How to Create an Amazon Seller Account: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare Essential Information and Documents
Gather Business Details and Contact Information
Before you begin the registration process, ensure you have all necessary business and personal contact information readily available. This includes your legal business name (if applicable), physical business address, and a reliable business phone number. For individual sellers, this will be your full legal name, home address, and personal phone number. You will also need a valid email address that you check regularly, as Amazon will use this for all official communications regarding your account. It’s advisable to use a dedicated email address for your Amazon selling activities to keep communications organized.
Prepare Financial and Tax Information
You will need specific financial and tax details for the registration. This includes a valid, internationally chargeable credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) with a current billing address. This card will be used for Amazon’s monthly subscription fees (if you choose the Professional selling plan) and any other charges. For tax purposes, you will need your U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). For most individuals, this is your Social Security Number (SSN). For businesses, it will be your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Have these numbers ready to enter into the tax interview section of the registration process. Additionally, you’ll need your bank account routing and account numbers for a deposit-enabled checking account, as this is where Amazon will disburse your sales proceeds.
Step 2: Initiate the Amazon Seller Registration Process
Navigate to Amazon Seller Central
Open your web browser and go directly to the Amazon Seller Central website. The URL is typically sellercentral.amazon.com. Look for a prominent button or link that says “Sign up,” “Register now,” or “Sell on Amazon.” This is usually located at the top right or center of the homepage. Click on this button to begin the registration workflow. Be careful not to confuse this with a standard Amazon customer account login.
Begin the Registration Form Completion
Upon clicking the “Sign up” button, you will be prompted to create a new Amazon account or sign in with an existing one. If you already have an Amazon customer account, you can use those credentials, but it’s often recommended to create a new account specifically for your seller activities to maintain separation. If creating a new account, you’ll enter your name, email address, and create a password. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your email address, usually by entering a one-time password (OTP) sent to your inbox. Once confirmed, you will be taken to the main seller registration form where you’ll select your business type (e.g., individual, privately owned business, public company, charity).
Step 3: Provide Detailed Business and Personal Information
Enter Your Business and Personal Contact Details
In this section, you will systematically input all the information you gathered in Step 1. Start by selecting your business location (country) and then your business type. Based on your selection, Amazon will ask for specific details. For an “Individual” account, you’ll enter your full legal name, date of birth, and residential address. For a “Privately-owned business,” you’ll enter the legal business name, business registration number (if applicable), and business address. Ensure all spellings and numbers match your official documents exactly to avoid verification delays. Provide a valid phone number where you can receive a verification call or SMS.
Input Your Billing and Deposit Method Information
Next, you will be asked to provide your credit card details. Enter the full credit card number, expiration date, and the name on the card. This card will be charged for the Professional selling plan fee ($39.99/month in the U.S., if selected) and any other service fees. Immediately after, you will enter your bank account details for deposits. This includes the bank name, account holder name, bank routing number, and checking account number. Double-check these numbers meticulously, as incorrect information will lead to delays in receiving your sales proceeds. Amazon may conduct a small test deposit (a few cents) to verify the account, which will then be reversed.
Step 4: Configure Your Seller Account and Launch
Set Up Your Store Name and Product Categories
After providing financial information, you’ll move to configure your public-facing seller profile. First, you’ll be prompted to enter your desired “store name” or “display name.” This is the name customers will see when they view your listings and seller profile on Amazon. Choose a name that is professional, relevant to your brand, and not already in use. You’ll also be asked about the types of products you intend to sell. While you don’t need to list every single item, select the primary product categories that best describe your inventory (e.g., “Electronics,” “Home & Kitchen,” “Apparel”). This helps Amazon understand your business model.
Complete Identity Verification and Launch Your Account
The final crucial step is identity verification. Amazon has stringent security measures to ensure legitimate sellers. You will typically be asked to upload scans or photos of specific documents. This usually includes a government-issued photo ID (like a passport or driver’s license) and a bank statement or utility bill (electricity, gas, water, internet) that matches the address provided during registration and is dated within the last 90 days. Ensure the images are clear, legible, and show all four corners of the document. After uploading, Amazon will review your submission. This verification process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. Once your identity is verified and all steps are complete, you will receive a confirmation email, and your seller account will be officially launched and ready for you to begin listing products.
FAQs about Creating an Amazon Seller Account
Q: How long does it take to create an Amazon seller account?
A: The initial registration process itself can be completed in about 15-30 minutes if you have all your information ready. However, the identity verification step can take anywhere from a few hours to several business days (typically 2-5 days), depending on the clarity of your submitted documents and Amazon’s review queue. Your account won’t be fully active until this verification is complete.
Q: What is the difference between an Individual and Professional selling plan?
A: The Individual plan has no monthly subscription fee but charges a $0.99 per-item fee for each item sold. It has limitations on listing tools and categories. The Professional plan costs $39.99 per month (in the U.S.) but waives the per-item fee, making it more cost-effective if you sell more than 40 items per month. It also provides access to advanced selling tools, bulk listing options, reporting, and eligibility for the Buy Box.
Q: Can I use my personal bank account for my Amazon seller account?
A: Yes, you can use a personal checking account for deposits if you are registering as an “Individual” seller. However, it is highly recommended for businesses to use a dedicated business bank account to maintain clear separation of personal and business finances, which simplifies accounting and tax preparation.
Q: What if my identity verification fails?
A: If your identity verification fails, Amazon will typically send you an email explaining why and what additional information or clearer documents are needed. Common reasons include blurry document images, mismatched addresses, or expired IDs. Carefully review their feedback, correct any issues, and resubmit the requested documents. You may need to contact Seller Support if the issue persists or is unclear.
