What happens when you request an Amazon card
When you request an Amazon credit card, the card issuer (currently Chase Bank) will pull your credit report and run a quick review of your financial history. This is called a hard inquiry, and it shows up on your credit report for about two years. You'll get a decision — approved, denied, or approved with a lower credit limit than you asked for — usually within minutes if you explore online.
If you're approved, the card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can start using it right away through a temporary card number in the Amazon app or on the Chase website. The card comes with a variable interest rate (meaning it can change over time) and an annual percentage rate (APR) that depends on your credit score and history — the better your credit, the lower your APR will be.
If you're denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the main reason — usually insufficient credit history, too many recent inquiries, or a score below their current threshold. You can call Chase to ask for more detail, but they won't overturn the decision on the phone. You can reapply after 30 to 90 days if you've improved your credit profile.
Key Takeaways
- A hard inquiry will appear on your credit report when you request an Amazon card, which may lower your score by a few points temporarily.
- Chase decides approval or denial within minutes of an online request, and you'll know the reason if you're turned down.
- The APR you receive depends on your credit score and history, so two people approved on the same day may have different rates.
- You can use a temporary card number when ready through the Amazon app even if the physical card hasn't arrived yet.
- Reapplying too soon after a denial usually results in another denial, so wait at least 30 days and work on improving your credit first.
Where to request the card and what you'll need
You can request an Amazon card directly through Amazon.com (look for "Amazon credit card" in the search bar or under "Your Account"), through the Chase website, or through a pre-approval offer if you received one by mail or email. The online request takes about 5 to 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, annual income, and employment status.
You do not need to have an Amazon account to request the card, though most people do. You will need a valid Social Security number — Chase will not issue a card to someone without one. If you're a non-citizen with a valid work visa, you may still be able to request a card, but you'll need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number; call Chase at 1-800-432-3117 to ask whether they accept ITIN applications.
Have your most recent pay stub or tax return handy when you explore, so you can verify your income quickly if Chase asks. If you're self-employed or your income varies, use your average monthly or annual income from the past year — don't guess or round up, because Chase may verify it later.
How your credit score affects your chances
Chase does not publish a minimum credit score for the Amazon card, but based on what cardholders report, approval typically happens with a score of 670 or higher. People with scores between 650 and 670 sometimes get approved with a lower credit limit or higher APR. Below 650, approval becomes much less likely, though not impossible if you have other strong factors (like a long history with Chase, a high income, or very low existing debt).
Your credit score is not the only thing Chase looks at. They also check how many credit inquiries you've had in the past 30 days (too many suggests you're desperate for credit), whether you've missed payments recently, how much of your available credit you're already using, and how long you've had credit accounts open. If you've had a late payment in the past 12 months, your approval odds drop significantly.
If you were denied and your score is below 670, focus on paying down existing balances (especially credit cards) and making all payments on time for the next 30 to 90 days before reapplying. Even a 20-point increase in your score can change the outcome. You can check your own credit score for free through AnnualCreditReport.com or through many banks and credit card issuers.
What the hard inquiry does to your credit
A hard inquiry typically lowers your credit score by 5 to 10 points. This drop is temporary — the inquiry stops affecting your score after about 12 months and disappears from your report entirely after two years. If you're denied and you reapply within 30 days, Chase may use the same inquiry instead of running a new one, so you won't take another hit.
Multiple hard inquiries in a short time (within 14 to 45 days, depending on the scoring model) often count as a single inquiry for credit-scoring purposes if they're all for the same type of credit — like multiple credit card requests. This is called "rate shopping" and is built into the scoring system to let people compare offers without penalty. However, inquiries for different types of credit (a car loan, a mortgage, and a credit card) each count separately.
The hard inquiry matters most if you're planning to explore for a mortgage or car loan in the next few months. If you're not, the temporary score drop is usually worth it if you're approved. If you're on the edge of approval for something else, wait until after that decision comes through before requesting a credit card.
