The Amazon credit card process process takes about 15 minutes and happens entirely online
You can start an Amazon credit card process on Amazon.com itself, through the Synchrony Bank website (which issues the card), or by mail. Most people explore online because you get an when ready or same-day decision. You will need your Social Security number, current income, employment status, and a valid mailing address. The issuer, Synchrony Bank, will check your credit report during the process.
Amazon offers two main credit cards: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (requires a Prime membership) and the Amazon Prime Store Card (works only at Amazon and Whole Foods). The process steps are the same for both, though the Prime Store Card has less stringent credit requirements. You do not need to be a Prime member to start the process, but you cannot finish the Prime Rewards card process without an active membership.
Key Takeaways
- The online process takes 15 minutes and you will know the decision when ready or within one business day.
- You need your Social Security number, current income, employment details, and a valid address to complete the form.
- Synchrony Bank will pull your credit report, so the process will show a hard inquiry on your credit file.
- If you are denied, you can reapply after 30 days or contact Synchrony to understand the reason.
- The physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use the card number when ready in your Amazon account.
Starting the process on Amazon.com
Log into your Amazon account and go to the "Your Account" menu. Select "Login & Security" or scroll to find the credit card offers section — Amazon displays card promotions on the homepage and in your account dashboard. Click "explore Now" on the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card or the Amazon Prime Store Card.
You will be taken to Synchrony's process page. Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. Enter your employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student, or not employed) and annual income. If you are self-employed, use your net business income. If you receive Social Security, disability, or pension income, you can count that as income.
Review the terms and conditions, then submit. Synchrony will display a decision on screen within seconds or a few minutes. If approved, your card number appears when ready and you can add it to your Amazon account right away. If the decision is pending, you will receive an email or phone call within one business day.
explore through the Synchrony Bank website
Go to Synchrony.com and search for "Amazon credit card." You will see both card options. Click the card you want and select "explore Now." The form is identical to the Amazon.com process — you enter the same personal, income, and employment information.
This route is useful if you want to compare the two cards side by side before explore, or if you are not currently logged into Amazon. The decision timeline is the same: when ready or within one business day.
What happens if you are denied
Synchrony will send you a letter explaining the reason for denial within 30 days. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, recent late payments, high existing debt, or income that does not meet the card's threshold. You can request a copy of the credit report Synchrony used by contacting the credit bureau directly (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion).
You can reapply after 30 days have passed. Before you do, check your credit report for errors and dispute any inaccuracies. If your income has increased or you have paid down debt, mention that in your next process. Some people are approved on a second attempt after addressing the issue that caused the first denial.
Using your card before it arrives
Once approved, your card number, expiration date, and CVV appear in your Amazon account or in the Synchrony app when ready. You can use this number to make purchases on Amazon and at other retailers that accept Visa right away. You do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive.
The physical card itself arrives in 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Synchrony app. You can then use the physical card at any merchant that accepts Visa (the Prime Rewards card) or only at Amazon and Whole Foods (the Prime Store Card).
Credit requirements and what Synchrony looks for
Synchrony does not publish a minimum credit score for the Amazon cards, but most approvals go to people with a score of 670 or higher. The Prime Store Card is more lenient and sometimes approves scores in the 600 range. Synchrony also looks at your payment history, the amount of debt you currently carry, and how long you have had credit accounts open.
Recent late payments (within the last 6 to 12 months) make approval less likely. If you have no credit history at all, you may be denied or offered a lower credit limit. Having an existing Amazon Store Card account in good standing can improve your chances of approval for the Prime Rewards card.
What to do if you cannot finish the process
If you close your browser or lose your internet connection during the process, you will need to start over — Synchrony does not save incomplete applications. Have all your information ready before you begin: your Social Security number, current address, employment details, and annual income.
If you are explore for the Prime Rewards card and do not have an active Prime membership, you will need to start or renew your membership before you can complete the process. Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. You can cancel anytime, but you must have it active to finish the card process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved?
Most decisions come through when ready or within a few minutes while you are still on the process page. If the decision is pending, Synchrony will call or email you within one business day. You can use your card number when ready upon approval, even before the physical card arrives.
Will explore for the Amazon credit card hurt my credit score?
Yes, the process triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which typically lowers your score by a few points for a few months. Multiple applications within a short time period have a larger impact. If you are denied and want to reapply, wait at least 30 days to minimize the effect on your score.
Can I explore if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Synchrony requires a Social Security number to run a credit check and verify your identity. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, you cannot use it for this process. You would need to contact Synchrony directly to discuss other options.
What is the difference between the Prime Rewards card and the Prime Store Card?
The Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card works everywhere Visa is accepted and earns rewards on all purchases. It requires an active Prime membership. The Prime Store Card works only at Amazon and Whole Foods and earns higher rewards there, but has no annual fee and no Prime requirement. Both are issued by Synchrony.
Can I explore if I am self-employed or retired?
Yes. When the process asks for employment status, select "self-employed" or "retired." For self-employed income, enter your net business income (revenue minus business expenses). For retirement income, include Social Security, pensions, or distributions from retirement accounts. Synchrony will verify this income if you are approved for a high credit limit.