If you’re thinking about selling on Amazon but not ready to commit to a full storefront or subscription, the Individual Seller Account is the best place to start. It’s free to open, easy to set up, and ideal if you’re testing the waters or just selling occasionally.
That said, Amazon doesn’t always make the process as clear as it could be — and there are a lot of confusing third-party “how-to” guides out there. This is the actual, no-nonsense walkthrough of how to get started the right way.
Whether you’re flipping books, launching handmade goods, or just trying it out, this is how to sign up — and what to expect.
What Is an Individual Seller Account (And Why Choose It)?
Amazon gives you two options:
- Individual Account — No monthly fee, but you’ll pay $0.99 per item sold
- Professional Account — $39.99/month, but required if you plan to sell more than 40 items per month or need access to advanced features like ads, bulk listings, or Buy Box eligibility
If you’re just starting out — especially if you’re not sure how many sales you’ll make — the individual plan is a smart, no-commitment way in. You can always upgrade later.
You can compare account types officially on Amazon’s pricing page.
What You Need Before You Start
Don’t hit “Sign Up” just yet. Amazon will ask you for some specific info, and it’s better to have it ready. You’ll need:
- A valid email address (not already linked to another Amazon seller account)
- A mobile phone for two-step verification
- Government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Credit or debit card for identity verification
- A checking account and routing number for deposits
- Your Social Security Number or EIN for tax purposes
If you’re not based in the U.S., you’ll need local equivalents, but the steps are largely the same.
Step-by-Step: How to Sign Up for an Individual Seller Account on Amazon
- Go to the official seller registration page
Visit sellercentral.amazon.com and click the Sign Up button. - Choose the Individual plan
Don’t click “Start Selling” too quickly — Amazon tends to push the Professional plan by default. Look for the “Sign up for Individual” link, typically near the fine print. - Sign in or create a new Amazon account
You can use an existing personal Amazon account, but we recommend creating a new one just for selling to keep things separate. - Enter your business and contact info
Since this is an individual account, just use your legal name and home address. Amazon will verify this later with ID. - Add payment and deposit details
Amazon requires a valid credit/debit card and a checking account. This is how they collect fees and pay you for sales. - Upload your ID and complete tax info
You’ll be asked to upload a photo of your ID and complete a short tax interview based on your SSN or EIN. - Verify your identity via live video (sometimes)
In some cases, Amazon will prompt you to complete a short video verification call. It’s quick — just have your ID ready. - Wait for approval
Most new accounts are approved within 24–72 hours. You’ll get an email once you’re cleared to start listing products.
What You Can and Can’t Do With an Individual Seller Account
You can:
- List items manually (one by one)
- Sell in most categories
- Get paid biweekly
- Fulfill orders yourself or use FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)
You can’t:
- Run Amazon PPC ads
- Access inventory feeds or bulk tools
- Qualify for the Buy Box in most categories
- Create promotions, coupons, or storefronts
If you’re serious about growing long-term, the Professional plan is worth it. But if you’re still exploring, the individual account lets you dip your toe in without a monthly commitment.
Common Pitfalls First-Time Sellers Run Into
We’ve worked with hundreds of sellers — and here are some things we’ve seen trip people up:
- Using a personal bank account that doesn’t match the name on your ID
- Uploading blurry or cropped identification
- Choosing the wrong product category (and getting stuck in approval limbo)
- Not setting up two-step verification and getting locked out of their account
If you want to avoid beginner mistakes, follow Amazon’s ID requirements and triple-check your details.
Ready to Sell Smarter? We Help First-Time Sellers Launch the Right Way
At Space Command, we work with both seasoned brands and brand-new sellers. If you’re looking to launch your first Amazon listing and want help with setup, compliance, keyword targeting, and content — we can guide you every step of the way.
Want real help from real Amazon experts? Let’s talk.
FAQ
Is an Individual Seller account free?
There’s no monthly fee, but Amazon takes $0.99 per sale, plus referral fees. It’s ideal if you’re selling fewer than 40 items/month.
Can I run ads with an Individual account?
No. Only Professional sellers can use Amazon’s ad tools like Sponsored Products or Brands.
How long does it take to get approved?
Usually within 24–72 hours, assuming your documentation is clear.
Can I upgrade to a Professional account later?
Yes. You can upgrade inside Seller Central anytime — no new account needed.
Is there any support for first-time sellers?
Amazon offers basic help docs, but if you want expert guidance, working with an experienced Amazon consultant or agency (like Space Command) can help you avoid costly mistakes.