Hi, drjec! I'm having trouble with setting up the amazon acconunt thing...
I'm living in Malaysia and I have set up a 'USA' Amazon associates account
At the 'Your Payment Method' step, there are 3 options to choose from:
-Pay me by Amazon. com gift card
$10.00 minimum earnings

-Pay me by direct deposit (United States Based Associates Only)
$10.00 minimum earnings

-Pay me by check
$100.00 minimum earnings or choose your own threshold above the minimum.

I don't know what you situation is, but the amazon gift card can be applied on line. I use direct deposit.