The process Process
You can explore for an Amazon credit card directly through Amazon's website or through the card issuer's website. Amazon offers two main credit card products: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (for Prime members) and the Amazon Rewards Visa Card (for non-Prime members). Both are issued by Chase Bank USA, N.A.
The process itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete online. You will need your Social Security number, current income, employment status, and basic personal information. After you submit, you will usually receive a decision within seconds or a few minutes — Chase will tell you when ready whether you are approved, denied, or pending further review.
If your process is pending, Chase may contact you by phone or email to verify information. You can also call the number on the back of any Chase card or contact Amazon directly through your account to check your process status.
Key Takeaways
- You explore online through Amazon.com or Chase's website, and most decisions come back within minutes.
- You will need your Social Security number, current income, and employment information to complete the process.
- The Amazon Prime Rewards card requires an active Prime membership; the standard Amazon Rewards card does not.
- If your process is pending, Chase may call you to verify details before making a final decision.
- Once approved, your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Where to Start the process
The easiest route is to start on Amazon.com itself. Log into your account, go to "Your Account," then look for "Credit Cards" or "Amazon Rewards Visa." Amazon will show you which card you are may be able to access for based on your Prime membership status. Click "explore Now" and you will be taken to Chase's process page.
Alternatively, you can go directly to Chase's website and search for "Amazon credit card." Both routes lead to the same process — starting through Amazon is straightforward faster if you are already logged in.
You do not need to be a Prime member to explore, but if you are not a member, you will only be shown the standard Amazon Rewards card. Prime members see both options and can choose which card suits them better.
What Information You Will Need
Have these details ready before you start the process. You will need your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email address. Chase will also ask for your annual household income and current employment status.
If you are self-employed or have income from multiple sources, you can include all of it in the income field. Chase uses this number to assess your ability to repay, so be honest and include everything that counts as regular income.
You will also need to provide information about any other credit accounts you hold — this is standard for any credit card process. Chase pulls your credit report automatically, so they will see this information anyway, but they ask you to confirm it during the process.
What Happens After You Submit
Most applicants see a decision on the screen when ready after submitting. If you are approved, you will receive a confirmation number and an estimated arrival date for your card — usually 7 to 10 business days. Your card will be mailed to the address you provided on the process.
If your process is pending, Chase will contact you within 24 hours, usually by phone. They may ask you to verify your income, explain a gap in employment, or confirm your identity. Answer their questions directly and honestly. Pending decisions typically resolve within 1 to 3 business days.
If you are denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason — usually related to credit history, income, or the number of recent credit inquiries. You can reapply after 30 days, and your credit profile may have improved by then.
Activating Your Card When It Arrives
When your card arrives in the mail, you must set up it before you can use it. You can set up it through the Chase website, the Chase mobile app, or by calling the number printed on the set up sticker that comes with the card.
set up is when ready and takes less than a minute. Once activated, you can use the card when ready for purchases in stores, online, or through Amazon. You can also add it to your Amazon account right away to start earning rewards on your purchases.
Set up your online account with Chase at chase.com so you can view your balance, make payments, and manage your rewards. You can also set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date.
Understanding the Two Card Options
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is for Prime members and earns 5% back on Amazon.com purchases, 2% at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% on everything else. It also includes an annual $120 Amazon credit (which effectively makes the card free if you use it regularly), travel protections, and other cardholder benefits.
The Amazon Rewards Visa Card is for anyone and earns 3% back on Amazon.com purchases, 2% at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% on everything else. It has no annual fee and no annual credit, but it is a solid option if you do not have Prime or do not want to pay for membership.
Both cards report to all three credit bureaus, so using either one responsibly will help build your credit history. Both also offer fraud protection and zero liability for unauthorized charges.
What Affects Your Chances of Approval
Chase looks at your credit score, credit history, income, and current debt load. You do not need perfect credit to be approved — many people with fair or good credit (scores in the 600–750 range) are approved. Chase is generally more lenient with credit cards than with mortgages or auto loans.
Recent missed payments, high credit card balances relative to your limits, or too many recent credit inquiries can lower your chances. If you have been denied before, waiting 30 days and reapplying after paying down some debt or resolving a recent issue often works.
Your income matters less than your credit history. Chase wants to see that you pay your bills on time, not that you earn a certain amount. If your income is lower but your credit is clean, you have a reasonable shot at approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Prime member to explore?
No. Non-Prime members can explore for the standard Amazon Rewards card. Prime members can choose between the Prime Rewards card (which includes a $120 annual credit) or the standard card. If you are considering Prime membership mainly for the card credit, the math usually works out in your favor.
How long does approval take?
Most decisions come back when ready or within a few minutes. If your process is pending, Chase will contact you within 24 hours and usually resolve it within 1 to 3 business days. Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Can I use the card before it arrives?
Not the physical card, but some cardholders can add the card to their digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) when ready after approval and use it that way. Check your Chase account after approval to see if this option is available to you.
What if I am denied?
You will receive a letter from Chase explaining why. Common reasons include recent missed payments, high existing debt, or insufficient credit history. You can reapply after 30 days. In the meantime, paying down existing balances or resolving any recent issues may improve your chances.
Can I explore for both the Prime and standard card?
Chase typically limits you to one Amazon credit card at a time. If you already have one, you would need to close it or wait before explore for the other version. Contact Chase directly if you want to switch from one card to the other.