing Amazon Gift Cards with each card you want to use. Once the gift card balances are loaded into your account, you can use them to pay for your order.
How do I buy an Amazon Gift Card to split payments?
Simply go to Amazon, search for “eGift Cards,” choose an amount, and purchase the gift card using the card of your choice. Repeat this process for each card.
How do I apply an Amazon Gift Card to my order?
Once you receive the gift card email, click “Redeem now” to load the balance into your account. During checkout, Amazon will usually apply the balance automatically. If not, you can manually enter the gift card code in the “Gift cards & promotional codes” box.
What if I don’t receive the gift card email?
Check your spam or junk folder. If you still don’t see it, contact Amazon customer support for assistance.
Can I share the cost of an Amazon order with someone else?
Yes, the other person can purchase an Amazon Gift Card for their portion and send it to you. You can then redeem it and apply the balance during checkout.
Are prepaid gift cards treated the same as credit cards on Amazon?
Yes, Amazon treats prepaid VISA, Mastercard, and AMEX gift cards like regular credit cards. This means they cannot be combined directly for a single payment but can be used to purchase Amazon Gift Cards.
Is using gift cards to split payments a time-consuming process?
Yes, it requires buying individual gift cards for each card and for each transaction. However, it is an effective solution for those with multiple cards or prepaid gift cards.
Does Amazon charge fees for purchasing eGift Cards?
No, Amazon does not charge any additional fees for buying eGift Cards.
Can I use Amazon Gift Cards with Subscribe & Save orders or recurring payments?
Yes, Amazon Gift Cards can be used for Subscribe & Save orders. However, ensure your gift card balance covers the full amount of the recurring payment.
Conclusion
While Amazon doesn’t directly allow splitting payments between multiple cards, using Amazon Gift Cards as a workaround offers a practical solution. By purchasing gift cards with each card and applying the combined balance to your account, you can effectively bypass this limitation. Although the process requires some extra steps, it’s a reliable way to use multiple cards, especially when dealing with prepaid cards or shared expenses. Whether you’re managing holiday gift cards or splitting costs with friends, this method ensures a seamless shopping experience on Amazon.
