It’s a misconception that you only need a credit or debit card to shop online. That’s because you can shop online and pay with checking account. You just need your checking account number and the routing number. Once your checking account is linked to the payment platform, such as Amazon, you then proceed with your payment—that’s it and your order should be ready in a moment.
How to shop online and pay with checking account
Having known that you can shop online and pay with checking account, below are the steps to follow:
- Prepare your checking account details to purchase from supported sites like Amazon, including routing number, account number, bank address, etc.
- Confirm that your checking account is ACH-enabled at a bank branch located in the U.S.
- Visit the online store website and add your items to the cart.
- When checking out, select checking account as your method of payment. You could also be provided with an e-check, PayPal, or paper check option (which requires your routing and account number).
- Enter your bank account information, including your checking account routing number and account number, and any other necessary details to transfer money.
- Click on ‘Continue’ to complete the payment.
Outside of your ability to shop online and pay with checking account, some stores allow you to choose to make the payment via eCheck. Also, PayPal is still considered a safe method if you don’t intend to use your checking account. You will have to link your checking account to PayPal or any other mobile payment app to complete your checkout.
Stores you can shop online and pay with checking account
So, in the previous section, I described the possible steps to shop online and pay with checking account. I say “possible steps” because it’s the similar steps used in most online stores. For this section, we look at the stores you can shop online with your checking account. Some like Amazon will require your checking account information.
Below are the sites for your online shopping with a checking account:
1. Amazon
When it comes to online shopping, Amazon.com has a wide range of products to offer, including clothes, shoes, accessories, health and beauty products, books, music, electronic devices, tools, toys, baby products, and much more. They are known for quality products and verified, reliable merchants. However, unlike some other shopping sites, Amazon is not affiliated with PayPal, so you won’t be able to use your PayPal account to pay for purchases on this site.
But don’t worry if you don’t have a credit or debit card, you can still shop online and pay with a checking account at Amazon.com. All you need is an ACH-enabled personal checking account from a US bank. Amazon makes it super-easy to assign your checking account as a payment option.
To shop online and pay with checking account on Amazon, do the following:
- Go to the Shipment & Payment options screen and click Add a checking account
- Enter your bank routing number or ABA code and your account number. Be sure to use an ACH-enabled checking account from a US-based bank. Non-US banks are not accepted.
- Enter the name and address of the account holder and a valid driver’s license number or any state-issued ID number with the issuing state.
Note that you can only use a personal checking account and not a savings, corporate, or business account.
Once you’ve made these changes, you’ll receive a message confirming that your updates have been saved, and you can start shopping with your checking account.
2. Bloomingdale
At Bloomingdale’s, you have the option to shop either online or in-store. They offer the latest fashion trends for both men and women, as well as toys, home appliances, accessories, health, and beauty products, and much more.
One of the convenient ways to pay for your purchases online is by using your checking account number, linked to an active PayPal account. If you already have your PayPal account set up to use your checking account, you can link it to your Bloomingdale account to make your shopping experience seamless.
To complete your purchase, select the PayPal option at checkout, and you will be redirected to a page where you can sign in to your PayPal account. Once you have confirmed your payment through PayPal, simply click Confirm. You will receive a confirmation email from PayPal as proof of purchase. Bloomingdale’s will also send you a confirmation email.
3. Abercrombie & Fitch
With Abercrombie & Fitch, you can find the latest fashion trends for men, women, and kids. To make your online shopping experience more convenient, you can also pay for your purchases using your checking account, which is linked to your PayPal account.
To get started, you need to have a PayPal account that is linked to your checking account. Once you have logged in to your PayPal account and entered your checking account number and bank routing number, it will take one to five days to verify your account before you can shop.
Once your PayPal account is ready to use, you can start shopping at Abercrombie & Fitch’s online store. After you have selected the items you want to purchase, simply click on the PayPal payment option at checkout.
You will be prompted to log in to your PayPal account, and once you have done so, you will be directed to the payment section of PayPal to complete your transaction. After you have confirmed your payment, PayPal will send you a confirmation message, and Abercrombie & Fitch will also send you a confirmation email to let you know when to expect your items to arrive.
4. QVC
QVC is a popular clothing apparel brand that offers the latest trends through its online store. If you’re a loyal customer of some stores, you can still pay for your purchases using a paper check. QVC is an online store that accepts checks by mail. After the company receives and processes the check, they will then process and ship the order to you.
When you’re ready to check out your purchases, simply select the “Check/Money Order” option. You’ll be given an address where you can mail your check, which should be received within 10 days of placing your order. If the check isn’t received within this timeframe, your order will be canceled. Alternatively, you can take your check to a QVC business office to ensure delivery.
5. Target.com
This platform is known for having great deals on appliances, footwear, electronic goods, clothing, toys, and more. When shopping at any Target store, you can use personal checks as a payment method, in addition to cash. While Target local stores accept rebate checks, they won’t pay for the full cost of an item. If you’re wondering why online stores accept a routing and account number, Target doesn’t accept checks or checking account numbers as a mode of payment on their website.
However, you can use a checking account number via PayPal to shop on Target.com.
