TL;DR

A rental number is a temporary phone number you can use exclusively for a set period to receive SMS messages, including Amazon verification codes.
SMS activation is a one-time verification service, best for quick account creation when you don't need future SMS.
Rental numbers are ideal when Amazon might send a second verification code later, such as during account recovery or suspicious activity alerts.
A dedicated number offers permanent ownership and is worth considering if you plan to use Amazon long-term and want reliable access for 2FA and account recovery.
Choosing between SMS activation, rental, and dedicated numbers depends on how long you need the number and whether you expect future SMS from Amazon.

Introduction

Amazon often requires phone verification when you create an account, sign in from a new device, or make changes to your account settings. If you prefer not to use your personal phone number, renting a temporary number can be a practical solution. You can rent a number for Amazon verification and receive the SMS code without exposing your private line. This article explains how rental numbers work, how they compare with other options, and when renting is the best choice for your Amazon account. For long-term SMS access without a personal SIM, check our dedicated guide on how to rent a phone number for Amazon long-term SMS access in 2026.

What Is a Rental Number?

A rental number is a virtual phone number that you lease for a specific duration, typically ranging from a few hours to several weeks. During the rental period, you have exclusive use of that number to receive SMS messages. Unlike SMS activation, which provides a single-use number for one-time verification, a rental number stays active throughout the rental term. This means you can receive multiple SMS messages from Amazon – for example, an initial verification code and later a password reset OTP or a two-factor authentication code. Rental numbers differ from dedicated numbers, which are private and permanent; a rental number is temporary and shared with no one else during your lease. This makes it a flexible middle ground for users who need short-term access without committing to a permanent number. You can explore our Amazon rental number options to find a plan that fits your timeline. If you only need a one-time code, our Amazon SMS Activation service is a faster and cheaper alternative.

Rental Number vs SMS Activation vs Dedicated Number

To choose the right option for your Amazon verification needs, it helps to understand the differences between the three main types of virtual numbers.

Feature	SMS Activation	Rental Number	Dedicated Number
Duration	One-time use, minutes	Hours to weeks (rental period)	Permanent (monthly subscription)
Receives future SMS	No	Yes, during rental period	Yes, always
Ownership	Shared (number reused)	Exclusive during rental	Private (yours alone)
2FA support	Not suitable	Limited (if rental covers future need)	Excellent
Recovery support	No	Possible if rental still active	Yes
Ideal use case	Quick account creation, no future SMS	Accounts needing short-term verification	Long-term account access and security

Each option serves a different need. SMS activation is the cheapest and fastest for one-time use. A rental number costs more but provides flexibility for future SMS. A dedicated number is the most reliable for long-term account management, especially if you plan to enable two-factor authentication. For most Amazon users who only need to verify an account once and don't expect further SMS, SMS activation is sufficient. However, if you anticipate Amazon might send a verification code again – for example, when logging in from a new location or after a password change – renting a number is a smarter choice.

When Should You Rent a Number?

Renting a number for Amazon is most useful when you need to receive more than one SMS over a short period. Common scenarios include:

Creating an account that may require future verification – Amazon occasionally asks for phone verification after account creation, especially if you make changes to your account details.
Temporary business projects – If you run a short-term e-commerce project that uses an Amazon seller account, a rental number keeps you reachable without tying up a personal line.
Travel – When you're abroad and your usual SIM card is inactive, a rental virtual number allows you to receive Amazon SMS without roaming charges.
Testing environments – Developers or QA testers who need to verify accounts for testing purposes can use rental numbers to avoid cluttering personal phones.
Services requiring multiple SMS over several days or weeks – For example, if you are setting up Amazon Pay or Amazon Mechanical Turk, you might need to verify your identity more than once.

On the other hand, renting is not the best option if you only need a single verification code and never plan to use the account again – in that case, SMS activation is cheaper and faster. If you intend to use your Amazon account for years and rely on SMS for two-factor authentication, a dedicated number provides better long-term value. Renting a number is the sweet spot for medium-term needs.

Step-by-Step Rental Guide

1. Choose the Right Number Type

Before renting, decide whether a rental number is what you actually need. If you only need one verification code, consider SMS activation instead. If you need ongoing access, a dedicated number might be better. For most Amazon verification tasks that may require future SMS, a rental number is appropriate.

Expected Result

You have a clear understanding of whether a rental number fits your Amazon verification scenario.

2. Select the Country

Amazon accepts phone numbers from many countries, but availability of rental numbers varies. Choose a country where Amazon operates and where rental numbers are widely available. For the best compatibility, numbers from the United States and United Kingdom have the highest success rates with their respective Amazon marketplaces. Using a number from the same country as your Amazon marketplace can reduce verification issues. If you're targeting European marketplaces, Germany and Spain also offer reliable rental options.

Expected Result

You select a country that matches your Amazon account region and has good rental number coverage.

3. Choose Rental Duration

Rental periods typically range from 4 hours to 30 days. For a standard Amazon account verification, a 24-hour rental is usually enough. If you expect to receive follow-up SMS, pick a longer duration – 7 days is a safe choice. Avoid very short rentals if you are unsure about the timing of Amazon's verification requests.

Expected Result

You set a rental duration that covers the time you expect to receive all necessary SMS messages from Amazon.

4. Receive the Number

After selecting the country, duration, and completing payment, the rental number is assigned to you. You will see the number in your dashboard. The number is now yours exclusively for the rental period. Write down the number or keep the dashboard open.

