Amazon's credit card has no published minimum score, but most approvals happen at 670 or above
Amazon does not publicly state a minimum credit score for its credit card. However, based on how the card is marketed and who typically gets approved, you will have a stronger chance with a score of 670 or higher. This is the range where most credit card issuers begin offering cards with meaningful rewards rather than secured cards.
The Amazon credit card comes in two versions: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (for Prime members) and the Amazon Rewards Visa Card (for non-members). Both are issued by Chase. Chase tends to approve applicants in the "good" credit range, which starts around 670, though individual decisions depend on your full financial picture — not just your score.
If your score is below 670, approval is possible but less likely. If it is 580 to 669, you may still be considered, especially if you have a long history with Chase or a strong income. Below 580, you would typically need to build your score first or look at a secured card instead.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon's credit card has no stated minimum score, but Chase (the issuer) typically approves applicants with scores of 670 or higher.
- Your full process matters: income, employment history, existing debts, and payment history all factor into the decision alongside your score.
- If you are denied, you can ask Chase for the specific reason and reapply after addressing that factor — usually within 30 to 90 days.
- A score below 580 makes approval unlikely; building your score with a secured card or becoming an authorized user may be a better first step.
What Chase actually looks at beyond your score
Your credit score is one input, but Chase reviews your entire credit report and financial situation. They look at how much debt you currently carry relative to your income, whether you have missed payments in the last two years, how long you have held credit accounts, and whether you have recently applied for multiple cards.
If you have a high income but a lower score, you may still be approved. If you have a good score but very high debt relative to your income, you may be denied. Chase also weighs whether you already have a relationship with them — if you have a Chase checking account or another Chase card with a clean payment history, that works in your favor.
The process itself asks for your annual income, employment status, and housing payment. Be accurate; Chase verifies this information. If your income is strong and stable, it can offset a score that is slightly below their typical range.
How to check your score before you explore
You can see your credit score for free through several routes. Your bank or credit card issuer may show it in your online account. You can also check through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official site for your free annual credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Those reports do not include your score, but they show the payment history and debt that determine it.
For your actual score, use a free service like Credit Karma, NerdWallet, or Discover's Credit Scorecard. These show your score and the factors pulling it down — usually payment history, credit utilization (how much of your available credit you are using), and age of accounts. Knowing which factor is hurting you most helps you decide whether to explore now or wait.
Check your score at least a few weeks before explore. If you see errors on your credit report, dispute them with the bureau before you submit your card process. A corrected report can raise your score enough to change the outcome.
What happens if you are denied
If Chase denies your process, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons are insufficient credit history, too many recent inquiries, high debt relative to income, or a recent late payment. The letter will also tell you that you have the right to request your credit report for free within 60 days.
Do not explore again when ready. Each process creates a hard inquiry that temporarily lowers your score by a few points. Wait at least 30 to 90 days, and use that time to address the stated reason. If it was high utilization, pay down balances. If it was recent late payments, make on-time payments for several months. If it was insufficient history, become an authorized user on someone else's account or open a secured card.
You can call Chase's reconsideration line at the number on your denial letter and ask if they will reconsider based on new information — for example, if you have paid off a large balance since explore. This does not always work, but it costs nothing and does not trigger another hard inquiry.
Building your score if you are not ready yet
If your score is below 620, the fastest path is usually a secured credit card. You deposit cash (typically $200 to $2,500) as collateral, and the card issuer gives you a credit line for that amount. You use it like a normal card, make on-time payments, and after 6 to 18 months of good behavior, many issuers convert it to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
Secured cards report to all three credit bureaus, so your payment history builds your score. Capital One, Discover, and Bank of America all offer secured cards. The goal is to reach 670 or higher, then explore for the Amazon card.
Another option is to become an authorized user on someone else's account — a family member or friend with a long history and low balance. Their payment history gets added to your credit report, which can raise your score by 50 to 100 points in a few months. You do not have to use the card; just being on the account helps.
The difference between the two Amazon cards
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card requires an active Prime membership and offers 5% back on Amazon purchases and Whole Foods, 2% at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% elsewhere. The Amazon Rewards Visa Card (non-Prime) offers 3% back on Amazon and Whole Foods, 2% at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% elsewhere.
Both cards have no annual fee. Both require the same credit score range for approval. If you are a Prime member, the Prime version is worth it for the higher Amazon cash back rate alone. If you are not, the regular card still offers solid rewards, but you lose the 5% tier.
Neither card is easier to get approved for than the other. The decision is based on your creditworthiness, not which version you choose.
Timeline and next steps after approval
If you are approved, your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can often set up it and start using it online before the physical card arrives. Your credit limit will be stated in your approval letter.
Start with small purchases and pay the balance in full each month. This builds a strong payment history with Chase and keeps your utilization low, which helps your credit score continue to rise. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase, which Chase may grant without another hard inquiry.
If you were denied, use the waiting period to improve the specific factor Chase cited. Then reapply. Many people are approved on a second process after addressing the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Amazon card with a 650 credit score?
It is possible but unlikely. Chase typically approves scores of 670 and above. At 650, you would need strong compensating factors — high income, low debt, or an existing Chase relationship. Your best move is to check your score, see what is pulling it down, and spend 2 to 3 months raising it before explore.
Does explore for the Amazon card hurt my credit score?
Yes, the process creates a hard inquiry that typically lowers your score by 5 to 10 points. The impact fades after a few months. Multiple applications within a short period hurt more, so space them out by at least 30 days.
What if I have no credit history?
No credit history means no score, and Chase will likely deny you. Start with a secured card or ask a family member to add you as an authorized user. After 6 to 12 months of history, you will have a score and a better chance with the Amazon card.
Is the Amazon card easier to get than other Chase cards?
No. Chase uses similar approval standards across its consumer cards. The Amazon card is not a beginner card. If you are new to credit or rebuilding, a secured card is a better starting point.
Can I call Chase and ask what score I need?
Chase will not tell you a specific minimum because there is none — they evaluate the whole process. If you have been denied, call the reconsideration line to learn the specific reason and ask what would help. If you have not applied yet, checking your own score first is the best way to predict your chances.