How to Pay for Online Orders Using Your Checking Account Number

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Online shopping offers unrivaled convenience. With just a few clicks and a credit or debit card, you can buy anything and have it delivered to your doorstep — sometimes even on the same day. However, not everyone wants (or has the ability) to pay with a credit or debit card. 

So naturally, you might wonder if purchasing something online directly from your checking account is possible. It turns out that yes, you can! Payment through checking and routing numbers is common these days. Some online stores even let you buy stuff using just your checking account number; no debit card is required.

Let’s dig a little deeper into how to do so.

How to Purchase Online Using a Checking Account

There are a few main ways to go about paying with a routing or checking number. Here’s a detailed look at each:

Direct ACH Transfers

Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers are electronic payments that allow businesses to pull funds directly from your checking account. Many retailers, bill payment platforms, and government agencies accept ACH payments.

How It Works:

1. At checkout, select “Pay via Bank Account” or ACH Transfer.
2. Enter your routing and checking number when prompted.
3. Confirm the payment details and authorize the transaction.
4. Funds are withdrawn directly from your checking account, typically within 1-3 business days.

Common Merchants Accepting ACH Payments:

• Amazon (via ACH bank transfers)
• Utility companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Spectrum
• Subscription services like Netflix and Hulu

eCheck Payments

An electronic check (eCheck) is a digital version of a paper check. This method is often used for large payments, utility bills, and government transactions.

How eChecks Work:

1. You enter your bank routing and checking account number.
2. The merchant processes the payment just like a paper check.
3. Funds are deducted from your account within 3-5 business days.

Where You Can Use eChecks:

• Government payments (IRS, DMV fees, student loans)
• Rent payments via online portals
• Insurance premium payments

Linking a Checking Account to Payment Services

One of the easiest ways to make online purchases using your checking account is by linking it to digital payment services.

Popular Services That Accept Checking Account Payments:

• PayPal – Link your checking account and pay merchants directly.
• Venmo – Transfer money and make purchases with your linked bank account.
• Cash App – Use a checking account for online payments and peer-to-peer transfers.

Advantages of Linking a Checking Account:

• Faster processing than direct ACH transactions.
• Added security with fraud protection from third-party services.
• Ability to dispute unauthorized transactions through the payment service.

Steps to Make a Payment Online with Your Checking Account

Paying with your checking account number is an alternative to prepaid debit cards and their associated fees. Here’s how to use your checking account number for online transactions:

1. Gather Your Information

Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary information ready. You’ll need your checking account number and your bank’s routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code. It identifies your bank and allows for secure money transfers.

Here’s how to locate your bank’s routing number and your checking account number:

• Look at your checks: The routing number is usually located at the bottom-left corner of your checks. It’s the first set of nine digits printed on the check, while your checking account number is the second set of numbers.
• Log in to your online banking: Log in to your online account and navigate to the account summary or account details section. You’ll find your checking account number and the bank’s routing number there.
• Go to your bank’s website: You can visit your bank’s official website and search for “routing number” in the search bar. Many banks provide their routing numbers on their websites for easy access.
• Contact your bank: If you can’t find the routing number via the above methods, you can always contact your bank’s customer service for assistance. It will be able to provide you with the correct routing number.

2. Choose a Trusted Online Retailer When Shopping

Select a reputable and secure online retailer for your purchases. Stick to well-known websites that prioritize customer data protection and secure payment methods. Check the website’s privacy statement to find out how it handles payment information.

No online transaction is without risk. However, here are some examples of trusted retailers where you can use your account information safely: 

• Amazon: Save your checking details in your Amazon account. Then, select it as the payment option when purchasing. 
• Walmart: Select “Pay with Cash” at checkout, then click “Pay with Checking Account” to enter your checking account details and routing number. 
• Best Buy: This retailer accepts eChecks which you can get from your bank beforehand. Then, you give the check number upon checkout.
• Target: At checkout, you can select “Debit RedCard.” This allows you to withdraw funds directly from your bank account.

3. Select the ‘Check’ or ‘Add a Bank Account’ Option

At the checkout page, look for the payment options provided by the retailer. Choose the option prompting you to pay using your checking account or bank account number. Some possible labels include:

• Check
• Add a Bank Account
• ACH Payment

4. Enter Your Information

Enter the required information on the payment page. Note that some retailers might only ask for your:

• Bank’s routing number
• Checking account number
• Name
• Address

And some might also ask for your driver’s license number. Other merchants might require you to fund your purchase by linking your checking account to a digital wallet.

5. Review order details

Before finalizing your purchase, review your order details and payment information. Verify that all the information you provided is correct to avoid delays or issues with your transaction. You can double-check your details by having a paper bank statement or logging into your bank’s online account.