You will need to create a PayPal account and link your checking account to it. Once you’ve successfully enrolled in a new PayPal account with a checking account, it will take five days to use your PayPal account. This is because PayPal takes time to verify your identity and information.
After a maximum of 5 days, you can add your PayPal account to your Target account and start shopping. Once you’ve successfully linked your PayPal account, you’ll receive an email confirmation, which you should keep. When you’re ready to check out, simply select the PayPal option and input your login and password information to proceed to the payment section.
After you’ve completed your purchases, PayPal will send you a confirmation message via email. Target will also send you an email regarding your purchases, including your order details and expected delivery date.
6. Best Buy
When it comes to shopping for electronics and appliances, Best Buy is the go-to store for many. Their online store always has great deals and high-quality products, ranging from laptops and LCD televisions to home theater systems, mobile phones, and gadgets.
What’s more, if you prefer not to use a credit card, you can pay using an eCheck. An eCheck is an electronic check that can be used to pay for online purchases quickly and easily with a checking account. You can obtain an eCheck number from your bank, and once your payment has been processed, you will receive an email from Best Buy confirming your order. Best Buy accepts personal checks, business check, or cashier’s checks.
7. Vistaprint
For high-quality marketing products, Vistaprint is a trusted name among website and business owners. They accept various forms of payment, including credit cards, bank transfers, and eChecks. If you’re looking for an alternative to PayPal and Apple Pay, eChecks are an efficient and hassle-free option.
To pay using an eCheck, simply request an eCheck number from your bank or the institution where your checking account is held, and use this number to make your purchase from Vistaprint. It typically takes just a few days to process an eCheck, and once your payment has been cleared, Vistaprint will send you an email to let you know that your order has been shipped.
8. Macy’s
Macy’s is a convenient way to shop online and pay with checking account. While it is a staple for many Americans, even those outside of the US can take advantage of their online store. Macy’s offers the latest fashion trends for both men and women, including shoes and accessories. One great feature is the ability to purchase shoes online with a checking account.
In addition to clothes, Macy’s has an impressive selection of homeware, children’s clothing, toys, and more. If you don’t have a credit or debit card, you can still make purchases by using PayPal or Venmo. Simply select PayPal or Venmo payment option at checkout, log in to your account, and complete your purchase. The payments are usually processed quickly, and you’ll receive an itemized list of your purchase. Macy’s will also send a confirmation email with delivery information.
9. Nordstrom
Not just a store but one that allows you to shop online and pay with checking account option. If you don’t have an eCheck or have an ordinary checking account, simply visit your bank and ask for an eCheck number.
Note that orders are typically only processed once your eCheck payment has been cleared. Once your payment has been approved, Nordstrom will send a confirmation email and provide shipping information for your order.
10. Overstock.com
This online shopping platform offers a vast selection of products, including dresses, shoes, shirts, toys, children’s clothing, and household essentials. They accept a variety of payment options such as eChecks, debit cards, credit cards, and bank transfers.
Using an eCheck is a convenient and fast way to pay for your purchases on Overstock.com. You don’t have to use your PayPal account, nor do you need to mail checks. However, not all shopping sites accept eChecks, so you may want to double-check before using this payment method.
To use eChecks, you need to convert your ordinary checking account to an eCheck number by visiting your issuing bank. This number will be asked when you are ready to pay for your purchases. It may take a few days to process an eCheck, and your orders will only be processed once the eCheck clears. So, you need to be patient.
When Overstock.com clears your eCheck payment and your orders are ready, they will send you a confirmation email with the expected delivery date of your orders.
Shopping Online with Checking Account: eCHecks vs Paper Checks
In the world of online shopping, buyers mainly use eChecks and paper checks to make payments. EChecks have become a popular method because they are safe and quick. EChecks work much like paper checks but do not require manual filling.
An electronic reader processes eChecks, and the amount is automatically deducted from your account. Typically, an eCheck contains your name, date of issue, signatures, and the amount that is going to the online seller. There is an ongoing debate about whether eChecks are better than paper checks. There are several factors to consider.
For instance, paper checks can be challenging to keep track of. You must keep track of the remaining balance, bank accounts, etc. Since paper checks require manual filling, it is common to write down the wrong amount. Additionally, some people consider paper checks to be unsafe because they contain personal information that someone could use if they have your check.
Is it safe to pay with a checking account number online?
When it comes to paying for goods and services online, it is generally safe to use your checking account number on trusted sites like Amazon, Best Buy, eBay, and other reputable retailers. However, it’s important to exercise caution when dealing with untrusted merchants, as they may misuse your information to steal from you.
Using an insecure internet connection can also make your account vulnerable to attacks. Public Wi-Fi networks, for instance, are especially prone to hacking attempts by cybercriminals who may try to steal your sensitive data. Therefore, it’s always advisable to use a secure internet connection and take other precautions, such as using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication, to protect yourself while shopping online.
Read also: Google Pay works with checking account
Conclusion
Not many stores will let you shop online and pay with checking account but we have been able to mention the best stores out there that allow you to use either your paper check or your checking account linked to a payment service like Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo.
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