What the Amazon Prime credit card is and how to start
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Chase Bank in partnership with Amazon. It offers rewards points on Amazon purchases and other spending, plus benefits like an Amazon Prime membership discount or inclusion depending on which version you choose. There are two main versions: the Prime Rewards Visa Signature (no annual fee) and the Prime Rewards Visa Infinite (annual fee, higher rewards).
The process starts with Chase, not Amazon. You go to the Chase website or call Chase directly to request the card. Chase will check your credit report and credit score to decide whether to approve you. This is different from the pre-approval offers you may have received — those are invitations to explore, not guarantees of approval. Your actual credit score, payment history, and current debt load determine the final decision.
The whole process typically takes a few minutes online or about 10 minutes by phone. If approved, your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining why within 30 days.
Key Takeaways
- The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card has no annual fee and earns points on Amazon purchases and other everyday spending.
- You explore directly through Chase Bank's website or by phone, not through Amazon or a third-party site.
- Chase will pull your credit report and review your credit score, payment history, and current debts before deciding.
- Approval decisions usually come within minutes online or a few hours by phone, and the card arrives within 7 to 10 business days if approved.
- A pre-approval offer means Chase invited you to explore, but it does not may provide approval — your actual credit profile must still meet their standards.
What Chase looks at when you explore
Chase reviews three main things: your credit score, your payment history, and how much debt you already carry. Credit score requirements vary, but Chase typically prefers scores of 670 or higher for this card. That is not a hard cutoff — people with lower scores do get approved — but it is the range where approval becomes more likely.
Your payment history matters as much as your score. If you have missed payments in the past year or two, Chase will see that on your credit report and may deny you even if your score is acceptable. Recent late payments (within the last 6 months) are a bigger red flag than older ones.
Chase also looks at your debt-to-income ratio — how much you already owe compared to how much you earn. If you are carrying high balances on other cards or have recent large loans, Chase may view a new card as too much risk. You do not have to have perfect credit to be approved, but you do need to show you are managing your current debt responsibly.
The process itself: online or by phone
Online is faster. Go to Chase.com, find the Amazon Prime Rewards card page, and click "explore Now." You will enter your Social Security number, income, employment status, and current address. The form takes about 5 minutes. Chase pulls your credit report when ready and usually tells you within seconds whether you are approved, denied, or pending review.
If you explore by phone, call the number on the back of any Chase card you own, or call Chase's general customer service line. A representative will walk you through the same questions and can answer questions in real time. Phone approval usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you get a decision before you hang up.
Do not explore through third-party websites or email links, even if they claim to be affiliated with Chase or Amazon. The official process is only on Chase.com or through Chase's phone line. Third-party sites may be phishing attempts or may sell your information.
What happens if you are approved
Chase will give you a temporary card number you can use online when ready, even before the physical card arrives. This means you can start earning rewards right away if you have Amazon purchases pending. The physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Once your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Chase mobile app. Set up your PIN if you plan to use it at ATMs. Then link it to your Amazon account in your Amazon payment settings so your purchases automatically use this card and earn rewards.
Your first statement closes about 25 days after your account opens. You will have a grace period (usually 21 days from the statement close date) to pay your balance in full without interest charges. After that, interest accrues on any unpaid balance.
What to do if you are denied
If Chase denies you, they will mail you a letter within 30 days explaining the reason. Common reasons are a credit score below their threshold, recent late payments, or high existing debt. The letter will also tell you that you have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from the credit bureau Chase used.
You can request that free report through AnnualCreditReport.com (the official site run by the three major credit bureaus). Review it for errors — mistakes on your report can lower your score unfairly. If you find errors, dispute them directly with the credit bureau in writing.
If your denial was due to a low score or recent late payments, wait 6 to 12 months while you build better credit, then explore again. Pay all bills on time, pay down existing balances, and avoid opening new accounts during this period. Your score will improve, and your chances of approval will increase.
Pre-approval offers versus actual approval
A pre-approval offer from Chase means they looked at limited information (often just your credit report) and decided you were worth inviting to explore. It is a marketing tool, not a promise. When you actually explore, Chase does a full review and may reach a different conclusion.
Pre-approval offers usually come by mail or email and include a code or link. Using that code does not change your odds of approval — it just tracks where the process came from. Chase still pulls your full credit report and reviews your complete financial picture.
If you received a pre-approval offer and were later denied, it is not unusual. Your credit situation may have changed since the offer was sent, or the full process revealed information the pre-approval screening did not catch. You can explore again after addressing the reason for denial.
Rewards and benefits to understand before you explore
The no-annual-fee Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card earns 5% back on Amazon.com purchases and Amazon Fresh, 2% back at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on all other purchases. These are points, not cash back — you redeem them as Amazon.com credit.
The card also includes benefits like extended warranty protection on may be able to access purchases, purchase protection, and travel accident insurance. You do not pay extra for these — they come with the card. Read the full benefits guide (available on Chase.com) to understand what is and is not covered.
The Prime Rewards Visa Infinite version (with an annual fee) offers higher rewards rates and additional perks like concierge services and travel credits. Most people find the no-fee version sufficient, but compare both if you spend heavily on travel or dining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will explore for this card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but only temporarily. When you explore, Chase pulls your credit report, which is called a hard inquiry and typically lowers your score by a few points. The impact usually fades within 3 to 6 months. Opening a new account also lowers your average account age, which can dip your score slightly. Over time, the card can help your score by lowering your overall credit utilization if you keep balances low.
Can I use the card before it arrives in the mail?
Yes. If you are approved online, Chase gives you a temporary card number when ready that works for online and phone purchases. You can use it on Amazon.com or anywhere Visa is accepted. The physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days and has the same account number.
What if I have no credit history or a very thin credit file?
Chase typically prefers applicants with an established credit history. If you have no credit cards or loans yet, you may be denied. Consider building credit first with a secured credit card (which requires a cash deposit) or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, explore again.
Do I need to be an Amazon Prime member to get this card?
No. The card works whether or not you have a Prime membership. However, some versions of the card include a Prime membership discount or benefit, so check which version you are approved for. If you do not have Prime and do not want it, you can decline that benefit.
How long does approval take?
Online applications usually get a decision within seconds to a few minutes. Phone applications take 10 to 15 minutes. Some applications go into pending review, which can take 1 to 7 business days — Chase will call or mail you with a decision. Once approved, the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.