This guide explains how to add and manage credit and debit card payments for your Alibaba Cloud account.
For a list of supported countries and regions, see Alibaba Cloud payment methods.
Unsupported cards: Prepaid cards, virtual cards, and gift cards are not supported.
One account, one card: A bank card can be linked to only one Alibaba Cloud account.
Ensure the online payment feature is enabled for your card. Supported card brands vary by region and will be displayed on the card binding page.
Add a bank card
Nagivate to Expenses and Costs, choose Payment Methods, then click Add Payment Method.
On the Credit or Debit Card tab, click Bind Now, then enter the following details:
Card number: The 16-digit number on your card.
Exp date: The month and year your card expires, in MM/YY format. You cannot add a card that expires in the current month.
CVV: The 3-digit security code on the back of your card (4 digits for American Express).
Name on card: The cardholder's name, in the order "First Middle Last."
NoteFor corporate cards without a name, enter your personal first and last name. Middle name and company name are optional.
Bank card bill-to address: The address associated with your Alibaba Cloud account is used by default. You can update it during the binding process.
Review the information and click Submit.
During the card binding process, Alibaba Cloud initiates a temporary pre-authorization of USD 1.00 (for most users; MYR 1.00 for users in Malaysia). This verifies the card's validity and is automatically canceled within 1–5 business days. No actual payment is made.
Detach a bank card
If you have multiple payment methods:
You cannot delete the Preferred Alternative Payment Method. To do so, first set another payment method as Preferred. After switching, you can delete the former Preferred card.
You can delete a payment method that is not the Preferred one.
If you have only one payment method:
You can delete it only if its Status is Invalid.
If the Status is Valid, deletion is blocked if your account has active resources, or there are unsettled or overdue bills. If your account has no resources or unsettled bills, submit a ticket for assistance.
Bank card 3D Secure authentication
To enhance transaction security, Alibaba Cloud may require 3D Secure authentication when a transaction risk is detected. This protects your payment and allows continued use of your bank card.
For subscription orders
When purchasing, upgrading, or manually renewing a subscription, during payment you will be redirected to your bank's authentication page. Do not close the Alibaba Cloud payment page. Complete the 3D Secure verification on your bank's page. After authentication, the payment is processed. Return to the Alibaba Cloud page and refresh to view the result.
For pay-as-you-go services
When enabling a pay-as-you-go service, you may be redirected to your bank's page for 3D Secure authentication. The service is enabled only after successful verification. Return to the Alibaba Cloud page to confirm the result.
When setting a default payment method
When setting a bank card as the default external payment method, you may receive a notification (via internal message or email) prompting 3D Secure authentication. Click the link and complete the verification on your bank's page. After authentication, return to the Payment Methods page and reselect the card as the default.
FAQ
Can I add a bank card with a UnionPay logo?
Currently, Alibaba Cloud does not support bank cards with only a UnionPay logo. However, you can add bank cards with only Visa or MasterCard, and cards with both a Visa/MasterCard and UnionPay logos.
Why can't I add my bank card?
Common reasons include:
Unsupported card network (such as UnionPay-only cards).
Unsupported card type (prepaid, gift, or virtual cards).
The card is already linked to another Alibaba Cloud account.
The issuing country is not supported.
Online payment is disabled on the card (contact your issuer to enable it).
Insufficient balance for the USD/MYR 1.00 pre-authorization.
The pre-authorization was rejected by your bank; contact your issuer.
The card is new, and its number isn't recognized by Alibaba Cloud. In this case, submit a ticket for manual verification.
How can I view the pre-authorization charge?
Look on your bank statement for a transaction from ALIBABACLOUD.COM for USD 1.00 or MYR 1.00.
Will the pre-authorization charge be refunded?
Yes. The pre-authorization is automatically canceled within 1–5 business days and no amount is charged.