Paying on Amazon and eBay without a credit card

The short answer

• A debit card works on both stores. That includes the Direct Express card many people use for Social Security or SSI payments, because it is a Debit Mastercard.
• Only cash? Buy an Amazon gift card at a store and add it to your Amazon account, or buy an eBay gift card.
• A bank account but no card? Amazon can take payment from a US checking account. On eBay, pay through PayPal or Venmo linked to your bank account.
• SNAP benefits? Amazon accepts SNAP EBT for eligible groceries, and SNAP, SSI, Medicaid and some other programs qualify for discounted Prime.

On Amazon.com

Amazon accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express cards, debit cards, and the options below. Source: Amazon help: Accepted payment methods.

Debit cards, including Direct Express

Add a debit card the same way as a credit card. The money comes straight out of your account when the order ships.

Prepaid cards

Prepaid Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards work, but Amazon does not let you combine a prepaid card with another card on one order. Many prepaid cards also need to be registered with your name and address before they work online; follow the instructions that came with the card. Source: Amazon help: Restrictions on prepaid cards.

A US checking account

You can pay from a checking account that accepts electronic (ACH) payments. You will need the routing and account numbers; your bank's app or website shows them as text, which is easier than reading a paper check. It cannot be used for gift cards, Prime memberships, digital items or Subscribe & Save, and new accounts may have a spending limit. Sources: Amazon help: Checking account and restrictions.

Gift cards bought with cash

Buy an Amazon gift card with cash at a grocery store, pharmacy or convenience store, then add the claim code to your account. The money stays in your Amazon balance and is used first at checkout. Amazon's old service for loading cash at a store register (Amazon Cash) has ended, so a gift card is now the way to pay with cash.

SNAP and TANF EBT cards

Amazon accepts SNAP EBT for eligible groceries in nearly every state, and EBT Cash (TANF). You do not need Prime. Source: Amazon help: Pay with EBT.

Discounted Prime (Prime Access)

If you receive SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, LIHEAP, WIC, Tribal assistance or school lunch benefits, or have a Direct Express card, you can apply for Prime Access: Prime for about half the usual monthly price after a free trial. You upload a photo of your card or eligibility letter, and you need a debit or credit card for the monthly payment. Source: Amazon help: Prime Access.

On eBay

Most listings accept debit and credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Klarna. American Express is not accepted. Each listing's "Shipping and payments" section shows exactly which methods that seller accepts. Source: eBay help: Paying for items.

PayPal or Venmo with your bank account

If you link your bank account to PayPal or Venmo, you can pay on eBay without any card. Apple Pay on iPhone also works with a debit card in your Wallet, and it saves typing card numbers at checkout.

eBay gift cards

eBay gift cards are sold for cash in many stores and can be added at checkout.

Buying without an eBay account

You can check out as a guest for Buy It Now items under $5,000: you enter your address, email and payment at checkout. You cannot bid in auctions or message sellers this way, but guest orders can still be tracked and returned, and the eBay Money Back Guarantee still applies. Source: eBay help: Buying as a guest.

Tips for screen reader users

• Reading a gift card code: the claim code is printed under a scratch-off strip. A free app such as Seeing AI or Be My Eyes can read it aloud, or buy an email gift card so the code arrives as text.
• Save your payment method once. After the first order, you only confirm it at checkout instead of typing long numbers again.
• Hear the total before you confirm. Move by headings to the order summary and listen for the order total, which includes shipping and tax, before pressing Place your order or Confirm and pay.
• Prefer a debit card over a checking account on Amazon if you want Prime or digital items, since a checking account cannot pay for those.

Stay safe

• Amazon, eBay and government agencies never ask you to pay a bill or a fine with gift cards. Anyone who does is running a scam.
• Never read a card number, gift card code or one-time code to someone who calls or messages you, even if they say they are from Amazon or eBay. Hang up and contact the store through its own website or app.
• If someone helps you set up payment, enter the card details yourself or have them typed only on the official website, and change your password afterwards if you shared it.