Amazon in the United Kingdom won’t accept an American Amazon credit card
The irony is ironic: Amazon.co.uk won’t accept payment from a U.S.-based Amazon credit card. But the online retailing service will accept other U.S.-based credit cards.
Our family possesses an Amazon.com Visa card, used mainly to buy things on Amazon.com. We like the cash-back rewards on Amazon purchases. The Amazon card is offered through Chase.
This morning, I went to purchase something for my wife’s parents, who live in the United Kingdom. To shop locally, I used the site Amazon.co.uk and picked out the item. At the checkout, Amazon.co.uk already knew about my Amazon Chase credit card because it’s in my user profile. Yay!
After the purchase, I received an email from Amazon.co.uk: “We’re writing to let you know that we are having difficulty processing your Visa for the above transaction.” No further details about the problem — just that the company is having difficulty.
Following the message’s instructions, I opened up the order and carefully re-entered the Amazon credit card number, my name, and the card’s billing address. While the card appeared to be accepted, a few moments later Amazon.co.uk wrote me again: “We’re writing to let you know that we are having difficulty processing your Visa for the above transaction.”
Frustrated, I went back into Amazon.co.uk and entered a different, non-Amazon Visa card issued through a different U.S. bank. I received confirmation a few minutes later that the payment cleared.
I know that my Amazon credit card is good, as I purchased something from Amazon.com yesterday, with no difficulties.
Ironic, isn’t it?
That’s very odd. I use my US Amazon Visa to buy books from amazon.co.uk a few times a year with no problem. In fact, I didn’t even have to sign up for a different account or enter my credit card – my Amazon US account worked with no changes.
It IS odd. I just used my card again for an Amazon.com U.S. purchase, and it worked fine. Next time, John, how about I try your card?
Good plan!