Can You Split Payments On Amazon In 2023? (Full guide)
Splitting a purchase between multiple payment methods is a convenient option offered by many retailers. It allows shoppers to divide costs between different credit cards, gift cards, and other tenders. But can you split payments on Amazon purchases?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explain everything you need to know about splitting payments on Amazon, including:
- What is a split payment?
- Does Amazon allow split payments?
- How to split payments on Amazon using gift cards
- Adding gift cards to your Amazon account
- Other payment methods accepted by Amazon
- Why Amazon restricts split payments
- Retailers that allow split payments
- Pros, cons, and security of split payments
What Are Split Payments?
A split payment refers to dividing a purchase between two or more forms of payment. For example, you might use:
- 2 different credit cards
- A credit card + gift card
- Part gift card, part debit card
- Cash + credit card
Splitting payments allows shoppers to take advantage of rewards and benefits from multiple cards. It also helps manage large purchases by spreading costs over two or more payment methods.
Does Amazon Allow Split Payments?
The short answer is yes, but with limitations. Amazon does not allow shoppers to split a payment between two separate credit or debit cards.
However, Amazon does permit splitting a purchase between an Amazon gift card and a debit/credit card. This is the only split payment option allowed on Amazon.
How to Split Payments on Amazon Using Gift Cards
To split a payment on Amazon using a gift card, follow these steps:
Purchase Amazon gift cards to cover part of your order total. You can buy gift cards at many major retailers or directly through Amazon.
Add gift card funds to your Amazon account. Go to your Account > Gift Cards and enter the claim codes.
Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
Apply gift card funds to your order during checkout under Payment Method.
Pay remaining balance with your debit/credit card.
Review order to ensure both payment methods are applied before submitting.
That‘s it! By prepurchasing Amazon gift cards and adding them to your account, you can easily split costs on Amazon orders.
How Much Should I Put on Amazon Gift Cards?
When splitting payments on Amazon, think about purchase amount and evenly divide between gift cards and your card. For a $100 order, you could do:
- 1 x $50 Amazon gift card
- Remaining $50 on credit/debit card
For large purchases, get multiple gift cards in smaller denominations to split payment more evenly.
Adding Amazon Gift Cards to Your Account
To use Amazon gift cards for split payments, you first need to add their funds to your Amazon account:
Purchase an Amazon eGift card or physical gift card.
Go to Amazon Account > Gift Cards
Select Apply to Your Account
Enter the gift card claim code and click Apply.
The gift card balance will then be available for your next purchases. Add multiple gift cards this way to enable split payments.
Can I Use Visa/Mastercard Gift Cards for Split Payments?
While you can split payments using Amazon gift cards, prepaid Visa and Mastercard gift cards cannot be used.
Even though they work like regular credit cards, prepaid Visa/MC cards don‘t have claim codes to add to your Amazon account. So they won‘t work for splitting payments.
If you have unused prepaid Visa/MC gift card funds, simply purchase an Amazon eGift card with those funds to split your next order.
Payment Methods Accepted by Amazon
Although Amazon limits split payments, they accept a variety of payment methods including:
- Debit cards – Visa, Mastercard
- Credit cards – Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
- Amazon Store Card – Special credit card for Prime members
- Amazon Secured Card – For building credit
- Amazon Pay – Use bank account or linked cards
- Amazon gift cards – Physical or eGift cards
So even if you can‘t split payments between two debit/credit cards, you have options like making separate purchases on Amazon.
Why Doesn‘t Amazon Allow Credit/Debit Card Split Payments?
Amazon likely limits split payments between credit/debit cards due to fraud prevention measures and card network restrictions.
Allowing multiple cards increases risks and makes it harder to verify identities. Card networks like Visa often prohibit merchants from accepting split payments to reduce fraud.
So due to these technical and security limitations, Amazon only permits gift card split payments.
Major Retailers That Allow Split Payments
Although rare for online purchases, some major retailers do allow split payments in-store and online, including:
- Crate and Barrel – Split payment between credit cards or gift cards online and in stores
- Land of Nod – Accepts split payments online and in stores
- Walmart – Allows split payments with various tenders like cash, checks, and cards
- Starbucks – Mobile app enables splitting payments between gift cards and credit/debit cards
Pros and Cons of Split Payments
Pros
- Take advantage of multiple rewards programs
- Spread large purchases over 2+ payment methods
- Use up gift cards and rewards balances
- Simply manage spending and stick to budgets
Cons
- More work dividing payments
- Possible denial if exceed card limits
- Higher risk of fraud so more Checks required
- Not widely accepted for online purchases
Security and Split Payments
Split payments come with some security tradeoffs. Using multiple payment forms can increase risks, which is why many merchants don‘t allow it.
With split payments, merchants have to verify and authorize each payment method separately. More verification steps can mean more points of failure.
If shopping where split payments are accepted, just take normal security precautions like:
- Monitoring accounts for fraudulent charges
- Using strong unique passwords
- Checking statements regularly
- Enabling transaction alerts
Conclusion
While convenient, split payments are restricted on Amazon. The only option is to split an order between an Amazon gift card and credit/debit card.
To split payments this way, be sure to:
- Purchase Amazon gift cards for part of total
- Add gift card funds to your Amazon account
- Use gift cards + debit/credit card when checking out
Split payments allow shoppers to earn rewards, maximize gift cards, and manage large purchases. Just be aware of limitations and security tradeoffs when using multiple payment forms.
