Amazon credit cards work at most stores, but not all — and the rewards you earn depend on where you shop
Amazon credit cards are Visa or Mastercard products issued by Chase Bank, so you can use them anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard. That includes grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, online retailers, and thousands of other merchants. The card itself is not limited to Amazon.com purchases.
What is limited to Amazon is the bonus cash back rate. You earn a higher percentage back when you buy from Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market (which Amazon owns), but a lower percentage everywhere else. The exact rates depend on which Amazon card you hold — there are several versions, each with different reward structures.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon credit cards are Visa or Mastercard and work anywhere those cards are accepted, not just on Amazon.com.
- You earn higher cash back rates (typically 3% to 5%) on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, and lower rates (typically 1%) on everything else.
- Some merchants do not accept Visa or Mastercard — small local businesses, some government offices, and a few online platforms — so your Amazon card will not work there.
- The card works internationally anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted, though foreign transaction fees may explore depending on your specific card.
Which Amazon card you have determines your rewards outside Amazon
Chase offers several Amazon credit cards, and they have different reward rates. The most common versions are the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card (for non-Prime members). Both earn cash back on all purchases, but the rates outside Amazon differ.
On the Prime version, you typically earn 1% cash back on purchases outside Amazon and Whole Foods. On the standard version, the rate is also 1%. The real difference between the cards is the annual fee (Prime card holders often get a discount or waiver) and the bonus you receive when you first open the account. Neither card restricts where you can use it — only the reward rate changes based on where you shop.
Check your card's terms or call the number on the back of your card to confirm your specific cash back rates. Card terms can change, and different versions of the Amazon card may have been issued at different times with different structures.
Places where your Amazon card will not work
Your Amazon credit card will not work anywhere that does not accept Visa or Mastercard. This is rare in the United States, but it does happen. Some small local businesses, farmers markets, and independent shops accept only cash or their own payment systems. A few government offices and utility companies do not accept credit cards at all for certain transactions.
Some online platforms also restrict payment methods. For example, certain cryptocurrency exchanges, gambling sites, and peer-to-peer payment apps may not accept Visa or Mastercard, or may block them for specific transaction types. If a merchant's website rejects your card, it is usually because they do not accept that card network, not because of anything specific to Amazon's card.
Gas pumps at some independent stations may also decline Visa or Mastercard, though this is becoming less common. If your card is declined, ask the attendant whether they accept Visa or Mastercard, or try a different payment method.
Using your Amazon card internationally
Your Amazon credit card works in most countries where Visa or Mastercard is accepted. This includes Europe, Asia, Latin America, and most developed nations. You can use it at ATMs to withdraw cash, at stores, and online — anywhere the Visa or Mastercard logo appears.
However, most Amazon credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee, typically 1% to 3% of the purchase amount. This fee is added to your bill automatically and is separate from any currency conversion fee your bank applies. Before traveling, check your card's terms to confirm the foreign transaction fee rate, or call Chase to ask whether a different card in their lineup offers better international rates.
How to know if a store accepts your card before you shop
Look for the Visa or Mastercard logo on the store's entrance, website, or payment terminal. If you see either logo, your Amazon card will work. Most major retailers, restaurants, and online stores display these logos clearly. If you are unsure, ask a cashier or customer service representative before you check out.
For online shopping, the checkout page usually shows which payment methods are accepted. If Visa or Mastercard is listed, your Amazon card will work. If you are shopping on a small or unfamiliar website and the payment methods are not clear, you can contact the merchant directly before placing an order.
What happens if your card is declined
If your Amazon card is declined at a merchant that accepts Visa or Mastercard, the problem is usually not the card network. Common reasons include: your account is frozen due to suspected fraud, you have reached your credit limit, the merchant's payment system is temporarily down, or the card itself is damaged or expired.
If your card is declined, try these steps in order: check that the card is not expired by looking at the date printed on the front; call Chase at the number on the back of your card to confirm your account is active and your credit limit has not been reached; ask the merchant to try the transaction again, as their system may have had a temporary error; or use a different payment method if you have one available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Amazon credit card at Walmart or Target?
Yes. Both Walmart and Target accept Visa and Mastercard. You will earn 1% cash back (or the standard non-Amazon rate for your specific card) on these purchases. Neither store is part of the higher cash back category, so you earn the same rate as you would at most other retailers.
Will my Amazon card work at gas stations?
Yes, at most gas stations. Major chains like Shell, Chevron, Exxon, and BP accept Visa and Mastercard at the pump and inside the store. Some independent stations may not, so look for the Visa or Mastercard logo before you pump. You earn 1% cash back on gas purchases with most Amazon cards.
Can I use my Amazon card on other websites besides Amazon?
Yes. Your Amazon card is a regular Visa or Mastercard and works on any website that accepts those networks — eBay, Etsy, Walmart.com, Target.com, and thousands of others. You earn 1% cash back on these purchases unless the merchant is Whole Foods or Amazon.com itself, where the higher rate applies.
What if a store says they do not accept Visa or Mastercard?
This is uncommon but does happen at some small businesses, cash-only establishments, and certain government offices. If a merchant does not accept Visa or Mastercard, your Amazon card will not work there. You would need to use cash, a debit card, or another payment method they do accept.
Does my Amazon card work at ATMs?
Yes, but using your credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash is a cash advance, not a regular purchase. Cash advances typically charge a higher interest rate and an upfront fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn). Avoid this unless you have no other option — it is expensive. Use a debit card at ATMs instead.