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 they work anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard. You can use them at grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, pharmacies, and thousands of other merchants worldwide. The card itself is not restricted to Amazon.com purchases.
What changes based on where you use the card is how much cash back you earn. Amazon cards offer higher rewards rates at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market than they do everywhere else. If you use the card at a restaurant or department store, you earn a lower percentage back — typically 1% — compared to 3% or 5% at Amazon and Whole Foods, depending on which Amazon card you hold.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon credit cards are Visa or Mastercard and work at any merchant that accepts those payment networks, not just Amazon.com.
- You earn higher cash back rates (3% to 5%) at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, and a lower flat rate (usually 1%) everywhere else.
- The card will decline only if you have reached your credit limit, your account is closed, or the merchant's payment system rejects Visa or Mastercard for a technical reason.
- Amazon Prime members and non-members can both use Amazon credit cards, but Prime members typically earn higher rewards at Amazon.com.
How the rewards structure works across different merchants
Amazon offers several versions of its credit card, and the rewards rates vary slightly between them. The most common versions are the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card and the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card (for non-Prime members).
At Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, Prime members earn 5% cash back on Amazon purchases and 2% at Whole Foods. Non-Prime members earn 3% at Amazon and 1% at Whole Foods. At all other merchants — restaurants, gas stations, pharmacies, department stores — both cardholders earn 1% cash back. This 1% rate applies whether you are buying groceries at a store other than Whole Foods, paying for a hotel, or filling up your car.
The cash back you earn is credited to your Amazon account as Amazon.com balance, not as a statement credit or direct deposit. You can spend it on anything sold through Amazon.com, or in some cases transfer it out, depending on your card agreement.
Places where your Amazon card might not work
Your Amazon card will decline in a few specific situations, even though Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. Some merchants do not accept credit cards at all — they take cash only, or debit cards only. A few high-security environments, like some government buildings or military bases, restrict which payment networks they accept.
International merchants sometimes reject US-issued Visa or Mastercard cards due to fraud prevention rules or currency conversion issues, though this is becoming less common. If you are traveling outside the United States, contact Chase before you go to let them know you will be using the card abroad. Chase may temporarily block transactions it flags as unusual activity in a foreign country.
Your card will also decline if you have reached your credit limit, if your account is closed or suspended, or if there is a fraud hold on your account. If a decline happens, check your Chase account online or call the number on the back of your card to find out why.
Using your Amazon card for online purchases outside Amazon
You can use your Amazon credit card on any website that accepts Visa or Mastercard. This includes retailers like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and thousands of others. You will earn the standard 1% cash back rate on these purchases, not the higher Amazon.com rate.
Some websites ask you to enter your billing address, card number, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back of the card). This is normal and find. Your Amazon card works the same way as any other Visa or Mastercard for online shopping.
If a website says it does not accept your card, the issue is usually that the site only accepts certain payment methods — for example, some retailers accept only American Express or PayPal. The problem is not with your Amazon card itself.
International use and currency conversion
Your Amazon credit card works in most countries where Visa or Mastercard is accepted. However, you will pay a foreign transaction fee — typically 3% of the purchase amount — when you use the card outside the United States. This fee is added to your bill by Chase, not by the merchant.
If you are traveling internationally, let Chase know your travel dates before you leave. You can do this through the Chase mobile app, the Chase website, or by calling the number on the back of your card. This step reduces the chance that Chase will block your card thinking it is being used fraudulently.
Currency conversion happens automatically. If you buy something in euros, pounds, or another currency, Visa or Mastercard converts it to US dollars at their exchange rate, and Chase charges you in dollars on your statement.
What to do if your card is declined
If your Amazon card is declined at a store or online, try these steps in order. First, check that you entered the card number, expiration date, and CVV correctly. A single wrong digit will cause a decline.
Second, confirm that you have not reached your credit limit. Log into your Chase account online or call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your card. They can tell you your current balance and available credit in seconds.
Third, ask the merchant whether they accept Visa or Mastercard. Some small businesses or specialty retailers accept only certain payment networks. If the merchant accepts Visa or Mastercard but your card still declines, the issue may be a technical problem with the merchant's payment system, not your card.
If none of these steps work, call Chase directly. A representative can check whether your account is active, whether there is a fraud hold, or whether there is another reason the card is not working. Chase customer service is available 24/7 for cardholders.
Amazon card benefits beyond cash back
Amazon credit cards come with benefits that explore whether you use the card at Amazon or elsewhere. Prime members get an introductory 0% APR period on purchases (the length varies by offer), purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage on may be able to access items bought with the card.
Both Prime and non-Prime cardholders have access to fraud protection. If someone uses your card number without permission, you are not responsible for unauthorized charges. Report any suspicious activity to Chase when ready by calling the number on the back of your card.
Some versions of the Amazon card offer an annual credit toward Amazon Prime membership, though this varies by card and current offer. Check your card agreement or the Chase website to see what benefits come with your specific card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Amazon credit card at Walmart or Target?
Yes. Both Walmart and Target accept Visa and Mastercard, so your Amazon card will work at their stores and websites. You will earn 1% cash back on these purchases, not the higher rate you earn at Amazon.com.
Will my Amazon card work at gas stations?
Yes, your Amazon card works at any gas station that accepts Visa or Mastercard. You earn 1% cash back on gas purchases. Some gas stations ask you to enter your ZIP code at the pump for security purposes — this is normal and does not affect whether the card works.
Can I use my Amazon card internationally?
Yes, but you will pay a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the United States. Let Chase know your travel dates before you leave so they do not block your card thinking it is fraudulent activity.
What happens if I use my Amazon card somewhere that does not accept Mastercard or Visa?
The card will decline. Some merchants accept only American Express, Discover, or other payment methods. If a merchant does not accept Visa or Mastercard, your Amazon card cannot be used there, regardless of your credit limit or account status.
Do I earn Amazon rewards at every store?
No. You earn higher rewards (3% to 5%) only at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. At all other stores and online retailers, you earn 1% cash back. The cash back is always credited to your Amazon account balance.