Understanding the APR and rewards structure
The Amazon card has a variable APR, which means Chase can raise or lower it over time based on market conditions and your payment history. Your starting APR depends on your credit score and history — people with excellent credit (750+) might get 16% to 18%, while people with good credit (700–749) might get 18% to 21%. The APR applies to any balance you carry from month to month; if you pay your full statement balance by the due date, you pay no interest.
The card offers rewards in the form of cash back or points, depending on which version you choose. The most common version gives 3% cash back on Amazon purchases and gas station purchases, 2% at restaurants and drugstores, and 1% on everything else. These rewards are not automatic — you have to set up them in your Chase account, and they only explore to purchases made after set up. Read the terms carefully, because the rewards structure can change and some categories have spending caps.
There is no annual fee for the Amazon card. There are fees for late payments (usually $25 to $35 for the first late payment, $35 for subsequent ones), cash advances (typically 3% of the amount), and balance transfers (typically 3% to 5%). Avoid these fees by paying on time and using the card only for purchases, not cash advances.
What to do if you're denied
If Chase denies your request, you'll receive a letter in the mail within 7 to 10 business days explaining the primary reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history (you haven't had credit accounts long enough), too many recent inquiries (you've applied for credit too many times recently), or a credit score below their threshold. The letter will also tell you how to get a free copy of your credit report from the bureau Chase used.
Call Chase at 1-800-432-3117 and ask to speak with a representative about your denial. They can sometimes provide more detail than the letter, though they cannot overturn the decision on the phone. Ask specifically what would need to change for you to be approved in the future — this helps you know whether to focus on your score, your payment history, or reducing your existing debt.
Before you reapply, wait at least 30 days and take concrete steps to address the reason you were denied. If it was your credit score, pay down balances and make all payments on time. If it was too many inquiries, stop explore for new credit for 30 to 60 days. If it was insufficient history, keep your existing accounts open and active. Reapplying without making changes usually results in another denial and another hard inquiry.
Alternatives if you can't get approved right now
If you're denied for the Amazon card, you have other options. The Amazon Secured Card is designed for people building or rebuilding credit — it requires a cash deposit (usually $250 to $2,500) that serves as your credit limit, and after 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, Chase may convert it to an unsecured card and return your deposit. The APR is higher than the regular Amazon card, but approval odds are much better.
You can also look at other credit cards designed for people with lower credit scores, such as the Capital One Platinum or the Discover It Secured card. These cards have higher APRs and lower credit limits, but they report to all three credit bureaus, which means on-time payments will help rebuild your score faster. After 6 to 12 months of responsible use, you may be approved for a better card.
Another route is to become an authorized user on someone else's credit card account — usually a family member with good credit and a long payment history. This adds their account to your credit report, which can boost your score if they have a low balance and perfect payment history. After your score improves, you can request your own card. Ask the primary cardholder whether the card issuer reports authorized users to credit bureaus before you agree to this arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does requesting an Amazon card hurt my credit score?
Yes, the hard inquiry typically lowers your score by 5 to 10 points temporarily. The impact fades after 12 months and disappears completely after two years. If you're approved and use the card responsibly, the positive payment history will eventually outweigh the initial inquiry damage.
How long does it take to get approved or denied?
Online requests usually get a decision within minutes. If you're approved, the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use a temporary card number in the Amazon app or Chase website when ready. If you're denied, the letter explaining why arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I request the card if I don't have a Social Security number?
You need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you have an ITIN, call Chase at 1-800-432-3117 to ask whether they accept ITIN applications, as policies vary by state and change over time.
What's the difference between the Amazon card and the Amazon Secured Card?
The regular Amazon card requires no deposit and is available to people with good credit. The Secured Card requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit and is designed for people building or rebuilding credit. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments on the Secured Card, Chase may convert it to a regular card and return your deposit.
Can I reapply right after being denied?
You can reapply when ready, but approval odds are very low. Wait at least 30 days and work on improving the factor that caused the denial — your score, your payment history, or your existing debt levels. Reapplying without changes usually results in another denial and another hard inquiry.