Amazon Seller Account Requirements in 2026 (Full downloadable checklist at bottom)
Selling on Amazon used to feel simple.
Create an account. List a product. Ship inventory. Learn as you go.
That version of Amazon is mostly gone.
In 2026, Amazon is still one of the best distribution platforms in the world — but it’s no longer friendly to businesses that aren’t prepared. Seller accounts are reviewed more closely, suspensions happen faster, and documentation matters more than it used to.
This doesn’t mean Amazon is impossible. It just means you need to treat it like what it is now: a regulated marketplace, not a side hustle platform.
This post breaks down what Amazon actually requires in 2026, what trips sellers up, and how to prepare before you ever click “Create Account.”
First: Amazon Is Verifying Businesses, Not Ideas
Amazon no longer wants early experiments on its marketplace.
They want:
real businesses
traceable owners
compliant products
predictable operations
When you apply for a seller account, Amazon is essentially asking:
“If something goes wrong, can we identify you, verify you, and hold you accountable?”
That mindset drives every requirement below.
Basic Seller Account Types (Still the Same)
Amazon still offers two main account types:
Individual Seller Account
No monthly fee
Higher per-sale fees
Limited features
Not ideal for serious businesses
Professional Seller Account
Monthly subscription (still worth it)
Full access to tools
Required for most categories
The standard for anyone selling at scale
In 2026, Professional accounts are the default for anyone trying to build a real brand.
Business Entity Requirements (More Important Than Ever)
Amazon does not require you to be an LLC — but operating as an individual increases risk.
What Amazon accepts:
LLC
Corporation
Sole proprietor (with additional scrutiny)
What they care about most:
consistency
traceability
matching records
Your business name, address, and ownership must match across:
seller account
tax records
bank account
identity documents
Any mismatch can trigger delays or rejection.
Identity Verification (This Is Where Most People Get Stuck)
Amazon will require identity verification for the primary account holder.
Typically this includes:
government-issued photo ID
live video verification
selfie or facial recognition check
This is not optional, and it’s not fast.
Common problems:
expired IDs
poor video quality
name mismatches
business owner not matching the applicant
Amazon wants to know who controls the account, not just who created it.
Bank Account Requirements
Amazon requires a valid bank account to receive payouts.
In 2026, this means:
the account must be in your name or business name
it must support ACH transfers
it must match your seller profile information
Using personal accounts for business selling is still allowed, but it increases scrutiny.
Clean separation helps.
Tax Information (Non-Negotiable)
Amazon requires tax verification before you sell.
For U.S. sellers:
SSN (individuals)
EIN (businesses)
completion of tax interview inside Seller Central
Amazon reports seller income directly to the IRS.
There is no “testing quietly” phase anymore.
If your tax information is wrong or incomplete, your account will not function properly.
Product Compliance Is Now a Gate, Not a Later Step
This is one of the biggest changes over the last few years.
Amazon increasingly requires documentation before listing, not after.
Depending on category, this may include:
invoices from suppliers
certificates of analysis
safety testing reports
compliance declarations
brand authorization letters
Amazon does not care if you “just started.”
If your product touches:
food
supplements
cosmetics
children
electronics
anything ingestible or wearable
You should expect compliance review.
Brand Registry Is Practically Mandatory
Technically, Brand Registry is optional.
Practically, it’s not.
In 2026, Brand Registry is how you:
protect listings
access enhanced content
control your product detail pages
defend against hijackers
To qualify, you need:
a registered trademark
the trademark must match your brand name exactly
the trademark must be active (not pending)
This takes time. Founders who wait until after launching often regret it.
Amazon Is Watching Behavior Early
Amazon doesn’t just review your documents. They watch how you behave.
Early red flags include:
sudden listing changes
rapid ASIN creation
duplicate listings
mismatched product info
aggressive pricing swings
Many suspensions happen not because of fraud, but because Amazon doesn’t trust what it’s seeing.
Predictability matters.
What Gets Accounts Suspended in 2026
Some of the most common causes:
incomplete or inconsistent documents
supplier invoices that don’t look legitimate
restricted products listed accidentally
IP complaints
customer safety issues
policy misunderstandings
Appeals are possible — but slow.
Prevention is easier than recovery.
What Amazon Actually Wants (Simplified)
If you strip away the complexity, Amazon wants sellers who are:
identifiable
compliant
predictable
responsive
They don’t care if you’re small.
They care if you’re messy.
How to Prepare Before Applying
Before you create a seller account, you should have:
a business entity or clear ownership
a matching bank account
tax info ready
supplier documentation organized
a basic understanding of your category’s rules
This preparation alone prevents most early issues.
Final Thought
Amazon in 2026 is still one of the best ways to reach customers at scale.
But it’s no longer forgiving.
Treat your seller account like an asset, not an experiment. Build it cleanly from day one, and Amazon can be a powerful growth channel. Skip the preparation, and the platform will remind you — quickly — that it’s in control.