The process process takes about 15 minutes and happens entirely online
You can start an Amazon credit card process on Amazon.com or through the card issuer's website. Amazon offers two main cards: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (for Prime members) and the Amazon Prime Store Card (for in-store and online purchases at Amazon). The issuer, Chase, will ask for your Social Security number, income, employment status, and existing debt during the process. You'll get a decision within seconds to a few minutes in most cases — either approved, denied, or pending further review.
The entire process is digital. You don't visit a bank branch or mail anything in. Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can start using it when ready through a temporary digital card number in the Amazon app.
Key Takeaways
- You can start the process on Amazon.com or Chase's website, and you'll receive a decision within minutes in most cases.
- Chase will request your Social Security number, income, employment history, and details about existing debts to assess your creditworthiness.
- A temporary digital card number becomes available when ready after approval, so you don't have to wait for the physical card to arrive.
- If your process is denied or pending, you can contact Chase to understand why and explore the Amazon Prime Store Card as an alternative.
What information you'll need before you start
Gather these documents before opening the process: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), your Social Security number, and recent information about your income and employment. If you're self-employed, have a recent tax return or profit-and-loss statement ready. You'll also need to know your current address and any previous addresses from the past two years.
Have a list of your existing credit accounts handy — credit cards, car loans, mortgages, student loans. Chase will ask about these, and having the information in front of you speeds up the process. If you've had recent changes in income or employment, be prepared to explain them briefly in the process.
Step-by-step: explore on Amazon.com
Log into your Amazon account and go to the credit card offers page, or search "Amazon credit card" in the Amazon app. You'll see both card options with their rewards rates and annual fees (the Prime Rewards card has no annual fee; the Store Card has no annual fee either). Click "explore Now" on the card you want.
You'll be taken to Chase's process portal. Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Then provide your Social Security number and employment details. Chase will ask about your annual income, employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student), and employer name. Answer honestly — Chase verifies income through third-party databases and misrepresenting it can result in account closure later.
Next, you'll list existing credit accounts and their balances. Chase uses this to calculate your debt-to-income ratio. You don't need exact figures; approximate balances are fine. Review all information for accuracy before submitting. Once you submit, Chase processes your process and displays a decision on screen.
What happens if you're approved when ready
If approved, you'll see a confirmation page with your new account number and a temporary digital card number. This digital number works when ready in the Amazon app and on Amazon.com for online purchases. You can also add it to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay to use anywhere Visa is accepted.
Your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days. You can track it through the mail once it ships. When it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Chase app, then use it for purchases. The digital card and physical card share the same account and credit limit.
What to do if your process is pending or denied
A "pending" decision means Chase needs more information. You'll receive an email or letter within 7 to 10 days asking for documents — usually recent pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of income. Respond within 30 days with the requested documents. You can upload them through your Chase account or mail them to the address provided.
If denied, the letter will include a reason code. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, high existing debt, or recent negative marks on your credit report. You can call Chase at the number on the denial letter to ask for details. If you were denied for the Prime Rewards card, you may still be approved for the Amazon Prime Store Card, which has less stringent requirements. You can reapply after 30 days if you've improved your situation — paid down debt, increased income, or built credit history.
explore through Chase's website instead
You can also explore directly at Chase.com without going through Amazon. Search for "Amazon credit card" on Chase's site and select the card you want. The process is identical to the Amazon.com version — same questions, same processing time, same decision criteria. Some people prefer this route because they can compare it side-by-side with other Chase cards, but there's no advantage to approval odds or terms.
Whether you explore through Amazon or Chase, you're explore for the same card with the same issuer. The only difference is where you start the form.
How credit checks affect your credit score
When you submit an process, Chase performs a hard inquiry on your credit report. This appears on your credit report and typically lowers your score by 5 to 10 points. The impact is temporary — the inquiry stops affecting your score after 12 months and disappears from your report after two years.
Multiple applications within a short window (14 days for most scoring models) count as a single inquiry, so if you're comparing cards, explore within two weeks to minimize the damage. Avoid explore for several cards in a single month if you're planning to explore for a mortgage or car loan soon, since lenders see recent inquiries as a sign of financial stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Prime member to get the Amazon credit card?
No. The Amazon Prime Rewards card is marketed to Prime members and offers better rewards for Prime purchases, but you don't have to be a member to hold it. If you're not a Prime member, the Store Card is another option. Both cards work for non-members, though rewards rates differ.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Chase doesn't publish a minimum score, but most people approved have scores of 670 or higher. People with scores below 650 are rarely approved for the Prime Rewards card. The Store Card sometimes approves people with lower scores. Your full credit profile — not just the score — matters; Chase also looks at payment history, existing debt, and income.
Can I explore if I have bad credit or no credit history?
If you have no credit history, you're unlikely to be approved for either Amazon card. Build credit first with a secured card or as an authorized user on someone else's account. If you have bad credit from past missed payments, wait until those accounts show 24 months of on-time payments before explore. The Store Card is slightly more forgiving than the Prime Rewards card.
How long does it take to receive the physical card?
The physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days after approval. You don't have to wait — use the temporary digital card number when ready. If your card doesn't arrive after 10 business days, contact Chase through the app or call the number on your account statement.
What if I'm denied — can I reapply right away?
You can reapply after 30 days. Before reapplying, address the reason for denial: pay down existing debt, correct errors on your credit report, or build credit history. Reapplying when ready won't change the outcome. If you were denied for the Prime Rewards card, try the Store Card instead — it has different approval criteria.