Expected Result

You have a working virtual phone number that can receive SMS messages.

5. Verify Your Amazon Account

Go to Amazon's sign-up or account verification page. Enter the rental number where requested. Amazon will send an SMS with a verification code (OTP). Wait for the SMS to arrive on your rental number dashboard. Enter the code on Amazon to complete verification.

Expected Result

Your Amazon account is verified and the rental number is linked to your account.

6. Receive Additional SMS if Required

During the rental period, if Amazon sends another SMS – for example, when you log in from a new device or change your password – the message will appear in your rental number inbox. Check the dashboard regularly. You can also set up forwarding if supported.

Expected Result

You can receive and use any future SMS from Amazon while the rental is active.

7. Extend the Rental When Necessary

If your rental period is about to expire and you still need to receive SMS, many providers allow you to extend the rental. Extend for additional days or weeks as needed. Do not let the rental expire while your Amazon account still relies on that number for verification, as you may lose access.

Expected Result

You maintain access to the rental number for as long as needed, avoiding interruption of Amazon account access.

Best Countries for Rental

When renting a number for Amazon verification, the country you choose affects availability, price, and success rate. The table below gives an overview of common countries for rental numbers.

Country	Availability	Typical Rental Period	Relative Price	Notes
United States	Widely available	4 hours – 30 days	Moderate	Best compatibility with Amazon.com
United Kingdom	Widely available	4 hours – 30 days	Moderate	Works well for Amazon.co.uk
Canada	Good availability	1 – 14 days	Moderate	Suitable for Amazon.ca
Germany	Good availability	1 – 14 days	Higher	Reliable for Amazon.de
France	Good availability	1 – 7 days	Moderate	Works for Amazon.fr
Australia	Limited availability	1 – 7 days	Higher	Fewer providers, but functional
India	Limited availability	1 – 3 days	Lower	May have restrictions on Amazon.in

When choosing a country, consider the Amazon marketplace you are using. A number from the same country reduces the chance of rejection. Prices vary, with US and UK numbers being moderately priced, while Australia and Germany tend to be more expensive. Availability is best for the US and UK, making them safe choices for most users.

Rental Problems

Even with a rental number, you might encounter issues. Below are common problems, their causes, and solutions.

Problem	Cause	Solution
SMS not received	Network delay, number blacklisted, or carrier issue	Wait 2–3 minutes, then request a new code. If still not received, check if the number is from a supported country and try a different provider.
Rental expired	The rental period ended before you received the SMS	Extend the rental before it expires, or rent a new number and update your Amazon account if possible.
Verification rejected	Amazon does not accept the number (e.g., it's a known virtual number)	Try a different country or a number from a provider that offers high-quality numbers. Avoid cheap numbers that are often flagged.
Number already used	The number was previously used for another Amazon account	Rent a fresh number from a provider that ensures each number is new for each rental. Some platforms allow you to select a new number.
Extension failed	The rental period ended and extension is no longer possible	Rent a new number and update your Amazon account. To avoid this, extend early before the rental expires.

If you encounter persistent issues, consider using a dedicated number for more reliable long-term access. For short-term verification, CodesSender offers rental numbers with good success rates, but always check the number's quality before proceeding.

FAQ

What is a rental number?

A rental number is a temporary phone number you can lease for a set period to receive SMS messages. It is yours exclusively during the rental term.

How long can I rent a number for Amazon?

Typical rental periods range from 4 hours to 30 days. For Amazon verification, 24 hours to 7 days is common.

Can I receive multiple SMS messages with a rental number?

Yes. During the rental period, you can receive any number of SMS messages sent to that number. This is useful if Amazon sends multiple verification codes.

Can I extend my rental number?

Most providers allow you to extend the rental before it expires. Check your dashboard for an extension option. Extend early to avoid losing access.

Is a rental number better than SMS activation for Amazon?

It depends. SMS activation is cheaper and faster for one-time verification. A rental number is better if you need to receive future SMS from Amazon, such as for account recovery or 2FA.

Should I choose a rental number or a dedicated number for Amazon?

If you plan to use your Amazon account for a long time and want reliable access for two-factor authentication, a dedicated number is better. If you only need short-term verification, a rental number is sufficient.

Can I use the same rental number for several Amazon accounts?

It is not recommended. Amazon may detect that the number is linked to multiple accounts, which could lead to verification issues. Each account should ideally have its own number.

What happens after the rental expires?

You lose access to the number. You will no longer receive SMS messages sent to that number. If your Amazon account still uses that number for verification, you may be locked out. Update your account with a new number before the rental ends.

Conclusion

Renting a number for Amazon verification is a flexible and practical approach when you need to receive SMS messages over a short period. It bridges the gap between one-time SMS activation and long-term dedicated numbers. By understanding your needs – whether you only need a single code or expect future messages – you can choose the right option. If you decide to rent, select a reliable provider, choose the right country and duration, and monitor your dashboard to avoid missing SMS. For those who want to learn more about the verification process, read our guide on Amazon Phone Verification: How It Works. If you encounter problems, our article on Amazon Verification Problems: OTP Not Received or Phone Number Rejected may help. For those starting fresh, How to Create an Amazon Account Without a Personal Phone Number provides step-by-step guidance. After you have verified your account, How to Verify Your Amazon Account covers the full process. Whatever path you choose, a rental number from CodesSender can be a reliable tool for your Amazon verification needs.