You can pay with a checking account online, provided a company accepts this payment form. Many do, such as Amazon and Walmart. This can be a welcome convenience if you are trying to pay down or avoid credit card debt.
However, some online retailers don’t allow checking accounts as payment methods, so workarounds may be required in order to complete your transaction. Here’s how to shop online with a checking account and what to do if a business doesn’t support this form of payment.
Can You Pay Online With a Checking Account?
Shoppers can pay online with a checking account when online retailers accept this form of payment. Not all businesses accept checking accounts as a payment method on their websites. Many online retailers may only take credit cards or payment apps, so it’s important to check the website for accepted forms of payment.
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Where Can You Pay With Your Checking Account Online?
You can pay online with your checking account when a company’s website accepts it as a valid form of payment. For example, Amazon allows checking accounts as a payment option for purchases. So too does Walmart. Some companies may also accept electronic checks.
Recommended: Reasons to Open a Checking Account
How to Shop Online With Your Checking Account
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shop online and pay with a checking account:
Find a Retailer That Accepts Checking Accounts
Start by finding an online retailer that accepts checking account payments. Some retailers don’t take payments this way, so it’s essential to double-check the website’s FAQ page, review checkout options, or chat with a customer service representative about payment options.
Verify Website Security
Before proceeding with your purchase, it’s crucial to ensure the website is secure. Look for the reassuring “https://” at the beginning of the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. This signifies that the website encrypts data during transmission, providing a secure environment for your payment details. Additionally, the website’s privacy policy should explicitly state its commitment to protecting your payment information, further enhancing your sense of security.
Access Your Checking Account Information
To proceed smoothly, make sure you have your checking account information at hand. This includes your account number and routing number, which you can find on your checks or by logging into your bank account online. The routing number is always nine digits, while bank account numbers are typically from eight to 12 digits (but can be as long as 17), depending on your bank. Also, ensure you have sufficient funds in your checking account to cover the purchase amount.
Shop and Check Out
Add the items to your cart that you want to purchase, and proceed to checkout. When you reach the payment section, select the option to pay with a checking account or electronic check. These options may also be called “ACH” or “eCheck” when you go to pay.
Enter Your Account Information
When entering your checking account information, do so accurately. This usually includes typing in your account number, routing number, and sometimes the name on the account. You may also have to submit your address for additional identification information. Take a moment to double-check the information to avoid any potential errors.
Complete the Purchase
After entering your checking account details, review your order summary, and verify the total purchase amount. Once you’re satisfied, confirm the payment to complete the transaction. Depending on the retailer, you may receive a confirmation email and/or see an order confirmation page.
Monitor Your Account
After making the purchase, keep an eye on your checking account activity to ensure the correct amount has been deducted. Most retailers process payments within a few business days, so the deduction may not appear immediately.
You may also see a small charge — usually a few dollars — on your account from the merchant. Some online retailers issue this charge and immediately refund it to check if the bank account information is valid.
Pros and Cons of Paying Online With Your Checking Account
Paying with a checking account when shopping online has specific perks and drawbacks you should consider alongside your financial circumstances.
Pros:
• Using a checking account can be a valuable option if you don’t have or want to use a credit card or debit card to shop online.
• For some people, it can be easier to manage a budget using their checking account.
• Online shopping with a checking account could potentially be cheaper, depending on what fees are assessed on different methods.
• Unlike credit cards, you must have sufficient cash in your checking account to complete a purchase. This requirement can prevent you from impulse buying and going into debt.
Cons:
• Many online retailers don’t take checking account information for payments, meaning you’ll need a credit card, debit card, or payment app to make online purchases.
• Insufficient funds in your checking account can lead to overdraft fees and rejected transactions.
• Checking accounts usually don’t offer the cash back rewards you can earn from using credit and debit cards,
• Credit cards often have robust purchase protection policies, helping to secure you against fraud.
Alternatives to Using Your Checking Account to Pay for Online Shopping
Several alternatives to paying with a checking account online are available for shoppers. Each has different benefits and considerations, so it’s wise to choose the option that best fits your needs and preferences.
• Debit cards: Debit cards connect to your checking account and can be used to make purchases online, just like credit cards. They deduct funds directly from your checking account after you make a purchase. Debit cards offer convenience and security, but you’ll need to monitor your account balance to avoid overdraft fees. Most online retailers accept this payment option. However, debit cards may not offer the same purchase protections that credit cards do.
• Prepaid debit cards: Instead of a debit card linked to your checking account, you can use a prepaid debit card. This option entails loading funds onto the card from a checking or savings account and using it for purchases until the balance runs out. This can help control your spending or function as your main payment method if you don’t have a traditional bank account.
Prepaid debit cards are widely accepted for online purchases. While they don’t contain your bank account information, they also probably don’t have purchase protection or security alerts. You may also have to pay a fee to obtain one.
• Credit cards: Credit cards allow you to spend money using a line of credit and pay the balance on a monthly basis. Credit cards can offer rewards points, cash back, and purchase protection. As with debit cards, nearly every online merchant accepts credit cards. However, it’s possible to spend an amount you can’t afford to pay back later. If you fall behind on payments, you can incur high interest fees and wind up with significant credit card debt.
• Third-party payment services: Third-party payment apps like PayPal and Venmo allow you to link your checking account, debit card, or credit card to make purchases online without extra fees. These apps guard your personal information by keeping your payment details private from merchants. They may also offer features like buyer protection and the ability to split payments with friends.
• Gift cards: Gift cards are prepaid cards loaded with a specific denomination that you can use to make purchases at a particular retailer or group of retailers. They are a convenient alternative to using a checking account for online shopping, especially if you want to give a gift or if you have a specific retailer in mind. They usually come in specific increments, such as $10, $25, $50, and so on.
• Government benefits: If you receive the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food, you’ll get an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) account to hold the funds. Grocery stores and other retailers, including Walmart, Meijer, Instacart, and Aldi, accept EBT as a form of online payment.
Recommended: Pros and Cons of Using a Debit Card Online
Opening a Checking Account With SoFi
Paying online with a checking account is a viable way to make purchases on websites that accept this method. This technique can help prevent overspending and reduce fees, but it may not always be available and can be less convenient than other forms of payment, including debit cards and credit cards. As a result, it’s important to check which payment methods an online business takes and decide which one is best for your financial circumstances.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
FAQ
What can you purchase online with your account and routing number?
If you have the account and routing number for your checking account, you can make purchases with online retailers that accept this form of payment. Because every retailer has its own payment policies, you will need to check their website to see which forms of payment they take.
Where can you pay online with a checking account?
You can pay online with a checking account with any retailer that accepts it as a method of payment, such as Amazon and Walmart. However, some retailers only accept debit cards, credit cards, and payment apps.
Can you pay online with your account and routing number?
You can pay online with your account and routing number if the online retailer accepts a checking account for payment. Many retailers don’t accept bank accounts for payment, so paying by debit card, credit card, payment app, or gift card might be necessary.
About the author
Ashley Kilroy
Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/Milan Markovic
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