Amazon Launches Pay by Bank: A New Way UK Customers Can Pay Without Cards

Amazon has launched Pay by Bank, a new payment option on amazon.co.uk that enables UK customers to complete purchases directly from their bank accounts without needing to enter or store card details. The service establishes a secure connection between customers and their existing banks, with authentication handled through their own banking app using biometric verification or PIN systems. This approach gives customers direct control over each transaction while eliminating the need to manage card expiration dates—a particularly useful feature for Prime subscribers who won't need to update payment details for recurring memberships.

One of the standout benefits of Pay by Bank is the speed of refunds. Once Amazon confirms receipt of a returned item, funds are returned to customers' bank accounts within minutes rather than the typical several-day wait associated with card refunds. The setup process takes just seconds, with customers selecting their bank from a list that covers more than 99% of UK financial institutions. "Pay by Bank gives customers a new payment option, and a number of benefits including faster refunds," said John Boumphrey, Country Manager for UK & Ireland at Amazon. "It takes just seconds to setup and is part of our continuous work to enhance the shopping experience for customers and provide even more ways to pay securely."

The introduction of Pay by Bank aligns with the UK's National Payment Vision framework, which encourages the adoption of account-to-account payments in e-commerce to create more efficient and secure payment options. All purchases made using Pay by Bank are protected by Amazon's A-to-Z Guarantee, which covers customers if items don't arrive or don't match their description, alongside standard return and refund policies. Customers also benefit from protections available for up to 13 months under UK Payment Services Regulations, ensuring their transactions remain secure and their rights protected.