6. Submit Your Payment

Once you’re satisfied with your order and payment details, click the “Submit” or “Place Order” button. Then, the retailer will process your payment using the information you provided.

Sites You Can Pay With Routing and Account Number

Not every online retailer lets you pay with your bank account and routing number. Here are a few that will:

• Amazon allows you to pay directly from your bank account.
• eBay via PayPal and sometimes via bank
• Macy’s via PayPal
• Best Buy via PayPal
• Nordstrom via PayPal
• Walmart via PayPal
• Retailers that accept Affirm
• Retailers that accept Sezzle

Pros and Cons of Using a Checking Account for Online Purchases

Pro Tip: If speed is a priority, consider linking your checking account to PayPal or Venmo for faster transactions.

Alternatives to Direct Checking Account Payments

If a merchant doesn’t accept direct checking account payments, consider these alternatives:

• Debit Card Linked to Your Checking Account – Works instantly and offers fraud protection.
• Digital Wallets – Services like Apple Pay and Google Pay securely connect to your checking account.
• Prepaid Cards Funded by Your Checking Account – Load a prepaid Visa or Mastercard for flexible spending.

Protecting Your Checking Account Number and Routing Information

You don’t want your checking account and routing number to fall into the wrong hands. Following these tips can help you protect your checking account when shopping online. 

Shop on reputable websites

Stick to well-known and reputable online retailers. Avoid unfamiliar or suspicious websites. They may not have proper security measures in place. It’s important to only use sites that have a lock icon near the URL when shopping online and paying with your bank account information.

Avoid public Wi-Fi

When making online purchases, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks. They’re vulnerable to hackers. Opt for a secure and private internet connection to keep your information safe.

Monitor your accounts

Regularly review your bank statements and online banking activity. This will help you detect any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity.

Enable two-factor authentication

If the retailer offers it, enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security. This means you’ll need to provide a second form of verification, a unique code sent to your phone, to access your account.

Use a secure payment platform

Consider using secure payment platforms like PayPal. They can offer an additional layer of protection by acting as an intermediary between your checking account and the retailer.

Protect your passwords

Create strong and unique passwords for your online accounts, including your checking account and email. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names.

Look for Secure Payment Methods

Before entering your checking account information, check for secure payment options. Reputable websites will use encryption technology to protect your data during transmission.

Here are four examples:

1. Contact customer support. If you get a timely response it can indicate better support and a more secure platform. 
2. Look for payment gateways that allow different platforms such as PayPal or Apple Pay. This is a sign payments are secure.
3. Look for SSL certificates to indicate a website’s identity and authenticity. Also, look for an encrypted connection.
4. Using a digital wallet linked to your account but password protected can be a great added layer of security. 

Alternatives to Using Checking Account Numbers as Payment

If you want to pay for an online purchase with your checking account number but a store doesn’t allow it, here are a couple of workarounds.

Use a Debit Card

Debit cards link to your checking account and offer a little more security. The advantage of a debit card is that you can freeze it at any time. Some debit card issuers let you provide a custom number for each merchant. That way, if the merchant’s data gets leaked, you can quickly give them a new debit card number while keeping your card safe.

Digital Wallets

Digital wallets let you add multiple credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts that you can easily access for any purchase. It’s more convenient to put your financial accounts in a digital wallet, and it also comes with additional security.

Use PayPal

PayPal allows you to shop at many retailers using your checking account number. By linking your checking account to PayPal, you gain access to a host of online stores, making it a convenient and secure way to shop online.

Purchase a Gift Card via PayPal

Additionally, for situations where online stores don’t accept direct payments from your checking account, consider purchasing gift cards from reputable sources like eBay using your checking account number via your PayPal account.

You can also purchase discounted gift cards via ACH payment through CardCash, but there’s a catch. You have to make three purchases via PayPal or your credit card. Then, you have to apply to purchase gift cards via ACH, and your purchase has to be at least $1,000.

Use a ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ App

Some BNPL apps, like Affirm and Sezzle, let you link your bank account to them to make payments. The advantage of these apps is that they allow you to make equal payments, often without interest or fees, so that you don’t have to pay for your purchase all at once.

Final Take To GO: Shop Online With Your Checking Account Number

Paying online using your checking account’s routing and account number can be a secure, fee-free alternative to credit cards — especially for bills, subscriptions, and large purchases. While ACH and eCheck payments may take longer to process, linking your checking account to services like PayPal or Venmo can provide faster and safer transactions.

Caitlyn Moorhead and Cynthia Measom contributed to the reporting of this article.

Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Feb. 3, 2025.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

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